NYC Elopement Style Guide
A guide to looking iconic on your elopement day.
This style guide is for you if you want to get married in a tulle explosion in DUMBO, a custom velvet suit in Central Park, or a secondhand lace mini on the steps of the MET. Whatever your style — romantic, goth, minimal, queer, playful — this guide is stacked with indie designers, inclusive brands, and outfit tips that make your elopement feel like freedom.
Your vibe is probably not “say yes to the dress” This is Eloping Is Fun — the place where couples come to break the mold, ditch the pressure, and look damn good doing it.
We’re spotlighting designers who actually care: small brands, queer-owned businesses, plus-size creators, and labels that were born in Brooklyn apartments or fueled by folklore. Because if you’re going to elope in the most iconic city in the world, your outfit should match the energy.
Why Your Elopement Look Matters More Than Ever
When you’re not spending tens of thousands on a traditional wedding, you get to put your resources where it really counts: like into a look that makes you feel electric.
An NYC elopement is spontaneous, intimate, and wildly personal. Your outfit should be too.
This is your chance to wear something you’ve always dreamed about, but maybe didn’t think you could “pull off.” Spoiler: You can. We promise.
Our Favorite Wedding Designers for Eloping in NYC
Betsy Johnson
Known for playful, punk-influenced designs and plenty of sparkle, Betsy Johnson is for the bride who wants to party from SoHo to the subway. Her looks are bold, affordable, and full of personality.
Explore Betsy Johnson
Grace Loves Lace
Australian-born, now US-based, Grace Loves Lace is synonymous with effortless boho luxury. Think flowing fabrics, unexpected silhouettes, and handmade gowns that are made to move.
Shop Grace Loves Lace
Madison Chamberlain Veils
This Philly-based, woman-owned brand specializes in non-traditional wedding dresses and accessories. Inclusive sizing, ethical production, and custom designs make it a standout for conscious brides.
Discover Madison Chamberlain
Pantora Bridal
A Brooklyn-based, Black-owned bridal label redefining elegance with body-hugging silhouettes and gowns made for all skin tones and sizes. Pantora is unapologetically bold and inclusive.
View Pantora Bridal
Odylyne The Ceremony
Based in LA, this designer offers ethereal, editorial-style gowns for dramatic entrances and cinematic exits. These are statement dresses for people who love high fashion with depth.
Explore Odylyne
Selkie
With puff sleeves, corsets, and fairytale silhouettes, Selkie creates clothing for dreamers. Their bridal collection includes sizes XXS to 6X, with styles that feel like folklore come to life.
Shop Selkie Bridal
LuvLuvDress on Etsy
This Ukraine-based shop crafts custom black wedding gowns that are dramatic, romantic, and perfect for moody elopements in the city.
Browse LuvLuvDress
Ulla Johnson
A New York City staple. While not traditionally bridal, Ulla’s “For the Bride” collection features elevated, fashion-forward pieces for the nontraditional dresser.
See Ulla’s Bridal Edit
Loeffler Randall
Brooklyn-born and women-owned, this label offers everything from pleated heels to silk gowns. Distinctive and versatile, their pieces are made in small batches with thoughtful detail.
Shop Loeffler Randall
Men’s Style
Gone are the days when men were stuck with one black tux option. Whether you’re looking for a sharp suit, something colorful, or a totally unexpected twist, these designers bring style and individuality to the table.
Indochino
Made-to-measure suits with customizable features, fabrics, and linings. Great for grooms, nonbinary folks, or anyone who wants something structured and intentional.
Visit Indochino
Bindle & Keep
Brooklyn-based and queer-owned, this brand specializes in custom suiting for all genders and body types. Featured in HBO’s Suited, they’re redefining what menswear means.
Explore Bindle & Keep
Sharpe Suiting
Gender-neutral formalwear that skips gender norms entirely. Their motto: “Wear what fits you.” Custom options for masculine-of-center, trans, and nonbinary bodies.
Visit Sharpe Suiting
Scotch & Soda
A high-style option for statement pieces — great for accessories, jackets, or full lewks with a little European flair.
Shop Scotch & Soda
ASOS
The men’s occasionwear section is full of velvet blazers, printed suits, and fashion-forward pieces — and it’s budget-friendly, too.
Explore ASOS Men
Queer-Owned and Gender-Inclusive Brands
Wildfang
A trailblazer in gender-neutral fashion, Wildfang offers everything from suiting to styling ideas — made for tomboys, femmes, and everyone in between.
Explore Wildfang
TomboyX
Start with what’s underneath. TomboyX makes underwear and basics for all bodies and all gender expressions.
Shop TomboyX
Kirrin Finch
Creating button-downs, vests, and tailored suits for female and nonbinary bodies — no awkward gaping, no weird fits, just sharp style that feels right.
Visit Kirrin Finch
Stuzo Clothing
A gender-free fashion house based in Los Angeles. Loud, expressive, and proud.
See Stuzo Styles
Shoes, Accessories, and Final Touches
- Loeffler Randall (yes, again!) makes shoes so beautiful you’ll want to wear them every anniversary forever.
- Veils from Madison Chamberlain are a fan fave, but if you’re more into vintage, we love scouring Etsy or Depop for one-of-a-kind tulle treasures.
- Corsets and veils from Selkie if you want to feel like a fairytale villainess (in a good way).
- Jewelry? Go thrift it, babe. Or support indie shops like Catbird NYC for sweet sparkle with serious NYC glam-girl energy.
