The 27 Best Elopement Dresses You Can Shop Now

"Eloping" has taken on a much broader meaning since the days of impulsive romances and couples running off to marry in secret. Whether you're forgoing a bigger bash to save a few bucks or simply prefer a more private, family-only ceremony, today's elopement dresses are proof that you can sport the bridal look of your dreams no matter how lowkey the celebration may be. At the end of the day, eloping is all about doing things your own way—outfit of choice included.

With that in mind, we sifted through countless retailers and customer reviews to find the best elopement dress ideas out there for every type of celebration, from intimate backyard affairs to dreamy destination elopements and chic city hall ceremonies. Plus, we're covering everything you need to know before you buy, like what, exactly, is an elopement dress, the best places to buy them, and how to choose the one.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

Our Top 10 Elopement Wedding Dress Picks for 2025

Have a specific vision in mind? We've gathered our top 10 picks in an easy-to-shop list, conveniently sorted by style. You're welcome.

• Best Long-Sleeve Elopement Dress: Lulus Lovingly Yours White Mesh Long Sleeve Maxi Dress, $98
• Best Simple Elopement Dress: Significant Other Lana Cowl-Neck Satin Gown, $290
• Best Boho Elopement Dress: Reformation Sorin Dress, $398
• Best Off-the-Shoulder Elopement Dress: ELLIATT Isadora Gown, $260
• Best Drop-Waist Elopement Dress: Birdy Grey Lauren Drop Waist Dress, $129
• Best Strapless Elopement Dress: Abercrombie & Fitch Strapless Scarf Maxi Dress, $140
• Best Short Elopement Dress: Retrofête Madeleine Mini Reversible Dress, $496
• Best Slip Elopement Dress: Show Me Your Mumu Tuscany Maxi Slip Dress, $198
• Best Embellished Elopement Dress: ASTR The Label Camryn Embellished Strapless Midi Dress, $168
• Best Nontraditional Elopement Dress: REVOLVE x SAU LEE Heidi Gown, $695

In this article:

• Our Top 10 Elopement Wedding Dress Picks for 2025
• What is an Elopement Dress?
• Where to Buy Elopement Dresses
• The Best Elopement Dresses You Can Buy Online
• How to Choose an Elopement Wedding Dress

What is an Elopement Dress?

There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to what defines elopement wedding dresses. Just like your ceremony, your outfit can be whatever you want it to be. A city hall wedding may lend itself to a tailored mini dress, while a floor-length lacy gown could be fitting for a microwedding in the mountains. Perhaps your goal is a disco-themed, dancefloor-filled night with a few BFFs—in which case, you should most definitely reach for some sequins.

What most elopement dresses do tend to have in common is their streamlined, pared-down vibe. Depending on your plans, this could mean a length or material that can comfortably take you from a courthouse ceremony to celebratory cocktails, or maybe it's something in a lightweight fabric that's easy to pack should you be jetting off for a private destination wedding. But make no mistake—this doesn't mean you can't still have something that makes a statement. Your elopement is a prime opportunity to eschew traditional gowns and go for a fun and unexpected look, like something colorful or ultra-mini.

Where to Buy Elopement Dresses

Eloping doesn't necessarily mean you're working with a short timeline, but if it does, the retailers that follow are tried-and-true spots for stunning ready-to-wear bridal styles. And don't forget about your local bridal salons—while you may not have enough time to purchase a made-to-order gown, many wedding dress shops carry off-the-rack options you can take home that same day (and typically at much lower price points than usual). Just head to The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find the best bridal salons in your area and start booking appointments.

Lulus: Lulus has a ton of bridal dresses for eloping, whether you want a silky floor-length gown or a fun, party-ready mini. With impressive price points (think as low as $79) and sizes ranging from XXS to 3XL, there's truly something for every bride and budget.

Reformation: Consider Reformation's bridal salon your one-stop-shop for cool-girl, custom-looking dresses at a fraction of the cost. You'll find full-length and short styles alike in sizes 0P to 24 with prices starting at $98, many made from 100% silk and other sustainably sourced materials. While they don't offer every style in extended sizes, their petite and plus sections are an excellent place to begin your search.

