What to Wear for a Colorado Elopement

Now that I only photograph elopements and intimate weddings, I honestly don’t miss big traditional weddings as much as I thought I would.

The freedom my couples find when planning their day is so refreshing. It’s just you and bae – you can do whatever the hell you want! Not only can you do whatever you want, you can wear whatever you want. Suits and dresses are for everyone (fuck gender norms), so go crazy! Before you finalize the perfect ‘fit, here are my recommendations for what to wear for a Colorado elopement.

Dresses

• Choose a style that’s comfy to walk in, especially if you’ll be on a trail for a few miles. To make walking easier and avoid stepping on it, you can belt it up around your waist until you get to your final spot.
• If you do want more of a fitted dress, like a mermaid style, we can make it work! Bring a garment bag to keep it in, strap it to your backpack, and we can find a secluded spot for you to change once the hiking part is over.
• Speaking of garment bags, make sure to think about how you’ll pack your dress if you’re traveling to a different state or country to elope. Ball gowns do not travel well (are we surprised?) and some fabrics wrinkle super easily, which means you should pack a handheld steamer for touchups the day of.
• If it’s going to be cold, layers will be your bestie. Leggings are super easy to throw on under a dress and you won’t even notice them in photos!
• Just because you’re saying “I do” doesn’t mean you need to wear white. Red? Love it. Black? It’s giving bad bitch vibes. Something flashier, like sequins or a pattern? YES. Wear whatever feels like you!
• My clients have found amazing dresses on Lulus, ASOS, and Amazon, but don’t be afraid to branch out. You can also find great options in thrift stores or on resale apps like Poshmark.

Suits

• If you have a big hike ahead of you, it’s easiest to pack your suit in a garment bag and carry it up to change into.
• For warm weather elopements, think about the fabric you’re choosing. Wool and cotton are comfy options, especially if you think you’ll break a sweat.
• On the flip side, elopements in the winter will feel warmer if you throw on a sweater under your jacket or add warm accessories like a scarf or beanie.
• Just like dresses, I love when people play around with color for their suits. Warm colors, like maroon, rust, or tan, look BOMB against blue lakes and mountains, and darker, cooler colors like gray, navy, or forest green look amazing against rocks or white snow.
• My favorite place in Denver for suits is SuitShop. They have so many different sizes for both men and women, and they’re super affordable.

Shoes

• Practical options make the most sense for adventurous elopements. Pick shoes or boots that will keep your feet warm, dry, and provide enough traction for wherever you’re eloping.
• If you’re worried about how hiking boots will look, don’t! You usually can’t see boots underneath a dress and they look HOT with a good suit. Trust me.

Accessories

Now that I’ve given you ideas on what to wear for a Colorado elopement, don’t forget to accesorize!

• If you want to make your look even more unique, I’ve had some clients add cozy shawls, custom jackets, big scarves, or trendy hats to make a statement.
• Backpacks or some kind of bag are essential though. You’ll need to bring more than you think. Off the top of my head, you should pack:
  • Rings
  • Vows and marriage license
  • Snacks
  • Water or beer
  • Makeup for touch-ups
  • Chapstick and sunscreen
  • Change of clothes
  • Extra layers

When it comes to what to wear for a Colorado elopement, the moral of the story is wear what feels best to you. Whether it’s a dress, jumpsuit, jeans, leather jacket, or tuxedo, this is YOUR day.

And I can’t wait to photograph it.