Into Thrifting? Try These
We love a sustainable queen. TikTok recently introduced us to BrideHack, a secondhand bridal treasure trove that caters to eco-conscious brides looking for pre-loved gowns. It’s got vintage gems, designer deals, and a killer community vibe.
Also worth a scroll:
- Poshmark – for affordable designer finds
- Stillwhite – resale platform for high-end gowns
- Facebook Marketplace – chaotic but occasionally magic
Shop by Aesthetic
Romantic: Selkie, Grace Loves Lace, Loeffler Randall
City Chic: Ulla Johnson, Indochino, minimal jumpsuits from ASOS
Goth or Alternative: LuvLuvDress, Pantora Bridal, Odylyne
Playful and Colorful: Betsy Johnson, Wildfang, Stuzo
NYC Elopement Style by Season
What to wear when the city’s mood (and weather) changes every three blocks.
One of the best things about eloping in NYC is that it’s always in season… literally. Whether you’re saying your vows under cherry blossoms, fall leaves, summer sunsets, or flurries of snow, there’s no wrong time to get married in the city. That’s why your outfit needs to work with the weather, not against it.
Here’s how to style your elopement look so you feel comfortable, confident, and camera-ready no matter what the forecast says.
Spring: Soft Layers & Wildcard Weather
New York in the spring is unpredictable, but in the best way. You might get blue skies and blossoms, or light rain and brisk wind. The key is layering.
What to wear:
- Tulle skirts with cropped jackets or structured blazers
- Lightweight suits with floral prints or pastels
- Dresses with sleeves (or a shawl you’ll actually want to keep on)
- Romantic textures like chiffon, silk organza, or lace
- Closed-toe shoes or boots in case it’s muddy
Pro tips:
Pack a chic umbrella! It may double as a prop and your best accessory. Go for blush tones, lilac, light blue, or ivory — colors that echo Central Park in bloom. And yes, trench coats over wedding dresses are not only allowed… they’re iconic.
Summer: Minimal Layers, Maximum Impact
Summer elopements in NYC are sweaty, sticky, and stunning — as long as you dress smart. The subway might feel like a sauna, but the rooftops? Pure magic.
What to wear:
- Linen suits or matching sets
- Lightweight midi dresses, silk slips, or mesh minis
- Rompers and jumpsuits in breathable fabrics
- Statement veils or accessories instead of heavy gowns
- Sandals, sneakers, or low-block heels
What to avoid:
- Silk (unless you want pit stains in your photos)
- Anything too tight or hard to move in
Pro tips:
Updos and dewy makeup are your best friends. And remember: NYC loves bold color in the summer. Hot pinks, citrus tones, and vibrant blues all pop on camera and look amazing against the city’s concrete and brick.
Fall: Rich Colors, Boots, and Layered Looks
Fall might just be NYC’s most romantic season. The leaves in Central Park are showing off, the air is crisp, and everyone looks 25% more stylish. 😂
What to wear:
- Velvet gowns, jewel-toned suits, or brocade fabrics
- Long-sleeved dresses, midi skirts with tall boots
- Wool coats, leather jackets, or structured capes
- Rust, burgundy, navy, hunter green, or burnt orange palettes
Pro tips:
This is the season to go full editorial. Play with textures. Layer a floor-length veil over a leather jacket. Swap out stilettos for boots with some bite. The light is golden, the city is glowing. Lean into the drama.
Winter: Bold Layers & Snow Queen Energy
Winter elopements are cold, yes, but they’re also wildly romantic. Snowy cobblestone streets and candlelit restaurants make for dreamy photos if you bundle up right.
What to wear:
- Vintage fur coats, floor-length capes, or cozy cashmere wraps
- Long-sleeve gowns in heavier fabrics like velvet or satin
- Tights, thermals, or fleece-lined leggings (under your look — no one will see!)
- Statement boots or winterized platforms
Accessories that matter:
- Gloves, earmuffs, hand warmers (yes, you can make them cute)
- Bold lipstick or shimmer to stand out against grey skies
Pro tips:
Choose outerwear you actually want to be photographed in. A glamorous coat can be just as memorable as your outfit underneath. And if you’re doing photos before or after the ceremony, plan a warm-up break — maybe even with spiked cider or a cozy bar stop.
Day-Of Style Checklist
- Your full outfit, shoes, and backups
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Weather-appropriate outerwear
- Makeup touch-up kit or travel size essentials
- Hair pins, veil clips, or headpieces
- Jewelry and accessories
- Vows if handwritten
- Fashion tape and safety pins
- Water and snacks
- Umbrella or parasol
- Sunglasses (you’ll feel like a celeb)
Final Tips for Choosing Your Elopement Look
Forget what you’ve been told about what a wedding outfit “should” be.
Ask yourself:
- What do I feel powerful in?
- What do I feel hot in?
- What outfit makes me feel most like me?
- What do I want to remember when I look back at photos in 20 years?
You don’t have to wear white.
You don’t have to wear a dress.
In fact… You don’t have to wear anything that makes you feel like you’re performing a role.
Wear something that makes you want to dance down the sidewalk.
That’s what an NYC elopement is all about.
We’re just here to help you feel seen, celebrated, and ridiculously cute along the way.
Need help choosing a location or outfit?
Take our NYC Elopement Quiz to find your perfect spot, or reach out and we’ll help you build a look that feels iconic!
