Elopement Outfit Inspiration for the Bride and Groom

elopement outfit inspiration couple holding hands viewing sunset
Days Made of Love

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.

01 of 20

Matching the Scenery

elopement outfit inspiration couple holding hands outside of italian villa
Lace & Luce Photography

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.

02 of 20

Into the Woods

elopement outfit inspiration couple embracing in forest
Love Stories Co

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.

03 of 20

Bohemian

elopement outfit inspiration couple standing in green house
Natalie Pluck

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.

04 of 20

Fun Accessories

elopement outfit inspiration couple on beach wearing sunglasses
Lauren Scotti Photography

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.

05 of 20

Short and Modern

elopement outfit inspiration couple at seven magic mountains
Tiffany Sangster Photography

If hotter temperatures call for shorter hemlines, let this bride's contemporary, ruffled mini dress by Miss Magelicutti inspire your own.

06 of 20

Moody

elopement outfit inspiration bride in blue beaded gown
Lindsey Paradiso

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.

07 of 20

Black

elopement outfit inspiration bride in black gown and leather jacket
J. Christina Photography

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.

08 of 20

Kimono

addie richard wedding japan bride kimono
KT Merry

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.

09 of 20

Slip Dress

elopement outfit inspiration couple holding hands outside of white santorini venue
Days Made of Love

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.

10 of 20

Floral Tie

elopement outfit inspiration bride wearing white suit
Mann and Wife Photography

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.

11 of 20

Winter Vibes

elopement outfit inspiration couple on moped snowy mountain with officiant
Carla Mitchell

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.

12 of 20

Two-Piece Metallic

elopement outfit inspiration couple standing outside of green cottage
Melia Lucida Photography

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.

13 of 20

Top It Off

elopement outfit inspiration couple kissing beneath arch created from sticks and flowers
Less is More by Lesley S. Photography

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.

14 of 20

Shirt and Skirt

elopement outfit inspiration couple on moped
Ashley Ludaescher Photography

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.

15 of 20

Asymmetrical

elopement outfit inspiration couple in black with eiffel tower in background
Claire Morris Photography

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.

16 of 20

Inspired By Heritage

elopement outfit inspiration couple in punjabi outfits atop mountain
Pablo Laguia

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.

17 of 20

Cape

wedding couple old chapel window
D'Arcy Benincosa

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.

18 of 20

No Shoes

epic elopement locations white sands new mexico
The Colagrossis

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.

19 of 20

Scarlet

couple on mountain
Brittany Photographs

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.

20 of 20

Cozied Up

couple in woods
Cat Mayer Studio

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.

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