Elopements are often associated with the casual or informal. In some ways, we can understand why. Since you're celebrating with so few guests, you're like planning for a small gathering, not a full-blown event. While this can certainly be true—even large-scale events can feel low-key—it isn't necessarily the rule. In fact, we've seen plenty of upscale, larger-than-life elopements with the tiniest number of attendees. The gist? A more intimate celebration can absolutely still feel incredibly luxe.
This, of course, ties into fashion choices for both the bride and groom. Brides-to-be: If you're eloping, you don't have to wear a short, white cocktail dress or pantsuit (although we love those, too!). A full-fledged wedding dress (like this bride's A La Robe shift) is as much of an option as the alternatives. The same logic applies for the guys. While a white shirt and slacks might feel like the right choice for a groom who wants a casual elopement, it's not mandatory. If you decide to elevate the formality level, a tux—or a formal linen suit, à la this groom's Suitsupply outfit—is more than welcome, even if it's just the two of you.
Ultimately, what you decide to wear on the day of your elopement comes down to what your personal vision. That's where we come in. We went ahead and rounded up a few of the most fashionable couples who decided to elope. Their garments prove that casual attire can still be refined—and that going big is absolutely appropriate, no matter how small your party may be. Ready to discover all of these inspired ideas? Click through for the best elopement outfit inspiration.
Matching the Scenery
Getting hitched amongst pastel buildings? Match you wedding dress to the scenery like this bride, whose blush pink Needle & Thread London wedding dress was an homage to Positano's color scheme. Her groom's warm-hued tie followed suit.
Into the Woods
Here's proof that a forest elopement setting can still feel elevated. This bride's lace wedding dress from Fabulous Frocks Bridal was undoubtedly refined—as was her husband's sleek suit. Both parties referenced their elopement's location through their Westerwip floral accessories: a wildflower bouquet for her, and an accompanying boutonnière for him.
Bohemian
Everything about this couple's looks, from the groom's Dandy Threads hat and suspenders to the bride's fringed Shikoba Bride wedding dress, is a lesson in bohemian elopement style.
Fun Accessories
Looking for a way to make an already-cool elopement outfit that much cooler? Take notes from this bride, who layered a leather jacket over her two-piece BHLDN gown and added a pair of sunglasses when Golden Hour came around. Better yet, get your spouse in on the fun, too.
Short and Modern
If hotter temperatures call for shorter hemlines, let this bride's contemporary, ruffled mini dress by Miss Magelicutti inspire your own.
Moody
Who says your elopement wedding dress has to be white? A beaded slate blue number, like this one from Gossamer, feels both romantic and moody—perfect for couple planning a formal, small affair with a stormy color palette. Also note the bride's transparent veil: The accessory is often associated with big church weddings, but it's just as appropriate at an elopement.
Black
This bride's black Bella Lucia Boutique wedding dress proves a bigger point about standard wedding versus elopement fashion: The same trends apply! Ink-hued gowns make major statements at both types of events.
Kimono
Wearing traditional wedding attire ties you to your heritage, family, and culture—something this bride treasured on her big day. Getting dressed in a kimono (it featured cranes, which symbolize luck) was one of her favorite parts of her elopement, she said.
Slip Dress
Oftentimes, your elopement outfit choice will revolve around where you choose to tie the knot. The couple clearly took their Santorini venue into consideration when preparing their ensembles, which were easy-breezy. We loved the bride's A La Robe slip dress and the groom's classic linen suit, which was from Suitsupply.
Floral Tie
If you're wearing a sleek white pantsuit on your big day, consider a light-hearted tie that fits your floral décor or scenery. This bride dressed up a jacket from The Limited with a rose-covered tie, which referenced her greenhouse elopement venue.
Winter Vibes
Want to wear a princess ball gown on the top of a snow-capped mountain to exchange vows? Make like this bride and go for it—just be sure to take her advice and bundle up. She styled her Stella York wedding dress with a fur stole to help her brave the elements. Her groom, who wore a thick wool coat and scarf, had the same idea.
Two-Piece Metallic
Ethereal and slightly-sexy, a silver two-piece wedding ensemble fits the elopement vibe perfectly. This shirt-and-skirt combination (we love the scalloped detail on the top!) was designed by the bride, herself.
Top It Off
If you're looking to tone down the formality of a classic wedding dress, like this one by Marynea, consider a more casual accessory. A felt hat will do the trick.
Shirt and Skirt
Jetting off into your new married life on a Vespa calls for shorter wedding dress hemlines. Consider an option like this silk shirt and skirt ensemble from AmbacherVIDIC, which the bride paired with her "something blue" pumps.
Asymmetrical
Use your elopement as a chance to break out the couture—this is especially true if you're eloping to Paris, the fashion capitol of the world. Polo Corona designed this bride's black wedding dress, which featured an asymmetrical neckline and single long sleeve.
Inspired By Heritage
You can elope anywhere in the world and still wear an ensemble that speaks to your heritage. We love this couple's traditional Punjabi outfits, which they wore to honor the bride's culture during their private mountain elopement.
Cape
There's something so romantic about elopements, so why not choose attire that matches the vibe? A wedding dress with a cape detail, like this gown by Maria Luisa Rabell, is a perfect option.
No Shoes
It's just the two of you (plus an officiant, of course!) in the desert, so no real rules apply. Feel free to tie the knot barefoot.
Scarlet
Since elopements give you the chance to personalize virtually every component of your big day, you won't feel constrained to heed tradition if tradition doesn't speak to you. Case in point? This bride's red wedding dress, which she chose in lieu of white.
Cozied Up
Turns out, a blanket makes the perfect elopement accessory, especially when the temperatures drop. The cozy accent looks even better with an rustic flower crown and flowing, vintage-inspired wedding dress.