We’re not talking about just your wedding dress, no – we’re talking about your dream adventure elopement dress! The one you’ll take up the summit with you, along the vast open beach, or through the quiet forest. When you make the decision to not have a traditional wedding that means you leave behind any preconceived notions about what your dress should look like, and instead take up an adventurous approach to your dream elopement attire. This may include a little dirt, sand, water, and a whole lot of epic adventure! This adventure elopement dress guide will help you choose a gown that’s perfect for your one-of-a-kind day.

Your dress, your way

First things first – congratulations on your engagement! And maybe more importantly, congrats on choosing the path less traveled and choosing to create your day, your way. When we first started planning our own intimate wedding, the main focus was being intentional with our choices. We wanted to create a day that felt unique to us as a couple and we made sure to spend our energy, time, and money on the things that mattered the most to us.  

Because you are choosing to elope somewhere magical, you get to choose a dress that fits the adventure! The next few sections are a guide to help you find your dream adventure elopement dress, all while making the choices that feel right for you.

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Dressing for weather, climate & the season

The number one thing to consider when choosing a dress for your adventure elopement is to make sure you are comfortable! Trust me when I say the thing you will remember the most from your day is how you felt, not what you looked like. But I have good news! You can both look and feel amazing if you consider these guidelines when choosing your perfect dress. 

Summer:

If you are choosing to elope in the summer months, consider the temperatures in the area. This may change based on where you plan to share your vows and your first kiss – the temperature in the valley could be significantly different than the temperature at the summit of a mountain. Either way, the biggest consideration when choosing to elope in summer months is going to be how hot it is. I know for me personally, once I start sweating in clothes that feel restricting, it’s hard to focus on the moment.. It’s like a feeling of being trapped. So consider this when choosing the right fit and fabric. It’s likely that you will want something lightweight, flowy, and fabric that won’t stain if you do end up sweating. 

Spring/Fall:

The biggest thing to consider when planning for an off-season elopement is rain. Here on the west coast on Vancouver Island, we are no strangers to a little (okay, a lot) of rain, and it can make or break your day if you’re ill prepared. Try opting for lace fabric as this will respond to wet and dirty weather the best. I chose a lace dress for my west coast beach wedding and it was the perfect fabric to embrace the elements in. 

Winter:

There’s just something about a winter elopement – cozy layers, dramatic snow-covered peaks, crisp air. The thing to focus on when choosing your dream adventure elopement dress in the winter months is layers. Opting for a long sleeved dress is a great choice (and so cute) and you can get creative with your layers – faux fur scarf, velvet cover ups, mittens and ear warmers. My biggest piece of advice for a winter elopement is to make sure you’re warm and comfortable, and choosing an attire that is appropriate for where you will be adventuring to. 

The look and aesthetic

How you look in your dress might be the first thought that comes to mind, but I would absolutely argue that being comfortable far outweighs how you look and if you are uncomfortable in what you are wearing, it will show through. Luckily you can be comfortable and look stunning, so here are a few things to consider when choosing the aesthetic of your dream adventure elopement dress. 

Colour:

Did you know that you don’t have to wear white? I know, shocking. You can literally wear whatever the heck you want and this should be the exciting part of choosing your elopement wedding dress. Pick a colour that feels authentic to you, something that you feel represents your personality and your love with your partner. Off-white, cream, pink or green, maybe even rich red or jet black. The options are endless and they’re yours to choose!

Style + Fabric:

Keeping in mind the weather and season, choose a style that you feel fits the adventure as well as your personality. Are you planning a helicopter summit elopement? Then maybe something big, flowy, and bold is the right choice? Or are you planning a quiet getaway in the woods? Then perhaps something with a vintage flair and delicate accessories. Or maybe you plan to elope on the beach so you opt for a boho-inspired lace dress that feels casual and free. If you’re still deciding what style speaks to you, this adventure elopement dress guide is full of ideas to help narrow it down.

