Whether you’ve been dreaming about your wedding dress since you were wee or you’ve just started a Pinterest board last week, picking your hiking elopement dress is one of the most exciting parts of planning your day. Nerve-wracking. A bit overwhelming. But mostly brilliant.
If you’re planning a hiking elopement in Scotland (or anywhere else in the great outdoors), you could just rock up in any old dress. But you probably shouldn’t.
You need something that works with the weather, the terrain and your plans for the day. You can’t shop for an outdoor adventure elopement dress the same way you’d shop for a traditional church wedding.
We’ve photographed hundreds of elopements across Scotland over the past decade. We’ve seen it all – dresses that worked brilliantly, ones that didn’t and everything in between. We’ve watched brides navigate Scottish hillsides in all sorts of outfits and we’ve learnt what works (and what really, really doesn’t).
So we’ve compiled everything we know into this guide to help you pick the perfect dress for your hiking elopement adventure.
We’ll cover the dos and don’ts, the best fabrics and materials, where to buy your dress, answers to all your burning questions and loads of style inspiration at the end to help you visualise what your elopement could look like.
Let’s dive in.
The Dos and Don’ts of Shopping for Your Elopement Dress
Right. Let’s start with what you should (and shouldn’t) do when shopping for your hiking elopement dress. This is based on years of experience watching brides in the Scottish wilderness and hearing what they loved and what they wished they’d done differently.
DO:
Think about how you want to FEEL in your dress
This should be your starting point, but it often gets lost in all the other decisions.
Before you get caught up in fabrics, necklines, sleeves and whether you want lace or not, think about this: How do you want to feel on your elopement day?
Do you want to feel like a total badass hiking through the Highlands in a killer dress? Or maybe you want full-on Disney princess fairytale vibes. Perhaps you want something effortlessly cool – like you’re the main character in your own rom-com running off to get married.
Maybe you want to feel like a glamorous A-list celebrity without the faff of planning a massive posh wedding.
Start with the feeling, not the look. Dream a little about how you’d ideally feel in your dress and then start thinking about what types of dresses would help you embrace that feeling on your elopement day.
Once you know how you want to feel, everything else becomes easier.
Pick a dress with lightweight, breathable fabric
This is absolutely massive and it’s one of the biggest differences between shopping for a traditional wedding dress and shopping for an elopement dress.
You’re going to be outdoors. Possibly hiking. Possibly scrambling over rocks. Definitely dealing with unpredictable Scottish weather (spoiler: it’s always unpredictable).
You want a dress that’s easy to pack in your backpack if needed and lightweight enough that you can move around freely. You need breathable fabric so you can fully relax and feel comfortable whether you’re lying in a grassy meadow or hiking up a steep hill, stepping over tree roots and jagged rocks.
Trust us – you don’t want to be sweating through heavy satin on a hillside in summer or struggling with a restrictive dress when you’re trying to navigate uneven terrain.
We’ll go into loads more detail on specific fabrics below, so keep reading.
Romantic elopement photography in Glencoe, Scottish Highlands, with misty peaks and rugged scenery.
Choose something you can easily move in
On the same note, pick a dress you can freely move around in – not one that restricts your movement in any way.
Even if you plan to hike in normal outdoor gear and then change into your dress at your ceremony location, you’ll still be walking around on natural terrain. That could be rocky, jagged, slippery, bumpy or all of the above at once.
You don’t want to be wearing a super stiff dress that you can barely move your legs in or one that makes it hard to catch yourself if you trip on something.
Scottish terrain doesn’t mess about. You need a dress that works with you, not against you.
Get familiar with the hike or trail in advance
Once you’ve picked the trail or location where you’ll be hiking, please make sure you do your research in advance and get familiar with the terrain. Don’t just wing it and hope for the best.
Look at recent reviews from other hikers. Check what the elevation gain is like and how gradual or quick it is. Most importantly, read up on what the terrain is actually like.
If it’s been super muddy in the weeks leading up to your elopement, you’ll want to prepare accordingly with the right shoes and outfit. If the trail is mostly rocky ground, wear shoes with good traction and a dress you can take large steps in. If the trail is super dusty, you might want to pack your dress in your backpack when you hike rather than wear it, so it doesn’t get covered in dust before your ceremony.