Anthropologie: Anthropologie is a go-to for all kinds of bridal 'fits, and for good reason. The retailer offers a variety of brands, price points and styles, ranging from full-on, made-to-order gowns to little white looks from the likes of Mac Duggal, Sachin & Babi and Shona Joy. Anthropologie also offers in-store and virtual appointments, so you can work one-on-one with a stylist to find the perfect fit for your elopement. Sizes range from 00 to 26 and prices start at $120.

REVOLVE: Affordable or splurgy, ball gown or beachy sundress—REVOLVE has so many amazing elopement bridal dresses available. You'll also find styles for bridal events, showers and honeymoons as well as plenty of shoes and accessories, so you can truly consider this an all-in-one shop when it comes to wedding style. Sizes range from XXS to 3XL and prices start at $62.

Birdy Grey: This popular bridesmaid dress retailer doesn't just do wedding party outfits right—you'll also find over 100 styles in white perfect for the eloping bride. With prices starting at just $49, sizes ranging from XS to 3XL and plenty of reviews and customer photos that speak to the brand's top-notch quality, you can't go wrong with Birdy Grey for your elopement.

The Best Elopement Dresses You Can Buy Online

If you're looking for specific style recommendations, you've come to the right place. We scoured the web for the best elopement dresses you can shop right now from the comfort of your couch. Scroll on for our top picks in a range of sizes, prices and vibes.

Lulus Lovingly Yours White Mesh Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

Photo: Lulus

Romantic sheer sleeves, flattering crepe fabric and a floor-sweeping train give this square-neck gown a timeless bridal feel without all the fuss. According to the reviews, it's a fan favorite for civil weddings—but it'll feel just as fitting in a traditional church ceremony, too.

Size range: XXS - 3XL

Significant Other Lana Cowl-Neck Satin Gown

Photo: Anthropologie

This simple wedding dress has a modern, cool feel thanks to a high cowl neckline, asymmetric skirt detail and long, adjustable ties. If you love it now, just wait until you catch a glimpse of the back.

Size range: 2 - 12

Reformation Sorin Dress

Photo: Reformation

With teeny-tiny straps, an open back and a long, sheer skirt, this lacy boho wedding dress would feel right at home at a ceremony by the sea or intimate celebration in the mountains. If you go for the latter, it'll effortlessly layer underneath a scarf or faux fur coat for extra warmth.

Size range: 0 - 12

ELLIATT Isadora Gown

Photo: REVOLVE

This ponte gown's striking off-shoulder silhouette, flattering ruching, thigh-high slit and cascading train give it a luxe look that rivals couture brands—but it rings up under $260. Score.

Size range: XXS - XXL

Birdy Grey Lauren Drop Waist Dress

Photo: Birdy Grey

This beauty from Birdy Grey combines a classic square neckline and midi length with an of-the-moment corseted bodice and drop waist. The breathable cotton fabric and full skirt make it perfect for warm-weather ceremonies. The best part? It has pockets.

Size range: XS-3XL

Abercrombie & Fitch Strapless Scarf Maxi Dress

Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie's bridal collection is not to be overlooked. This strapless white elopement dress comes with an on-trend scarf plus removable spaghetti straps, so there are multiple ways to wear it. Available in petite and tall sizes, there's a perfect fit for every body—no hemming necessary.

Size range: XXS - XL

Retrofête Madeleine Mini Reversible Dress

Photo: Retrofête

One word: reversible. You can wear this long-sleeve mini dress with the cowl at the back during the ceremony, then flip it to the front for party time. Pair it with pointed-toe pumps for a classic look or add sparkly accessories to kick it up a notch.

Size range: XS - L

Show Me Your Mumu Tuscany Maxi Slip Dress

Photo: Show Me Your Mumu

Strip back your elopement look with this silk satin slip dress. The adjustable criss-cross back adds just enough detail to keep things interesting—and you can pair it with sandals and an oversized floppy hat for an instant honeymoon look.

