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Updated Jul 16, 202422 Mountain Wedding Dress Ideas to Complement the Epic Views
Shout your love from the mountaintops—literally.
Photos, left to right: Anthropologie, Ivy City Co., ASOS
by Elle Cashin
Updated Aug 08, 2024
Out-West weddings saw a major surge during and after the pandemic. The domestic destination was accessible, open-air and—dare we say—incredibly chic. So it's no surprise the trend stuck around and, with it, the fashion. Enter: the mountain wedding dress. Mountain chic attire lets not just the bride but the setting shine, with bohemian detailing that complements the florals and foliage, earthy tones that evoke nature or airy elements that float and flutter in the mountain breeze. They also have one major thing in common: Practicality. If you're having a mountain wedding, chances are there will be some hiking involved to get to the venue, or muddy terrain, or a chilly wind. The best mountain wedding dresses can hide a pair of hiking boots, keep your arms warm or make room for movement—all while looking bridal. Luckily, there are lots of options online and at alternative retailers (if you're looking for something more traditional, check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace to shop for wedding dresses near you). Here, we pick 22 of our favorites, plus the elements to keep in mind during your search.
What to Look For in a Mountain Wedding Dress
Whether you're saying "I do" at a mountain resort or eloping against the landscape with just your significant other and an officiant, your wedding dress for a mountain destination wedding will require a few key features.
- Ease of Movement: Fit-and-flare lovers, adjust your expectations. Arguably the most important factor in a wedding dress for a mountain wedding is its practicality and the wearer's ability to move. Look for roomy A-line skirts you can take wide steps in, lightweight fabrics you can lift up to walk with or high-low hems you won't trip forward over.
- Photoworthy Features: The wind is worth considering for all elements of a mountain wedding but, especially when it comes to pictures, it can actually be a blessing. Look for features in a mountain wedding dress that will allow you to capture epic imagery: Floating tulle pieces that drift in the breeze, billowy sleeves or skirt overlays. Extra-long veils can also make for pretty photo moments, but if the feature is directly connected to your dress there's less risk of losing it to the elements.
- Affordability: While not always the case, it's common to see mountain brides spend a little less on fashion and a little more on the experience: Maybe there's a helicopter drop to some remote location, or a hiking tour, or some other magical mountain moment. And then there's the fact that your dress will likely get, well, dirty (think a hem trailed through mud on the hike up or mountain snow falling gently on cap sleeves). The good news: There are plenty of options for affordable mountain wedding dresses, and most can be purchased online and shipped quickly for elopements. (By the way, mountain weddings are typically a great money-saver when it comes to florals, as well).
- Styling Ideas: Bridal style goes beyond just the dress. For mountain weddings, you may want to think first about the shoes you plan to pair with the gown. Will you be donning hiking boots you'd like to hide under a floor-length dress in pictures? Cowboy boots you want to show off? Consider headwear too. A veil will make for pretty pictures when the mountain breeze lifts it up; a felt or suede hat will show off an open back. As for jewelry: Silver and gold is alway pretty (and we say, the chunkier the better for this setting!) but try turquoise, sapphire and emerald to complement the natural surroundings as well.
22 Mountain Wedding Dress Ideas For Any Destination
Practical, affordable and photo-worthy—the nearly two dozen mountain wedding dresses on our list check all the boxes for stylish brides. Enjoy exploring!
1. Lulus Sweet Love Ivory Lace Beaded Maxi Dress
Photo: Lulus
Let the setting and the epic views do the talking with a dress that is understated and simple. This one from Lulus is affordable and no-frills—but has enough pretty lace detailing to still say "I'm the bride."
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Size Range: XXS-3X
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2. Elliatt Registry Gown
Photo: Revolve
Your mountain wedding will likely involve some hiking—maybe even climbing—to reach the "I do" destination, and the last thing you want is to be tripping over your dress. This wedding dress for mountains has cutouts, an open back and cool lace overlays, but the real draw is its subtle hi-low hem that makes that climb a little easier.