We can help with all of this, by the way. Location planning and trail advice is kind of our thing. We know Scotland inside out.
Consider the weather (because Scotland… it’s gonna be Scotland)
Obviously you’ll want to take weather into account when choosing your elopement dress. But Scottish weather is its own beast.
If you’re eloping early in the morning, it might be absolutely freezing if you’re hiking to the top of a mountain, so make sure to bring a jacket or layers if you’re hiking in your dress. A leather jacket looks incredible. A wool shawl or blanket scarf works beautifully too.
But here’s the thing: you’ll be hiking and exercising. You might actually get sweaty if you wear too thick a dress, even if you’re cold when you start. Consider also that the weather could be drastically different at the end of your hike if there’s a large elevation gain or you’re hiking to a mountain top.
If it’s really warm out, pick a thin dress that you won’t overheat in. Or hike in summer gear and change into your dress once you reach your ceremony location.
Scottish weather can do all four seasons in one day, so plan for everything.
Think outside the traditional wedding dress box
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to wear a traditional white wedding dress if you don’t want to. Seriously. Your elopement, your rules.
Don’t limit yourself to what you think a “wedding dress” should be. Get creative with options like:
- Jumpsuits or pantsuits (these look absolutely stunning)
- Coloured dresses (blush, burgundy, emerald, champagne, even red)
- Patterned dresses (floral prints, subtle patterns, whatever speaks to you)
- Short or casual dresses (knee-length, midi, tea-length)
- Two-piece dresses (crop top and skirt combos work brilliantly)
You can also totally buy two elopement dresses – one for your ceremony and one for your reception or portraits later in the day. We’ve seen couples do this loads of times and it works perfectly. Ceremony dress for the intimate moment, then change into something easier to move in for adventures afterwards.
There are no rules here. None.
Carefully pack your elopement dress for the hike
If you choose not to hike in your wedding dress and want to change into it once you arrive at your ceremony location (which loads of our couples do), here are the best ways to pack your dress:
Option one: Fold the dress up into a small rectangle and store it carefully in your backpack. This works brilliantly for lightweight fabrics.
Option two: Pack the dress in a garment bag and attach it with a carabiner to the outside of your backpack. This keeps it a bit more protected but can be trickier on narrow trails.
If you’ll be packing your elopement dress for your hike, make absolutely sure you choose a dress made from fabric that doesn’t wrinkle easily and that’s easy to fold for compact packing. Some fabrics bounce back beautifully. Others will look like you’ve stored them in a bin bag for a week.
Test this before your elopement day if you can.
DON’T:
Worry about getting your dress dirty
Right, let’s be real here. Your dress will get dirty. It’s inevitable.
If you’re having a hiking elopement in Scotland, your dress is going to pick up some mud. Maybe some grass stains. Possibly a bit of dirt or dust. That’s just part of the adventure.
Embrace it. Seriously. Those muddy hems and dusty trains make for incredible photos that tell the real story of your day.
You can always take it to the dry cleaner afterwards if you really want to get it back to pristine condition. But honestly? We think those dirt marks are badges of honour.
Set your mind on one “style” right away
“Style” is so subjective when it comes to elopement dresses and we think it can actually be quite limiting.
If you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest or flipping through bridal magazines, you might already have your heart set on a certain style – “boho,” “elegant,” “glam,” “romantic” or whatever label feels right.
But we want to encourage you not to make up your mind too soon. If you lock yourself into one style category, you’ll limit yourself to certain options when shopping and you might miss out on dresses that could absolutely blow your mind.
Stay open. Try on things you wouldn’t normally consider. Let yourself be surprised.
Pick a dress you love the look of but don’t feel good in
We promise you will regret this. If it’s uncomfortable in the changing room, it’ll be absolutely unbearable on a Scottish hillside.
“Pain is beauty” isn’t a motto we want you living by on your adventure elopement. Make sure you pick a dress that you love the look of AND that feels good on your body and keeps you comfortable throughout the day.
Both matter equally. Don’t compromise on comfort.