Size range: XXS - XXL

ASTR The Label Camryn Embellished Strapless Midi Dress

Photo: ASTR The Label

This strapless, figure-skimming dress is scattered with eye-catching embellishments that give it a glam look without feeling too over the top. Top it off with metallic shoes and statement earrings, and you'll be ready for a city hall ceremony.

Size range: XS - XL

Sau Lee x REVOLVE Heidi Gown

Photo: REVOLVE

Feeling nontraditional? This Sau Lee dress is a bold choice that still looks bridal thanks to its classic ball gown silhouette and flowing fabric. The dramatic slit and pockets are the icing on the cake.

Size range: 00 - 12

A.L.C. Delfina Pleated Long Asymmetric One-Shoulder Dress

Photo: Neiman Marcus

Vacation mode: on. We love this pick for a destination elopement. The flattering one-shoulder fit and elegant pleating are guaranteed to make a statement on your big day.

Size range: 0 - 16

Meshki Amanza Maxi Dress With Cowl Back

Photo: Meshki

Calling all minimalist brides: This Meshki elopement dress keeps it simple with silky fabric and a figure-skimming silhouette, but makes a major statement thanks to a deep V-neck and even deeper cowl back. A sleek bun and equally simple veil is all you need to complete this understated yet wow-worthy look.

Size range: XXS - 3XL

Ronny Kobo Scorpio Ruched Lace Maxi Dress

Photo: Anthropologie

Flattering and warm can be a hard combo to come by, but this lacy, floor-length Anthropologie pick nails it. It has long sleeves and a turtleneck that make it ideal for winter elopements, while ruching at the front creates a slimming effect.

Size range: XS - XL

Birdy Grey Ada Bow Mini Convertible Dress

Photo: Birdy Grey

This short elopement wedding dress has an oversized bow at the back, plus a gorgeous tulle train you can remove post-ceremony. Want to ditch the straps? You can take those off, too.

Size range: XS - 3XL

Shona Joy La Lune Cumulus Silk Backless Lace Split Maxi Dress

Photo: REVOLVE

This ethereal elopement dress with sleeves has a high neckline and dramatic cowl back, plus a thigh-high slit accented with lace for a wedding-worthy touch. Wear it with pumps and a sleek faux fur coat for winter ceremonies, or style it for warmer weather with a barely there heeled sandal.

Size range: 0 - 10

Reformation Pacie Satin Dress

Photo: Reformation

Featuring a lace-up corset bodice and A-line skirt, this mini elopement dress is an ultra-flattering choice for any kind of laidback elopement. We'd pair it with a sleek white blazer for the ceremony, then let it shine solo for drinks and dancing.

Size range: 0 - 24

Lulus Love of Details White Lace Maxi Dress

Photo: Lulus

The eyelash lace accents, the deep V-neckline, the dainty straps, the dramatic slit—this lacy elopement wedding dress has a lot going for it. The versatile pick will also work well for a variety of venues and vibes, depending on how you accessorize.

Size range: XXS - 3X

Elliatt Elder Dress

Photo: REVOLVE

This short elopement dress has stunning floral trim and an ultra-flattering natural waist, and the crepe satin fabric makes it feel a little more formal than your average mini. If you're planning a modern garden microwedding, this dress is a perfect contender.

Size range: XXS - XXL

Jenny by Jenny Yoo Nessa High-Neck Draped Open-Back Satin Wedding Gown

Photo: Anthropologie

If time allows, there's no reason you can't wear a more traditional wedding gown for eloping. This satin gown by Jenny Yoo is gorgeous but still laidback with its streamlined silhouette, draped open back and just-long-enough train.

Size range: 0 - 18

WAYF Kieran Sequin Cowl Back Long Sleeve Cocktail Dress

Photo: Nordstrom

A sequin elopement dress? Don't mind if we do. Thanks to long sleeves, a figure-flattering silhouette and a midi length, this party-ready dress is as comfy as could be yet so dazzling. If you're planning a celebration with disco vibes, look no further.

Size range: XXS - XXL

A.L.C. Juliet Pleated Blazer Dress

Photo: A.L.C.

