What to Wear to Your Mountain Elopement
The golden rule
Wear What Makes You Feel Like You
This isn’t a performance. It’s your day. If you feel amazing in a flowy dress, wear the flowy dress. If you feel more like yourself in a jumpsuit, go for it. Suit and tie? Linen pants and suspenders? Matching flannels? All of the above have looked incredible in front of my camera.
The only outfit that doesn’t photograph well is one that doesn’t feel right.
For the dress / gown / skirt wearer
Movement is your friend.
Flowy and lightweight fabrics are your best friend on a mountain. Chiffon, tulle, and crepe all move beautifully in the wind (and there will be wind).
A-line and boho silhouettes tend to work really well for hiking and movement — you want to be able to walk, sit on a rock, and maybe scramble over a log without feeling restricted.
Keep the train in mind. A cathedral-length train looks stunning in photos, but it’ll collect every leaf and twig on the trail. If you love the look of a train, consider a detachable one you can remove for the hike and add back for photos.
Some of my favorite elopement dresses have been simpler than what you’d see at a traditional wedding — and they’ve photographed beautifully because the setting does the heavy lifting.
What works
Flowy fabrics, A-line or boho cuts, shorter hemlines or detachable trains, layers for warmth.
What to skip
Heavy structured gowns that restrict movement, bright white in harsh midday sun (off-white and ivory photograph better in natural light).
For the suit / button-down wearer
Keep it fitted, comfortable, and not too precious.
The mountains don’t require a three-piece suit — but they don’t not require one, either. I’ve seen everything from full tailored suits to rolled-up sleeves and a vest.
The key is fit. Well-fitted clothes look incredible in every setting, whether it’s a cliff edge or a forest clearing.
If you’re hiking, consider ditching the jacket for the trail and putting it on at the ceremony spot. Suspenders photograph really well and give you a polished look without the bulk.
And please — skip the dress shoes on the trail. Your ankles will thank you.
What works
Well-fitted suits, vests with rolled sleeves, earth tones and muted colors, textured fabrics like linen or tweed.
What to skip
Overly stiff or heavy fabrics that don’t breathe, anything you’re afraid to get a little dirty.
Footwear
The Most Important Decision
I can’t say this strongly enough: wear shoes you can walk in. Most elopement locations involve at least some trail hiking, and some involve scrambling over rocks or walking on uneven ground. I’ve seen couples show up in heels and have to change into trail shoes within 10 minutes.
The best move? Bring both. Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes for the approach, and swap into your ceremony shoes (if you want to) at the top. Many couples just keep their boots on — hiking boots in a wedding photo are kind of an elopement power move.
Still have questions?
I’ll help you make the legal part feel a lot less annoying.
I’ve helped hundreds of couples navigate this part. Reach out and I’ll walk you through it — no question is too small.
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