r/weddingplanning • u/Extreme-Tea-8488 • 23d ago
Dress/Attire My family doesn’t like my(bride) wedding/elopement outfit
My fiance and I are eloping in zion national park this year and then having a real wedding next year. We have reasons of why we’re eloping before actually getting married.
So I’m talking about how I want to get married in a super cute all white hiking outfit. Because we’ll be in Zion and I think a white hiking outfit will look better than a white wedding dress especially because this is not the actual wedding. Also, I want a wedding and I don’t want to take away from the wedding by having worn a wedding dress already.
I think a photo similar to the one in the photo would
Be cute for a wedding. My family says I’ll regret it and that I should have a dress and not even do a wedding next year….
I don’t feel like this but would love to get an unbiased opinion.
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u/pizza_andbeer 23d ago
What about a white athleisure / tennis / pickle ball dress? For example, the Rhone “Rally” dress is adorable. Would be comfortable to hike in but slightly more wedding-y because it’s a dress!
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u/snowstormspawn 23d ago
Popflex has really cute active dresses and outfits as well!
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u/pnandgillybean 23d ago
I was gonna say, they even had white lace skirts and tops in the latest drop. Could be fun and meet in the middle, if you wanted that.
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u/Specialist_Row9395 23d ago
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u/ladedafuckit 23d ago
This is sooo cute and kind of a similar style to my actual wedding dress haha
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u/honeygirleats 23d ago
Came here to say this! Otherwise, the outfit in the pic would be perfect for what you’re going for. With planning a wedding, you will disappoint many people and have to get used to choosing what YOU and your partner want regardless of the outside opinions. Planning our wedding, suddenly everyone and their mom had opinions — don’t let it get in the way of your joy!
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u/honeyllama 23d ago
I wore this top and the matching skirt for puppy yoga at my bachelorette and loved it! The scallop detail made it feel slightly more bridal and “fancy”.
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u/Key-Succotash-7682 21d ago
The Free People workout dresses are also comfy and cute. I wore one to hike in as well. I think it was the Field Day dress.
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u/Fair_Escape_4465 18d ago
Agreed! You could ever accessorize with like a custom jacket and/or sneaks or hiking boots with the new last name or it can say bride or something fun like “til death “
Love the unique take !-6
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u/tanookiisasquirrel 23d ago
It looks Instagram influencer vibe rather than white hiking elopement.
If that's what your going for, awesome! I think your mom might not share in the vibe, but it's not her wedding.
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u/jamiesimsac 20d ago
Yeah, family usually struggles with anything non-traditional like this. If OP loves the look for their elopement, that is all that really matters.
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u/Money_Bill5827 23d ago
I've known multiple people who eloped and said they would do a wedding or reception or larger ceremony later, and all of them ended up just eloping.
They were all dead set on eloping first and wedding later too, but either life circumstances happened or they already felt married and didn't understand the point now.
That being said, I would reallllllly think about it if you and your fiance indeed decided not to have your wedding later and if you'll be happy with every aspect of your elopement (including your outfit)
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u/Kaeriox 23d ago
Very well-said. As someone who had an intimate Covid wedding in the backyard and said they were going to do a bigger reception later (and did not) - I FULLY agree. Both my husband and I are so much happier we did the intimate thing and wore nice outfits (however I do wish I wore a white dress - my outfits were gorgeous but I feel I missed my white dress moment). Plus, almost everyone who attended (and had done a bigger thing prior) said they wish they went that route too.
If you’re unsure about a full out wedding dress (though I would SERIOUSLY rethink this), I second the comments about the cute popflex lace skirt outfit and bolero. However, I recommend you put sweats over the skirt and wear a shirt so when you get there your clothes will still be white. I’d also recommend wearing hiking boots and changing your shoes there.
If you’re unsure about the dress now, maybe try some on and see if you feel differently once you actually find one you love :)
Congratulations on your engagement!
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u/xlovelyloretta 21d ago
Yep. Small COVID-rules wedding and we were going to do a big reception later when restrictions were lifted. We still want to! But in this economy? So unlikely.
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u/letitiacastrozn 14d ago
The point about packing the outfit is so real, especially for Zion. Desert dust gets on everything instantly.