Classic courthouse vibes, but make it cool. This elopement dress pairs sleek suiting fabric, a blazer silhouette and a wrap-style waist with an asymmetrically pleated skirt for a bridal look that exudes "It girl."

Size range: 00 - 14

Lulus Exceptional Romance White Off-the-Shoulder Mermaid Maxi Dress

Photo: Lulus

We don't know about you, but we'd easily mistake this long, off-the-shoulder style for a higher-end gown. Its thick crepe fabric, cascading train and simple silhouette exude elegance—and it won't even put you in the triple digits.

Size range: XS - XL

Meshki Myrah Dress

Photo: Meshki

A strapless neckline, elastic top edge and straight, relaxed shape make this unique elopement dress as fuss free as can be—yet it's anything but ordinary. Its glamorous plissé fabric, luxurious sheen and side slit add eye-catching drama.

Size range: XXS - 3XL

TOJHÀ Emmaline Dress

Photo: Rent the Runway

The off-the-shoulder, long-sleeve mini elopement dress look is still going strong, and you can rent the coolest version we've seen for as low as $45 thanks to Rent the Runway. Rather than the typical silk fabrication, this dress offers a more intricate take with its layered bodice and subtle side ruching.

Size range: XS - XL

Show Me Your Mumu Jasmine Halter Maxi Dress

Photo: Show Me Your Mumu

Over 600 reviews don't lie—this halter neckline maxi dress from Show Me Your Mumu is a crowd favorite in every color. But the ivory luxe satin, in particular, is just right for the eloping bride with a modern, laid-back vibe.

Size range: XXS - XXL

SIMKHAI Ziva Sequin & Rhinestone Mini Dress

Photo: Neiman Marcus

Clusters of sequins and rhinestones cascade down the front of this square-neck short wedding dress, which would be ideal for a courthouse ceremony or rooftop celebration in the city. While you could pair this with any white accessories, we'd have a little fun with the look and add silver shoes and jewelry for even more sparkle.

Size range: 0 - 14

How to Choose an Elopement Wedding Dress

The most important thing to consider when it comes to choosing your elopement dress is how you want to feel on your wedding day. Focus on the vibe you have in mind and go with your gut—this day is about you and your partner, after all. You'll also want to think about logistics, which we touch on more below.

Venue and Location

The general rule of thumb for wedding attire is that it should reflect the formality of your venue—even when you're eloping. A mountain wedding dress, for example, can mean a lot of different things depending on the specific location. You'll likely want to pick something more formal for an elegant ballroom at a ski resort, for example, while a laidback hiking adventure would probably be best navigated in a shorter, more casual elopement dress. Lean into the vibe of the ceremony spot and let it influence the dress you choose.

Packability and Fabric

Are you hopping on a flight to reach your elopement location? The amount of travel involved (if any) should also play into the type of elopement dress you choose. Before you make your purchase, think about how you'd pack the dress into a suitcase or if you'd be willing to carry it in a separate garment bag if necessary. Dresses with multiple layers (think full skirts with underlays and petticoats) take up much more room than basic slip dresses and sheath gowns.

The wedding dress fabric can make a difference too. When you're eloping, you may not have the luxury of having your dress professionally steamed by a seamstress, and your dress is likely to get wrinkled in transit. If you're intimidated by the thought of getting wrinkles out on your own, look for airy fabrics like chiffon, silk and organza, which are fairly easy to steam. Stiffer fabrics, like taffeta, crepe and certain types of lace, will require more extensive ironing and pressing.

Getting Ready

If you're not eloping with a full wedding party by your side, there's a good chance you'll be getting ready on your own (or with your partner as the only person there to help you). In that case, avoid buying a dress that you can't easily put on by yourself. Keep in mind that corsets, bustles, bow sashes and elopement dresses with removable sleeves can be tricky to manage without an extra set of hands to help.

Remember, There Are No Rules

The decision to elope is, in itself, a decision to do things your own way. That being said, remember that there are no rules when it comes to elopement attire. Consider the way that you want to feel on your big day, and keep that in mind when planning your outfit. Like every couple, you and your partner have your own unique love story, and the details of your wedding should reflect that.