Pick a dress that’s too tight or restricting
Since you’ll be hiking and moving around loads, you need to be able to move freely. Walking, dancing, twirling, sitting, lying down – you should be able to do all of it without feeling restricted.
Don’t pick a dress that’s super tight and doesn’t let you breathe or move around the way you want to.
Don’t be afraid to properly move around when you try on dresses. Dance a bit. Sit down. Bend over. Reach up high. Make sure the dress moves with you and doesn’t fight against you.
Feel pressure to spend a fortune if your dress isn’t your top priority
Finally, don’t put pressure on yourself to buy an expensive dress if it isn’t one of your top priorities for your elopement.
Dresses are important to every bride in different ways. Some people have been dreaming about their dress since they were little and want to splash out on something incredible. Others honestly don’t care that much and would rather spend the money on an extra night in a castle, a helicopter ride or making sure they have the best photographer possible (hello).
If your dress is a priority in your budget and your overall elopement experience, then absolutely splurge and get something that makes you feel like a million quid. But if you care more about your flowers, your accommodation, your activities or literally anything else, you can totally lower the budget for your dress.
There’s no pressure, no expectations and no norms you need to follow. This is your elopement. Spend your money on what matters most to you.
Best Fabrics and Materials for Hiking Elopement Dresses
Right, let’s talk fabrics. This is genuinely important and it’s something loads of brides don’t think about until they’re sweating buckets halfway up a mountain.
Now that you know why it’s so crucial to pick a dress that’s lightweight, breathable and allows you to move freely, here’s a breakdown of the dress fabrics that work brilliantly for hiking elopements (the lightweight ones) and the ones to avoid (the heavy ones that’ll make you miserable).
What fabrics are GOOD for hiking elopement dresses? (Lightweight fabrics)
Chiffon Absolutely brilliant. Light as air, moves beautifully in the wind and photographs like a dream. Chiffon is one of our top recommendations.
Tulle Classic for a reason. Lightweight, romantic and perfect for that fairytale vibe. Layers of tulle create gorgeous movement without weighing you down.
Organza Similar to tulle but with a bit more structure. Still light and breathable. Works beautifully for hiking elopements.
Lightweight silk Emphasis on lightweight. Some silk is heavy but the right kind of silk is absolute perfection – breathable, comfortable and looks incredibly luxurious.
Crepe Sleek, elegant and surprisingly practical. Crepe has a beautiful drape, doesn’t wrinkle easily and is comfortable to move in.
What fabrics are NOT good for hiking elopement dresses? (Heavy fabrics)
Satin Too heavy. Too hot. Doesn’t breathe well. Satin might look gorgeous but it’s not your friend on a hillside.
Heavier silk blends Beautiful but impractical. If the silk feels heavy in the shop, it’ll feel even heavier after hiking for an hour. And imagine what’ll feel like after 3 hours of rain.
Jersey Can be too clingy and doesn’t always move well. Also tends to show sweat, which isn’t ideal.
Mikado Structured and heavy. Great for a traditional wedding but not what you want for an outdoor adventure.
Stick with the lightweight options and you’ll thank yourself later.
FAQs About Hiking Elopement Dresses
Let’s answer some of the questions we get asked all the time about elopement dresses.
How much should you spend on an elopement dress?
However much you want. There’s genuinely no right answer here.
We’ve photographed brides in £100 charity shop dresses and brides in £3000+ designer gowns. Both looked absolutely incredible because they felt incredible and confident in what they were wearing.
Some brides don’t care too much about their dress and place it lower on their priority list, so they might spend a couple hundred quid on a pre-loved dress from a charity shop or Facebook Marketplace. That’s completely valid.
Some brides have been dreaming about their dress since they were little and really value having a high-end dress that they absolutely adore, so they might spend several thousand pounds. Also completely valid.
Elopement budgets are so subjective and different for every couple. Think through what you value most out of your elopement experience – your dress, your photographer, your location, your accommodation, whatever – and spend the most on those things.
Should I wear a veil for an elopement?
Only if you want to. That’s the only answer that matters.
Veils can look absolutely stunning in photographs, especially when there’s wind involved. If you hike to the top of a mountain and there’s a breeze blowing, a veil flowing behind you looks magical.