Accessories:

Adding intentional accessories might be one of the most important details to your look that will tie everything together and make it feel so you.

• Shoes: comfort over aesthetic every. Damn. Time. This means that you’ll likely opt for a flat shoe, something you’ve worn before (please for the love of god) and doesn’t restrict enjoying the adventure. You can plan to walk/hike in your regular shoes and bring an extra pair to change into at the final destination.
• Veil: oh what a wonderful addition to your look! If your dress isn’t flowy, adding a veil can incorporate a feeling of movement and give you that epic adventure look.
• Florals: so many beautiful options! You can bring a bouquet, flower crown, or hair piece – having these will tie in the landscape around you and really add to the adventure. Consider choosing florals that go with the location – wildflowers for the mountain top, long grass for the beach, or rich greenery for the forest.

Timeline & budget considerations

Make sure to leave enough time for alterations or a change of heart before your adventure elopement. I ordered my dress online from Lulus and when I first tried it on at home, I didn’t instantly fall in love. I remember it not feeling like the right vibe for the intimate wedding we were planning and so after a few months I sold it online and ordered something else. I’m so glad I had enough time to allow that change of heart! My new dress arrived and I still had enough time to get it altered. 

Budget is of course a big consideration when planning any wedding, elopement included. You may be eloping because of budget reasons, or you may be wanting to spend your budget on things that truly matter to you (like your dress, your photographer, or the adventure itself). Whatever your reasons are, know that there are dresses for you that will fit within your budget. You don’t have to go to a bridal shop to find your dream dress, there are plenty of options online, at consignment shops, or for rent. I have a list of all my favourite resources for your dream adventure elopement dress below.

Comfortability

I know we’ve already touched on this subject, but I’ll say again for the people in the back: make sure you are comfortable on your elopement day. Consider the activities you plan on doing throughout the day and how that will impact your mobility and comfortability. You don’t want your dress holding you back from exploring, moving, and having fun on your big day!

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Where to buy your adventure elopement dress

Choosing your dream adventure elopement dress can feel overwhelming and stressful – I totally get it! But there are so many lovely options to choose from that fit all types of needs, athletics, and budgets. Here are some of my favourite places to shop:

Lulus: The go-to option for brides on a budget. This is where I got my dress and then had it altered to fit the style I was looking for. It worked within my budget and was a beautiful choice for our laid-back west coast beach wedding. Definitely worth checking out!

Made With Love: An Australian luxury bridal brand, MWL is for those looking for chic, quality made, gorgeous gowns. These dresses are on the higher-end of the budget.

Anthropology: Gorgeous, unique and reasonably priced. Worth taking a peek through their collection.

Etsy: The place to find unique and truly one-of-a-kind dresses. My go-to option for brides who are looking for something vintage or retro. There are some beautiful, and reasonably priced options to choose from.

Bridal Consignment House: Local, budget friendly, AND sustainable? Say no more. BCH is a great option for those on Vancouver Island who are conscious of the impact fashion has on the planet while also being budget friendly. The owner Lily did a wonderful job on my alterations and her little boutique in Victoria was so stunning! Saving the world one consigned dress at a time.

Hopefully this adventure elopement dress guide gave you clarity and inspiration for finding a gown that feels like an extension of your love story.

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Vancouver Island intimate wedding & elopement photographer 

Now that you have all the resources to pick out your dream adventure elopement dress, you’re going to want some there to document it!

cue me 😉

Hi friend, I’m Rae – a Vancouver Island intimate wedding + elopement photographer. Adventure seeker, outdoor enthusiast, and kombucha drinker, I am ready to capture your gorgeous dress and adventurous love as it feels true to you. Living, exploring, and hiking on Vancouver Island means I know the area better than anyone and I’d be so stoked to help you plan your adventure elopement here!

If you feel ready to connect and want to know more about my wedding & elopement packages, head to my website to find out more! I can’t wait to get to know you and chat about your dream elopement plans on Vancouver Island!