DRESSING FOR AN ELOPEMENT: The Getaway Wedding
Elopement used to be an undesirable word. Problem engagements were once resolved with trips to Las Vegas and Gretna Green, where obtaining a marriage license was easier. Today, elopements are a choice instead of a limited option. Once considered spontaneous, run-away-and-do-it-secretly affairs, elopements are now experiencing a romanticized redefinition. Some are getaways incorporating marriage and a honeymoon into one package. Elopements are additionally ideal for couples who don’t want to juggle florists, caterers, and wedding planners. Some couples simply prefer a short ceremony shared with a few friends and family (or none at all), focusing on the joy of the moment rather than the logistics.
If you go the elopement route, your outfit may look different from a traditional bridal gown. Since elopements often take place offsite—or even at city hall on a weekday—you might choose a street-length suit or dress, possibly white but not necessarily. Any color or length is fine, as long as it feels right for you. Whether you decide to go all out or keep it minimal, it’s worth including a few thoughtful “bride” touches here and there.
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| Header Photo: Ready for a getaway wedding, the bride is wearing the MARILYN dress, a white matte crepe halter dress with a bias-cut skirt--her veil is a long chiffon head scarf. She carries a bouquet of sunflowers. Directly Above: Get away into a meadow of wildflowers in the wine country. The bride is wearing the VALERIE dress, a confection of tulle and lace with a touch of blush. Below: Just hitched at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. Romantic and practical sans a train, the bride is in the EMMA dress, donning Chantilly lace evoking Downton Abbey style chic. |
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| Above: A generous display of roses marks an intimate elopement in the redwoods at Deer Park Villa in Fairfax, California, with a table set for two. Below: Easy-to-wear boho romanticism, the CELESTE dress features shots of Chantilly lace, silk chiffon, and delicate flutter sleeves. an ideal look for a forest wedding like this one. |
Ultimately, an elopement is about celebrating your story—without the pressure of tradition or expectation. It’s a chance to focus on the moments that truly matter: the vows you exchange, the joy on each other’s faces, and the memories you create together. Your outfit, whether a flowing gown, a chic suit, or a colorful ensemble, is part of that personal narrative. Thoughtful touches—a favorite flower, a meaningful accessory, or a hairstyle that feels like you—can make the day feel special and memorable, even in the simplest of settings. After all, an elopement is less about the event itself and more about the love it celebrates.
CREDITS
Header Photo: E. Jones Photography
Photo 1: Diana Maire
Photo 2: Antonio Crutchley Photography
Second Shooter: Amanda Aceves Photography
Photo 4: Bride Chic
Dresses and Headwear: Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture
Venues: Alexander Valley Hall, Geyserville, California//Santa Barbara Historical Museum//Deer Park Villa, Fairfax, California.
Hair & Makeup: Julie Morgan Hair & Makeup//Taylor Gallanter
Flowers: Studio Wildflower//Flowers by Cindy Sheridan
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