But they can also be annoying. They get caught on things. If it is very windy, they can twist and look like a tail. They can get in the way of your dream hairstyle. They’re another thing to think about and carry.
It’s 100% up to you whether you want a veil or not. You could also consider a flower crown, a hair comb, a decorative clip or nothing at all in your hair. All of these options look beautiful.
Do what feels right for you. But if you want my opinion (and you do), we would say leave it off for the vows at the very least.
Do you have to wear white to elope?
Absolutely not. Not even slightly.
You can wear pink, yellow, burgundy, green, champagne, blush, dusty blue or literally any colour you fancy. You can wear off-white shades like cream or ivory. You can wear a white dress patterned with colourful flowers.
The world is genuinely your oyster here. We’ve photographed brides in every colour imaginable and they all looked stunning because they chose something that felt like them.
Wear whatever colour makes you feel like yourself.
Where to Buy Your Hiking Elopement Dress
Right, so you know what style you’re looking for and what to consider for your hiking elopement dress. But where do you actually buy it?
Here’s a comprehensive list of brilliant places to shop for your hiking elopement dress, from independent bridal boutiques to online retailers to some of the best elopement dress designers in the industry.
UK Bridal Shops
Start with independent bridal boutiques near you. Loads of them stock designers that are perfect for outdoor elopements and the personal service you get in a boutique is worth its weight in gold.
Do some research on shops near you that stock lightweight, movement-friendly dresses rather than traditional ballgowns.
Popular Bridal Designers
Here are some designers we consistently see creating stunning dresses that work brilliantly for hiking elopements:
For boho, romantic elopement dresses: Rue de Seine Their dresses are absolutely gorgeous – flowing, feminine and perfect for outdoor adventures.
For one-of-a-kind, unique dresses: Daci Gowns If you want something truly special that no one else will have, Daci creates incredible custom pieces.
For couture, luxury dresses: Galia Lahav If you want to feel like an absolute superstar and budget isn’t a concern, Galia Lahav creates show-stopping gowns.
For modern, chic dresses: Sarah Seven Clean lines, contemporary style and effortlessly cool vibes.
For effortlessly glamorous dresses: Rime Arodaky French elegance with a relaxed, modern twist. Absolutely beautiful.
For a wide variety of stunning collections: Watters They have something for everyone and consistently create dresses that work brilliantly for elopements.
Large Online Retailers
ASOS Don’t sleep on ASOS. Their bridal section is surprisingly brilliant and way more affordable than traditional bridal boutiques. Perfect if you want something beautiful without the hefty price tag.
Still White This is a marketplace for pre-loved wedding dresses. You can find designer dresses at a fraction of the original price. Brilliant option if you’re budget-conscious or just love the idea of giving a dress a second life.
Elopement Dresses on a Budget
Charity shops and bridal consignment shops You’d be genuinely amazed at what you can find. Designer dresses, vintage gems and unique pieces at incredible prices. It takes more time to hunt but it can be so worth it.
Etsy Loads of independent designers sell on Etsy and you can often get something custom-made for less than you’d pay in a traditional bridal shop. Just make sure to read reviews and order with plenty of time for alterations if needed.
Lulu’s Another online retailer with a surprisingly good bridal section. Affordable, trendy and loads of options that work brilliantly for elopements.
Facebook Marketplace People sell pre-loved wedding dresses on Facebook Marketplace all the time. You can find absolute bargains if you’re willing to scroll through the… erm, crap.
Brides for a Cause (if you’re in the US) A nonprofit bridal shop that sells donated dresses to fund wish-granting for terminal illnesses. Incredible prices and you’re supporting a good cause.
Suits and Alternative Styles for All Bodies
Wildfang Brilliant for suits, jumpsuits and alternative bridal looks. Gender-neutral options and really cool, modern styles.
Bindle & Keep Custom tailoring for suits and non-traditional wedding attire. They specialise in creating bespoke pieces for all bodies and gender expressions.
Isadora Nim Contemporary suits and tailoring with a fashion-forward edge. Perfect if you want something sleek and different.
Hiking Elopement Dress Style Inspiration
Right, let’s wrap this up with loads of style inspiration to help you envision your dream elopement dress.
