One of the most common questions I get from couples planning a Colorado elopement is what they should wear. Some picture a traditional elopement dress and suit, while others are wondering if hiking boots, a jumpsuit, or a more casual outfit might make more sense. The good news? There isn’t one right answer.
A lot of people picture a flowing elopement dress on a mountain overlook or a suit and tie at sunrise. And if that’s what you’ve always dreamed of, amazing. Wear the dress. Wear the suit. Wear whatever makes you feel excited to get married.
But here’s the thing: You can wear WHATEVER you want.
One of the best parts about eloping is the freedom to create a day that reflects who you are, and that includes what you wear.
What Should You Wear for an Elopement?
The short answer? Whatever feels right for you.
Some couples choose a traditional elopement dress and suit. Others wear matching hiking boots, a sweater they love, a colorful jumpsuit, jeans, or something completely unexpected.
Your wedding attire doesn’t have to follow a specific set of rules. It just needs to feel comfortable and authentic to you. When you’re choosing what to wear for your elopement, think less about what you’re “supposed” to wear and more about what will allow you to enjoy your day.
Yes, You Can Wear an Elopement Dress
Let’s be clear. I love a good elopement dress. Flowy fabrics look beautiful in the wind. Long trains can create incredible movement in photos. A wedding dress can absolutely add to the experience if that’s something you’ve always envisioned.
The goal isn’t to avoid wearing an elopement dress. The goal is choosing one because you want to wear it, not because you feel like you have to.
Something to think about if you do incorporate a long flowy elopement dress into your day:
Will your elopement dress allow you to move around freely?
Can you do the activities you want to do in your elopement dress?
You Have More Options Than You Think
Some alternatives I’ve seen couples wear include:
- Jumpsuits
- Two-piece bridal sets
- Colored dresses
- Casual outfits
- Western-inspired attire
- Hiking clothes for part of the day
- Vintage pieces with family history
- Custom jackets
- Meaningful accessories
There is no single “elopement look.” I have photographed elopements where couples just wore jeans, cowboy boots, and a nice shirt!
Consider the Location, Activities, and Season
A Colorado elopement can involve anything from strolling around a mountain town to hiking a trail at sunrise. Some things to think about when picking out your attire:
- Weather
- Colorado is famous for its temperature and weather changes. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop and weather to change within just a few hours! Think about the time of year you plan to elope and what that might mean weather-wise.
- Wind
- Wind can make for some awesome photo ops, but not so good for a long veil you’re trying to keep pinned to your head. Bringing a light jacket or sweater to wear in between activities can help keep you protected from some wind chill.
- Terrain
- Are you planning on hiking a trail? Do you want to visit multiple mountain locations? Will the terrain be flat, rocky, muddy, dry? These are all questions to ask your photographer before you pack your outfits for your elopement.
- Temperature
- Always, always, always bring layers wherever you go in Colorado. Like I mentioned above, the weather can change in a snap!
- Pro Tip: Bring rechargeable hand warmers for fall, winter, and spring elopements
- Accessibility
- Are the locations you want to hit close to a parking lot? Do you want to get out into nature a bit, far away from crowds? These questions can help you pick the right attire for your elopement day.
Outfit Changes Are Always an Option
One of my favorite things about elopements is that you aren’t locked into one outfit all day.
Want to wear a traditional elopement dress for your ceremony and then change into something more comfortable afterward?
Do it.
Want hiking clothes for the trail and your wedding attire at the destination?
Absolutely.
Want a fancy outfit for sunset photos and a cozy sweater for stargazing?
Also yes.
An outfit change can give you variety in your photos while allowing you to be comfortable throughout the day. For longer elopements, especially 8-hour and 12-hour experiences, outfit changes can help create different looks and make the day feel even more personal. Plus, the weather in Colorado changes throughout the day, so outfit changes keep you comfortable as the temperatures change.
Wear What Makes You Feel Like Yourself
At the end of the day, your elopement is all about you and your preferences. Whether that’s a traditional elopement dress, a suit, a jumpsuit, hiking clothes, cowboy boots, or something unique, the best outfit is the one that allows you to be present and enjoy the experience. Because years from now, you probably won’t remember whether your outfit checked every wedding trend box, but you will remember how the day felt.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been stressing about finding the perfect elopement dress, consider this your permission slip to think outside the box.
Wear the dress if you love it. Skip the dress if you don’t.
Change outfits halfway through. Add hiking boots. Throw on a jacket.
Make it your own.
The best elopement outfits are the ones that help tell your story.
Colorado gives you the freedom to create an elopement day that’s completely your own, and what you wear is just one piece of the puzzle. Whether you’re planning a mountain adventure, a cozy cabin celebration, or something in between, the best outfit is the one that allows you to be fully present and enjoy every moment. If you’re ready to start planning your Colorado elopement, I’d love to help.
