What to Wear for an Adventure Elopement (That Photographs Beautifully)
One of the first questions couples ask me after booking is:
“What should we wear for our elopement?”
And almost always, what they mean is:
How do we look amazing in photos…
without feeling uncomfortable, restricted, or like we’re playing dress-up?
If your elopement involves mountains, deserts, wind, hiking, or unpredictable weather—this guide is for you. After photographing adventure elopements all over the country and world, here’s what actually works (and what couples are happiest wearing when the day is over).
Start With How You Want to Feel
Before fabric, color, or style—ask yourself this: How do I want to feel on my wedding day?
Some common answers I hear:
Grounded
Confident
Free
Comfortable
Romantic but not stiff
Like myself
If an outfit looks incredible but makes you feel restricted, itchy, or self-conscious—it will show in your photos. Comfort creates natural movement, and movement creates magic.
Choose Fabrics That Move With the Environment
Adventure elopements shine when clothing interacts with the landscape. Best fabrics for elopements:
Chiffon
Silk
Tulle
Crepe
Lace with movement
Soft linen or lightweight wool for suits
These fabrics:
Catch the wind beautifully
Photograph softly in natural light
Move with you instead of against you
Fabrics to be cautious with:
Heavy satin
Super stiff taffeta
Anything overly structured or tight
If you can’t walk, sit, or breathe easily—keep looking.
Yes, You Can Wear a Wedding Dress (Even Hiking)
A common myth: “If we’re eloping outdoors, I can’t wear a real wedding dress.” You absolutely can. Many of my couples:
Hike in layers and change at the location
Bustle or pin their dress for movement
Choose dresses designed for mobility
Get their dress slightly hemmed for terrain
Your elopement doesn’t require sacrificing beauty—it just asks for intention.
Footwear Matters More Than You Think
Your shoes will affect:
Your comfort
Your confidence
Your ability to enjoy the day
And yes—they’ll be in photos.
Great elopement shoe options:
Hiking boots (styled intentionally)
Leather boots or ankle boots
Neutral sneakers
Sandals for desert elopements
You can always:
Wear practical shoes for hiking
Change into something else for photos
Or embrace boots as part of the look
There’s something incredibly powerful about a wedding outfit that’s meant to be worn—not tiptoed in.
Color Choices That Photograph Beautifully Outdoors
You don’t need white. You don’t need black. You don’t need neutrals. But color does matter.
Colors that photograph beautifully in nature:
Cream, ivory, champagne
Warm neutrals
Earth tones
Soft pastels
Muted blues, greens, rusts, terracotta
Colors to be mindful of:
Neon or overly bright tones
Very bold patterns
Stark white in bright desert sun (can blow out highlights)
Think timeless over trendy—your photos will thank you years from now.
Layers Are Your Secret Weapon
Adventure elopements often mean:
Early mornings
Wind
Temperature changes
Elevation shifts
Layers add both function and texture.
Ideas:
Shawls or capes
Knit sweaters
Jackets
Button-downs over dresses
Vests or coats for suits
Bonus: layers create variety in your gallery without a full outfit change.
Dress for the Location, Not Instagram
One of the most important things I tell couples: Let your outfit make sense for where you are. A flowy gown on a cliff? Stunning. A sleek suit in the desert? Timeless. Bare feet at the beach? Perfect. If your outfit feels aligned with the environment, the photos will feel natural instead of forced.
Hair, Makeup & Accessories: Less Stress, More Longevity
For adventure elopements, longevity > perfection.
Hair & makeup tips:
Choose styles that hold up in wind
Avoid anything that needs constant fixing
Embrace texture over sleekness
Waterproof everything
Accessories to consider:
Veils (wind = drama)
Hats
Statement earrings
Minimal florals
Sentimental pieces
Accessories should enhance—not distract from—you.
Wear Something That Feels Like You
This is the most important rule. Your elopement is about:
Presence
Connection
Experience
Not stiff traditions or expectations. When couples look back at their photos, the ones they love most aren’t the “perfect” poses—they’re the moments where they felt completely themselves.
From a Photographer Who’s Seen It Firsthand
The couples who enjoy their elopement day the most are the ones who:
Dressed intentionally
Prioritized comfort
Let go of rules
Trusted themselves
Your wedding outfit isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it allows you to experience the day. And that experience is what makes the photos unforgettable.
Wear the dress. Wear the boots. Wear the suit that makes you stand taller. Wear something that feels like freedom. If you’re planning an adventure elopement and want help choosing outfits that photograph beautifully and feel right for your location, I’d love to guide you through it—from planning to the final gallery.
Your day deserves to feel as good as it looks.