Nothing beats seeing real dresses in action on real elopement days. It helps you visualise what your own elopement could look like depending on the type of dress you choose.
We’ve organised these by style to make it easier for you to find inspiration that resonates with you. Screenshot these, save them to Pinterest, send them to your partner – whatever helps you figure out your perfect look.
Long-Sleeve Elopement Dresses
Long sleeves look absolutely stunning, especially in Scotland where the weather can be unpredictable. They photograph beautifully and add an elegant, romantic quality to your look.
Perfect for autumn and winter elopements or if you just love the coverage and sophistication of long sleeves.
Works brilliantly with lace, crepe or lightweight silk fabrics.
Casual Elopement Dresses
Not everyone wants a big dramatic gown and that’s completely fine. Casual dresses can look absolutely incredible for elopements.
Think shorter lengths, simpler silhouettes, easy-to-move-in styles. These work brilliantly if you’re planning to do loads of hiking or if you just prefer a more relaxed, understated look.
Perfect for couples who want their elopement to feel intimate and low-key rather than formal.
Beach and Coastal Elopement Dresses
If you’re eloping on the Scottish coast (which is absolutely stunning, by the way), you’ll want something that moves beautifully in the wind and won’t get destroyed by sand and sea spray.
Lightweight, flowing fabrics work best. Think about dresses that will photograph beautifully when the wind catches them.
These styles also work brilliantly for lochside elopements.
Coloured Elopement Dresses
White is gorgeous but it’s not the only option. Coloured dresses photograph beautifully against the Scottish landscape.
Blush pink looks soft and romantic. Deep burgundy or emerald green creates incredible contrast against hills and forests. Champagne and cream tones are timeless.
Don’t be afraid to choose a colour that speaks to you.
Ruffled and Textured Elopement Dresses
Ruffles, layers and texture add so much movement and interest to photographs. They look stunning when you’re walking, twirling or when there’s any breeze.
These dresses tend to have loads of personality and create really dynamic images.
Perfect if you want something with a bit more drama and visual interest.
Mountain Elopement Dresses
For mountain elopements in the Scottish Highlands, you want something that looks stunning against dramatic landscapes but is still practical enough for the terrain.
Think about dresses that will stand out against rocky backgrounds and misty mountains. Flowing fabrics that move in the mountain wind look incredible.
Balance drama with practicality.
Boho Elopement Dresses
Bohemian-style dresses are consistently popular for elopements and for good reason. They typically feature lightweight fabrics, romantic details and an effortless, free-spirited vibe.
Lace details, flowing silhouettes and nature-inspired elements work beautifully for outdoor elopements.
These dresses tend to photograph gorgeously in natural settings.
Two-Piece Elopement Dresses
Crop tops paired with skirts or separates give you so much flexibility. You can mix and match, you can easily move between locations and they often feel more comfortable than traditional one-piece gowns.
They also tend to be easier to pack if you’re hiking to your ceremony location.
Modern, stylish and practical.
Elopement Dresses with Trains
Trains look absolutely magical in photographs, especially when they’re flowing behind you on a hillside or trailing through grass.
But they can be impractical for serious hiking. If you love the look of a train, consider one that’s detachable or bustle it up for hiking and let it down for photos.
The drama is worth it if you can make it work logistically.
Final Thoughts
Shopping for your hiking elopement dress should be exciting. Fun. Maybe a bit emotional in the best way.
Above all else, pick a dress that makes you feel beautiful and authentically you. Pick something you can move in. Pick something that works with your plans for the day and the terrain you’ll be navigating.
Don’t get caught up in what you think you “should” wear or what looks good on Pinterest. Get caught up in how you want to feel on your elopement day.
And remember – we’re here to help with absolutely everything else. Location scouting, legal paperwork, celebrant recommendations, accommodation tips, timeline planning, the whole lot. We’ve done this hundreds of times and we know Scotland like the back of our hands.
Your elopement should feel like you. Not like a magazine spread. Not like someone else’s idea of what a wedding should be. Not like tradition for tradition’s sake.
Just you, your person and the stunning Scottish landscape.
That’s what makes an elopement unforgettable.
Now go find that dress and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
