Choosing your elopement dress is one of the most exciting parts of planning your adventure. But it’s also one of the most important. You may question how to choose an elopement dress, since it has a different usage than at a regular bigger wedding.

Unlike a traditional wedding, an elopement often means movement. You might hike, climb into a helicopter, or walk through mountain trails. So your dress needs to look amazing and feel good for whatever adventure you have planned.

As a destination elopement photographer in Italy, I’ve helped many couples pick the perfect outfit for their day. Here’s what I recommend when you’re trying to choose an elopement dress that works for you.

Comfort is Key

The number one thing when you choose an elopement dress? You need to feel comfortable.

If you’re planning a ceremony on a mountain, near a lake, or deep in the forest, you’ll want a dress that moves with you—not one that holds you back. You’ll likely need to step over rocks, climb, sit on uneven ground, or walk for a while. A heavy dress that’s hard to manage can make all of that stressful.

Ask yourself:

• Can I walk and climb in this?
• Will I be tugging on it all day?
• Does it feel like me?

When your dress fits well and moves easily, you’ll enjoy your day more—and your photos will show it. This applies to the shape of the dress, but also for the decorations. Some dresses have beadings along the strap or on the back that go against your skin. If you move, this might start to scratch you and make you feel uncomfortable.

You Can Always Change on the Trail

Some couples fall in love with a dress that’s not very practical for hiking, e.g a dress with a very fitted skirt or big ball gown. That’s totally fine! The funny part is that these dresses are so damn photogenic and look stunning and epic on photos! 🥹🤍

If your dream dress is harder to move in, you can wear hiking clothes on the way to the ceremony and change once you get to the spot. Many couples choose to do their first look after changing at the location, and it feels very special do to the first look with an epic backdrop! You get the best of both worlds: comfort and beauty. If your dress is like this, do let me know so that I can plan some additional time for putting on the dress at the ceremony spot 🙂

Material of the dress

The fabric of your dress plays a big role in both the style and feel of your day. Chiffon and lace tend to feel soft, airy, and romantic—perfect for mountain breezes and golden hour light. Mikado or satin, on the other hand, gives off a more structured and elegant look, ideal if you’re going for a bold or classy vibe. I won’t go too deep into this, because at the end of the day, it’s all about what feels right on you. My advice? Don’t overthink it. If you give yourself too many rules—like it must be chiffon, must be A-line, must be blush—you might miss out on the one that actually makes you feel amazing. Choose the one that lights you up. That’s the real goal.

You have to try on the wedding dress to see how it feels and looks on you. A lot of brides have an idea in their head and once they try it on, it just doesn’t feel right. And then they try on a dress they never thought they would be wearing and they end up loving it!

Why A-Line Dresses Are a Favorite

Most of my couples choose an A-line dress—and for good reason. These dresses are flattering on every body type and offer lots of mobility. The fitted top and flowy skirt give you space to move, hike, sit, and dance. They also tend to photograph beautifully, especially when the wind catches the skirt just right. From photography stand point I’d like to bring out that all things that may catch the wind (skirt of the dress, veil) make the photos way more epic.

Watch Out for Tricky Top Designs

The top of the dress matters just as much as the skirt.

One design that may cause problems? Off-shoulder sleeves that sit on your arms. They are very romantic, look gorgeous and hide some parts of the arms which usually makes the brides feel more comfortable. But they often limit how much you can move your arms. This means:

• Twirling is tricky
• Lifting your arms is harder
• Dancing feels restricted

Some versions are more flexible and let you move freely. Just test this when you go wedding dress shopping. I am definitely not saying you need to avoid these dresses—no! Just make sure this is something you think about before purchasing one. You don’t want your dress to stop you from enjoying the moment, activities or getting the kind of photos you love 😊

Layering for the Weather

Elopements often last from sunrise to sunset—and sometimes even longer. That means temperatures can change during the day. This means that when you choose an elopement dress, you should also think about the accessories you might need.

In the evening, especially in the mountains, it gets colder fast. Bring a warm layer to wear over your dress. Many brides choose a faux fur wrap or jacket (you might know them as boleros or bridal shawls). They keep you warm and add a beautiful touch to your photos. If your elopement is in winter, I recommend skin-tone warm leggings/thighs to put under the dress. I’ve had even brides with slit skirt, who wear these thighs underneath and on photos you can not tell the difference between real skin and thighs 🙂

Let’s talk about veils

If you’re on the fence about a veil—let me just say this: veils look incredible in photos.

Especially during wide shots, when you and your partner are small in the frame, a long veil adds movement and elegance. I recommend one that’s 2 to 3 meters long. It flows in the wind and makes your photos look extra dreamy.

P.S. You do not need to wear the veil the entire time!

There are plain veils, and then there are decorated ones—with lace, pearls, or beading. If your dress is simple and has no pattern, a detailed veil adds complements the dress without it being too much.

Also, there are some dresses that have almost like built-in veils that start from the shoulders or back of the dress and fly beautifully right behind you. This is a great alternative if you like the flowingness, but do not want veil.

Your Dress Doesn’t Have to Be White

Yes, white is traditional. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to wear a white dress.

One of the best things about eloping is that you can make your own rules. If white isn’t your thing, go for a dress in champagne, beige, light pink, dusty blue—or even bold colors like emerald or rust. Or white dress with colorful flower motives on top of it.

Choose what feels right for you. There’s no wrong choice here.

Matching the color tones

When it comes to the color of the dress there is one more little thing that I want to bring out as a photographer. You may want to consider having your partner’s shirt be in a similar color tone as your dress. If your dress is cold white (like really-really white) and your partner’s shirt is warm white (yellowish, beige tone), then in photos it may start looking funny. The same applies to your bouquet if it is made out of white flowers and also to your faux fur wrap or jacket. Again—not saying you definitely shouldn’t have them in different tones. Just a little thought that photography-wise it looks better if they are in similar tone.

Final Thoughts

When you’re deciding how to choose an elopement dress, don’t just think about how it looks—think about how it makes you feel. Also think about the photos you wish to receive and if the chosen dress and accessories fulfill those hopes.

Still unsure what to pick? As your photographer and planning partner, I’m always happy to help with suggestions that match your elopement plans, season, and landscape.

Let’s make sure your dress is ready for the adventure ahead.

Other blog posts you might be interested in:

How to take your wedding dress on a plane
How to write your vows
How to include family in your elopement
How I help couples make their elopement day true to them