Size Range: XXS-XXL
3. Jenny Yoo Bronwyn Gown
Photo: Jenny Yoo
Jenny Yoo's Bronwyn is a ready-to-ship style from the Little White Dress collection and provides the perfect clean slate for accessorizing. For a mountain wedding, try a turquoise pendant and felt hat—plus cowboy boots, of course.
Size Range: 0-26
4. Lily Marks Brand Boho Crepe Wedding Dress
Photo: Lily Marks Brand
Etsy is a great go-to for unique wedding dresses, and especially for a chic mountain elopement dress—the price is right, and customizations can typically be made through communication with the seller. This crepe style is beautifully draped and features panels of romantic lace peeking through at the back. Plus, the skirt is lightweight enough to hike up and carry as you traverse the terrain.
Size Range: 0-16
5. Azazie Yoki Diamond White Tulle Dress
Photo: Azazie
This mountain elopement wedding dress has a decidedly bohemian feel thanks to its unique lace, beading patterns and long sleeves that combat the mountain chill. Opt for the diamond white/nude colorway; the nude underlayer adds an earthy tone that will complement the natural setting.
Size Range: 0-30 and custom sizing
6. Daughters of Simone Nev Sleeveless Deep-V Lace Gown
Photo: Anthropologie
There's something about the way a unique lace translates into mountain chic (we can't explain it; it just works), and this one is especially fitting with its repeating raindrop shapes. Removable tulle panels attach to the shoulders as a stunning veil alternative and make for awesome images blowing in the wind.
Size Range: XS-5XL
7. Altar'd State Arissa Embroidered Maxi Skirt & Top
Photo: Altar'd State
We love a two-piece wedding ensemble, and nowhere is it more fitting than at a rustic destination mountain wedding. This set features an embroidered maxi skirt (hemmed to just the right ankle length for climbing) and a matching long-sleeve top; pair them together for the wedding or elopement ceremony, then rock the skirt with a simple tank again and again.
Size Range: XS-XXL
8. BHLDN Donna Long-Sleeve V-Neck Ruffled Maxi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
This textural wedding dress for a mountain wedding has countless details that offer that Old West feel, like billowing sleeves that gather at the wrists and a ruffled skirt that feels layered and full. Pair this with brown or white booties for the big day.
Size Range: XS-XL
9. Dreamers & Lovers Hayley Lace & Crepe Gown
Photo: Dreamers & Lovers
With its floaty flutter sleeves and unique lace paneling, this dress was simply made for the mountains. It's available with a variety of liner shades; opt for the off-white ivory or vanilla tones for a more natural, boho vibe. The brand offers a try-at-home service so you can get a feel for the gown in your own space, and pay-in-full or 50/50 payment options.
Size Range: 2-18, made-to-measure available
10. JoJo Shop Boho Floral Lace Wedding Dress
Photo: JoJo Shop
Bring a little color to the mountainside with a floral wedding dress for a mountain wedding. This one from JoJo Shop—a family-run outfit in New York City—is beautifully made with ivory and blush blooms on the bodice and trailing down the skirt; and it's the pop of leafy greenery that makes this especially apt for the mountains.
Size Range: 0-28 or custom
11. Chrissy Wai Ching Ombre Wedding Dress
Photo: Chrissy Wai Ching
Brides can get really creative with wedding dresses for mountain elopements; there are no rules or restrictions—or even a requirement to wear white. Opt for something with color like this stunning ombre dress from a Seattle-based designer. We can imagine this at golden hour on the mountain, colors reflecting the sunset—swoon.
Size Range: 2-20
12. Reformation Cabrini Dress in Ivory
Photo: Reformation
Mountain wedding dresses call for ease of movement, and this Reformation dress is designed with a notably relaxed fit. The curved neckline and romantic puffed sleeves are bridal details, while the lightweight voile fabric (made from organic materials!) and high slit make for an easier hike up the hill.