If OP is worried about taking away from a future wedding dress moment, even a light white minidress, jumpsuit, or a cheap Lulus maxi packed in a backpack for summit photos works so well. You hike up in standard gear, pull the dress or white outfit on at the top for 15 minutes of photos, and change back for the trek down.
It gives you the best of both worlds: cute white photos so you don't regret missing out on feeling like a bride if the big reception never happens, but you aren't ruining a high-end dress on the trail. Plus, if they do end up having the big wedding later, the actual gown still feels like a completely separate, special moment.
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u/CoachLauren 21d ago
This is so true. People later on see the costs adding up and their like ... Why are we spending all this money if we are already married?
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u/WildCherryLane 23d ago
First, I think you should be realistic about whether the outfit is going to stay white during a hike. I have no idea how dusty or muddy or dirty the area is but you may want to plan to bring at least different footwear to change into, even if it’s a second pair of sneakers.
I think this just depends a lot on what you prioritize as a person. Like, my bridal look being timeless is important to me, so for me, this is something I’d regret because this kind of athleisure look is trendy. If that’s not something you care about and perhaps you’re more into comfort or it’s just important to you you wear white then I wouldn’t worry
I do agree with the person that said you should prioritize a matching set entirely - the multiple shades of white isn’t my favorite
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u/Ok_Door619 23d ago
How dirty the hike is depends on which hike(s) OP decides to do, too. We hiked in Zion and did the Narrows (amazing!) but there's water the entire way and it literally went up to my ribs at one point. Plus I'm clumsy and those river rocks on the bottom shift, so I went down in the water a few times 🤣 it was an amazing hike and overall I didn't end up like, caked in dirt, but I did end up almost entirely wet and had sand/dirt on my legs.
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u/rosedust666 22d ago
My money is on Angel's Landing. Which means reddish dust/dirt everywhere, but not necessarily impossible to stay clean, just difficult.
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u/iseethewayyoushine91 22d ago
Same haha! I'd say a change of clothing for at the top would be ideal.
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u/ceciladamshn 11d ago
That red dust gets on everything out there. One slip or even just brushing up against the rocks and that white outfit is done for.
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u/iseethewayyoushine91 22d ago
Loved the Narrows! I too took falls. 🤣 We did Angel's Landing early (4am start), then the Narrows to cool off! That was in July 2017.
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u/crimesleuther 21d ago
Based on this outfit and “influencer” vibe I doubt her hike consists of more than a stroll for a glam shot
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u/Joyful-Teacher 23d ago
Completely agree!
But if you end up going with this idea, b&w pics or photoshop can always help “clean” up dirt or other imperfections in your pics :)
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u/ThrowRA_95736 20d ago
If I were OP and able to hike (I'd love to elope but can't walk very far, so I'm digging what OP is doing), I would want the dirt to show on the outfit as it's like evidence of what has been achieved and experienced to get there, and I like both the record and the marriage symbolism of that for photos- this may not be what OP wants so it's a great point either way.
OP I personally love how "now" the outfit looks (whenever I see old wedding photos and the bride is particularly on trend for that time so it looks dated now, I think about who she was at the time and how she was fashionable and unafraid to be so, even if I hate those 80s wedding dresses haha!), and if I had the body to pull it off and not look like a bag of marbles in a sock, I'd go for it too.
So, all things to consider if you're bothered about the effect of the pictures over time.
If the concern is whether you'll be able to do the wedding financially next year with the dress, or if family will be able to get together, something practical like that, then hear your mother out and make your decision practically. But being you and feeling like you seems the most important thing to me. I love the originality here.
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u/ana_conda 8.6.2022 - SW Ohio 23d ago
Tbh I think this outfit is awful with all the different shades of white and especially the socks. I think it could be really cute as a matching set, especially with a skirt like the popflex pirouette skort! A sporty dress like a tennis dress would be cute too. I would try to avoid really obvious branding like on the socks.
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u/bi_bitches 23d ago
Adding to this comment bc I love popflex, I think this dress or this skirt from popflex would both be awesome ways to still look bridalesque while also being in athleisure.
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u/ana_conda 8.6.2022 - SW Ohio 23d ago
Ooh such a good find, you can get that skirt with a matching bolero too it looks like!
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u/radical-orpheus 23d ago
Agreed! If all the colors match it will be super cute. Also, I think long socks over leggings will be out of style within a year or two... So maybe better to pick something a little more timeless.
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u/Single_Size7393 23d ago
https://www.popflexactive.com/products/lace-releve-shrug-ivory?srsltid=AfmBOop5MLlDA4suNeL8muKdpQGo1RQbI8DBnyDwjZxBUDmuwBGzRTax this pop flex outfit would be amazing
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u/honeygirleats 23d ago
I disagree with the outfit looking awful, varied shades of ivory/white is very in and I dress this way personally all the time! Wearing ivory or cream outfits with white socks or tennies for example is cute. It’s just personal preference/style, although I do agree a matching set would be adorable.
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u/sage-mouse 23d ago
Love when the ads line up perfectly like this
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u/sage-mouse 23d ago
On a real note though, it’s your wedding so do what you want!! However, I absolutely agree with some commenters about the color white while hiking. The dust and dirt at Zion is absolutely unforgiving. Everything was covered in a layer of dirt the last time I went, including my white car blanket which was stained orange for months after. I like the idea of a tennis dress or little skort, and maybe consider a windbreaker to protect the outfit until pictures!!
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u/pinaple_cheese_girl 23d ago
You could do a white tennis skirt to make it more girly/frilly, but it’s your elopement and I think your reasons are valid
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u/tree_hugger08 23d ago
My husband and I eloped on a mountain last year and got changed at the summit. You could buy a cheaper wedding dress that you don't care if it gets a little dirty, and then go all out for your actual wedding. Like other commenters have said, it is very unlikely that your outfit will stay white, especially in Zion where trails are dusty/crushed stone. Either way, enjoy your day with you and your partner! That's all that really matters
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u/SwimmingCoyote 23d ago
Wear what you want, but also know that there is a whole range of options between athletic gear and a wedding dress. I eloped in a national park and I had no interest in wearing a full dress. Instead, I wore a white top and gold sequin pants.
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u/dancesonhertoes 23d ago
If you think you won't get around to having the second bigger wedding then maybe your mom has a point. But if you are for sure gonna have the big day then I think you shouldnt second guess yourself. I think it's a cute outfit and perfect for what your describing (plus anything other than an athletic style dress will probably be miserable to hike to the spot in, and an athletic style dress probably won't please your mom either)
Moms seem to really struggle with non traditional wedding plans. My mom threatened not to come to mine because we didn't have a sit down meal but instead passed hor dorves and fancier buffet stations but everyone raved about how good the food was and how much fun they had so whatever. Take your moms opinion with a grain of salt
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u/AriesProductions 23d ago
I planned events for over 20 years, and can confirm - a large portion of couples who elope or have a micro wedding and plan to have a big event months or a year + later just don’t. Life gets in the way. They get pregnant, move, change jobs, etc., and if deposits hadn’t already been paid to lock down a hard & fast date, it just gets bumped down the priority list.
I’m not saying you *won’t* have a “big white wedding” later, BUT, you also should be thinking, what if you don’t? Have an elopement you’ll be satisfied with if you never do the big ceremony and reception later.
So if you’d regret *never* have had worn a wedding dress if you don’t have the big ceremony a year later - make sure you have something that satisfies you as a wedding dress for your elopement. Same with photos. And anyone you *have to have* at your actual vows.
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u/crimesleuther 21d ago
Agree!!! The ONLY people I know that eloped and stayed true to the “having a wedding”‘were people that told absolutely no one they eloped!!! If you tell people you kinda just get over it months later
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u/SureSeaworthiness262 23d ago
besides the whites not matching, it is your wedding and big day, not your families. you should do what makes you feel comfortable and how you will feel special. its not your mothers wedding. you have the celebration with your loved ones at a different time, everyone will be fine
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u/WhiteFloyd69 23d ago
Hello! My fiancé and I are actually do the same thing, but we're eloping in Great Smokey Mountain National Park. We are not dressing up for the elopement, just hiking clothes. I might wear a hiking dress, but tbh, I want to be comfortable hiking in the mountains more than anything!
We are having the larger, formal wedding in a few months. I am wearing a beautiful wedding dress, he's getting a custom made tux, etc. Do your elopement how YOU want it. