You have the elopement date set, the rings are ready, the photographer is booked, there is just one thing left to decide: What to wear. Deciding to elope is already different from a traditional wedding day, so your outfit should reflect that!
When it comes to what to wear to your NYC elopement, this is the time to have FUN! The beauty of an elopement is that none of the traditional wedding rules apply. Most of the couples I work with as an elopement photographer decide to elope because they don’t want a big wedding filled with guests and expectations. This usually extends to their wedding day looks as well. There’s no pressure to have a big ballgown or wear super gendered things. This is your opportunity to choose outfits that make you feel your best.
After photographing a great deal of NYC City Hall elopements, I do have a few tips on what to wear to your NYC elopement to make sure you feel and look your best and make sure that shines through in your photos. Let’s dive in!
Your NYC Elopement Outfit Does Not Have To Be Traditional
The best part about an NYC elopement? You can kiss traditional wedding rules goodbye!
This is the perfect opportunity to have a bit of fun and wear something that makes you feel the most like you.
For example, if you love daring outfits, this is the perfect occasion to wear the bright, bold outfit you have been secretly dreaming of. One wedding that has always stuck with me was the one where both brides wore the same shade of fuchsia—one in a dress and one in a velvet suit. The look was playful, bold, and completely unforgettable.
Maybe you want a fun twist on a more traditional look? Consider trying a mini dress, a suit, or a tunic and pants instead of a traditional dress. Perhaps even something super colorful, structured, or textured.
Where to find the perfect NYC Elopement Outfit
I highly recommend making shopping for your elopement outfit just as fun as the elopement itself! Whether you are going for traditional, vintage, or something that just feels uniquely you, I have a few recommendations!
If you’re searching for a City Hall outfit that feels unique, these are some designers I love:
Romantic and fashion-forward designers:
Gender-inclusive and unconventional designers:
Vintage finds are also so much fun to incorporate into elopements because they’re one-of-a-kind pieces. Eloping in NYC feels classic and timeless. I love photographing vintage pieces from another era. The juxtaposition of vintage against the modern look of the city (like the subway) creates such incredible photos.
One bride found a vintage dress for just ten dollars at a thrift shop in New Jersey that almost fit her. The way she described it on our video call, I thought it might not look quite right because of the condition it was in, but she’d seen the vision. She had it tailored by they incredibly talented Ann Hamilton, and it looked like it was made for her!
A few vintage shops I love:
Vintage Shops:
Tips For Choosing What to Wear For Your NYC City Hall Elopement
Wear clothes you can move in
A few things I’ve learned from shooting elopements all over this city: comfort really is key. Trust me. You definitely don’t want anything dragging on the ground, like a long gown or cathedral-length veil. The NYC streets are dirty even on the best days, and if it rains, everything gets soaked immediately.
For shoes, ideally you’ll wear one pair the whole time. I know, I know, it can be tempting to wear a cute pair “for photos” and bring a comfy pair to change into for moving between locations. However, those in-between moments while walking from place to place are sometimes the best shots. Also, having to stop to change shoes every twenty minutes can really mess with the natural flow of the day and eat up a bit of time.
If you are opting for a vintage look, keep in mind that a lot of older clothing is made from less forgiving fabrics. Think: no stretch, and heavier or delicate fabrics, so make sure you can move around, walk, and raise your arms before choosing your final look.
Lean into the time of year you’re getting married
New York City has such beautiful and distinct seasons; embrace them! Think about a sweet floral mini dress for spring or a lace long sleeve with a funky coat for winter. Perfect!
A strapless dress in January may look stunning while photographing inside, but having to constantly take your coat on and off while we are exploring the city is much less fun and can also interrupt the flow of photos. Also, remember that if there is any chance of rain, you will absolutely not want anything on the ground!
Planning your outfit by season will help make you look and feel so much more comfortable during your photo session.
Thinking about the weather can also inspire your NYC elopement outfit. During one of my favorite winter elopements, the groom in a pink suit, and the bride’s bouquet was all shades of pink. This was a winter elopement, so the colors really popped against the gray weather.
Remember, this is a time to wear something FUN!
Whether this is your only wedding celebration or part of your civil ceremony to get the paperwork done before a big party or destination wedding, what you wear is still so important. If you’re having fun putting together an outfit and wearing something you are genuinely excited about, it’s going to photograph so beautifully.
One of my favorite memories as a photographer was when I had two brides who were undecided on what to wear until the night before. They both ended up in suits, one neon green and the other a feather-print black/white look. On paper, it sounded like they might clash. However, they looked amazing, and their photographs – the colors and textures were perfect for the joy and excitement of the day!
At the end of the day, the best NYC elopement outfits are not the ones that are the most traditional; they are the ones that are the most uniquely you. If you’re genuinely excited about what you’re wearing, it comes through in every photo. Whatever you decide to wear, make sure it’s something that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to celebrate this new chapter together.
If you’re planning a NYC City Hall elopement and looking for a photographer to help you capture those memories, I would love to be a part of your story! Get in touch; I can’t wait to hear what you are dreaming up and, of course, what you’re going to wear!