Size Range: 2-12
13. Bronx & Banco Colette Lace Gown
Photo: Bronx & Banco
This all-lace gown adds a delicate foil to the hard-as-rock mountain setting, and yet somehow blends in seamlessly. The scalloped eyelash-lace edges of the sleeve are a pretty and natural touch, and the chapel-length train looks stunning floating across the landscape (don't be afraid to get it a little dirty!).
Size Range: XS-XL
14. Dreamers & Lovers Carissa Bell Sleeve Lace Wedding Dress
Photo: Dreamers & Lovers
This dress is the definition of bohemian mountain chic with wide bell sleeves and beaded tassel fringe at the hem. It's also undoubtedly bridal with a V-neck bodice and fit-and-flare silhouette; it works equally as well as a formal mountain wedding dress as it does for an elopement. (Psst, check out Dreamers & Lovers' collection of veils and earrings for the perfect mountain-chic accessories.)
Size Range: 2-18, made-to-measure available
15. Carol Hannah Upcycle #78
Photo: Carol Hannah
A wedding at one with nature calls for a dress that respects it. Carol Hannah is known for her upcycled creations, all of which are one-of-a-kind. (They're made in one size only and offer a three-day return window.) We especially love this long-sleeve style for mountain weddings; the gold floral pattern glitters in the mountain light. Due to its one-of-a-kind nature, there's a chance this piece will be sold by the time you're reading this—but explore the designer's Upcycle Atelier page to find your own one-in-a-million.
Size Range: Bridal Size 10
16. Ivy City Co. Whimsical Dress in White
Photo: Ivy City Co.
Dotted tulle is having a moment in bridal attire trends, but this whimsical dress takes it up a notch for celestial mountain weddings: The details are actually subtle star shapes, rather than perfect polka dots. The wedding dress for a mountain event has a structured bodice that gives it a formal feel, but layers of airy tulle that move and flow in the wind.
Size Range: 00-34W
17. Bridal by Eloquii Lace Jumpsuit
Photo: Eloquii
Attention mountain brides: Try a jumpsuit! The pants are ideal for hiking to your romantic ceremony locale, and the look is trending in bridal. We especially love this version, with statement cutout lace and short sleeves. Add a veil so as not to miss that bridal moment—and for epic imagery, of course.
Size Range: 14-32
18. Sau Lee Sabrina Tulle Gown in White
Photo: Sau Lee
We've seen this style go practically viral in color as a wedding guest or bridesmaid dress, but it's even better on the bride, especially as a summer or fall mountain wedding dress. The ruffled tulle is whimsical and airy, and illusion panels on the front and sides support the deep V bodice, meaning you have one less fashion emergency to worry about.
Size Range: 00-14
19. Show Me Your Mumu Fairytale Maxi Dress
Photo: Show Me Your Mumu
For a casual mountain elopement dress, look for at least one unique detail to stand out; in this whimsical tiered ruffle dress, it's the fluttery sleeves. Bonus: You'll feel cool and comfortable thanks to this style's luxe satin lining.
Size Range: XXS-XL
20. Willowby by Watters Jacques Gown
Photo: Watters
This crepe chiffon wedding dress is a more formal find—especially in that it's made-to-order and sold through bridal salons, rather than online—but we couldn't resist adding it to our list. It has all the makings of a mountain wedding dress, with ruffles along the back and V neck that flutter in the breeze, long sleeves with delicate ties and an open back.
Size Range: Made-to-Order
21. ASOS Design Frankie Beaded Mesh Dress
Photo: ASOS
Let's face it: Fitted is simply not the vibe when it comes to mountain wedding dresses. This ASOS design has a relaxed fit that's made to move in—and yet is beautifully bridal with detailed beading and embellishments, pretty cap sleeves and an airy A-line skirt.
Size Range: 0-14
22. Ivy City Co. Sicily Dress
Photo: Ivy City Co.
A more casual mountain elopement dress, this tea-length frock has a floral overlay (it sits atop a lovely champagne-hued liner) that's inspired by nature; the leafy design blends beautifully into a mountain setting. Style it with lapis or turquoise drop earrings for a little something blue.
Size Range: 00-34W
