15 Wedding Dresses Perfect for an Elopement

Saying no to the traditional wedding ceremony and wedding dress? Check out our favorite looks for an elopement or destination wedding below.

By Farah Prince

PHOTO BY LEFT: MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO; CENTER: MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO

In the past, elopements conjured images of impulsive romances and couples running off to marry in secret—but that's changed over the years. Whether you're foregoing tradition to save a few bucks or to save yourself the stress of planning a bigger affair, more couples are taking this less formal route to matrimony. But doing away with a lavish ceremony doesn't mean you can't still have the perfect wedding look! Using Fall 2016 Bridal Fashion Week as our inspiration, we picked 15 alternatives to the big white dress, just begging to be worn in a cool courthouse ceremony or destination wedding.
1. Laser-Cut Floral Wedding Dress

PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO

An intimate daytime wedding calls for easy fabrics and silhouettes, like this Amsale tea-length dress. With its sheer, cutout lace and casual length, we think this pretty frock would make a seamless transition from ceremony to outdoor reception.
2. Asymmetrical Strapless Wedding Jumpsuit

PHOTO BY KURT WILBERDING

A white or ivory jumpsuit can make you feel like an elegant bride without the formalities of an actual wedding dress. Angel Sanchez's strapless jumpsuit is all modern sophistication, with an asymmetrical neckline, structured pleating and laser-cut flower details.
3. Tea-Length Wedding Ball Gown

PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO

If you aren't having a traditional ceremony but you love the classic look of a ball gown wedding dress, here's the perfect compromise! This Dennis Basso dress has all the volume of a ball gown but its tea-length cut keeps it from feeling too formal.
4. Slip Wedding Dress With Floral Cape

PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO

Opting out of wearing a full-on wedding gown doesn't mean you can't have that showstopping moment. This Hayley Paige slip wedding dress with floral net cape overlay is totally awe inducing.
5. Wedding Dress Separates With Faux Fur Jacket

PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO

Ivory and lace may not scream "edgy bride," but this uber-chic Houghton outfit will change your mind. The laser-cut top and mini skirt, paired with a boxy faux fur jacket, give us major rock 'n' roll vibes.
6. Low-Cut Beaded Wedding Dress

PHOTO BY KURT WILBERDING

Your elopement can still have a glamorous, black-tie feel with a sleek and sexy beaded ivory and silver number. With a deep V-neck front and open back, this Inbal Dror wedding dress can always been worn again as an elegant New Year's Eve outfit.
7. Cashmere Sweater Wedding Dress

This Ivy & Aster cashmere sweater tank dress has us wishing for a winter-white elopement wedding. The ultra-luxe fabric, paired with a delicate beaded caplet, makes for a look that's truly stunning in its simplicity. The best part? You can toss it in your luggage without worrying about crinkling a fussier fabric like chiffon.
8. Silk Wedding Playsuit

A playsuit may not be your first thought when considering your wedding attire, but it would be right at home at a laid-back beach wedding. Whether you wear it to your causal nuptials or your bachelorette party, you'll probably want to sport Tara LaTour's spaghetti-strap romper again and again.
9. Wedding Dress With Illusion Neckline

This tea-length Liancarlo wedding dress mixes subtle details, like laser-cut leaves and an illusion neckline, with a feminine silhouette for a dress that feels classic but low key enough for a courthouse wedding.
10. Fringe Mini Wedding Dress

PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO

With its fun fringe detailing and shorter cut, this Naeem Khan wedding dress is made for a bride that plans to dance the night away—even if it is at a smaller fete!
11. Sweater and Skirt Wedding Separates

PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO

As far as wedding separates go, you can't get more sophisticated than a sweater and skirt combo (as proven by the forever-stylish Olivia Palermo at her own wedding). The intricate beading along the shoulder of this Jenny Yoo sweater gives the outfit just the right amount of sparkle.
12. Cap-Sleeve Sheath Wedding Dress

PHOTO BY KURT WILBERDING

A simple cap-sleeve sheath dress, like this figure-flattering wedding dress from Pronoviasis a testament to the saying "less is more." Another plus: This minimalist sheath will work in any setting.
13. Floral-Print Wedding Dress

An elopement is the perfect opportunity to show a little personality. Pair this floralRomona Keveza dress with neutral accessories to keep all eyes on the gorgeous print.
14. Collared Wedding Dress

PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO

This Sarah Seven sleeveless collared dress is about as casual (and chic!) as you can get. Pair it with sneakers and loose curls for a no-fuss bridal look.
15. Ivory Halter Wedding Jumpsuit

PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO

We're envisioning a chic courthouse ceremony with this Theia, 1920s-inspired, ivory, halter-neck jumpsuit. Finger waves and a bold red lip are optional, but highly recommended.

Want more wedding dress inspo? Check out all the Bridal Fashion Week galleries, plus wedding dress advice and more, at TheKnot.com/frontrow.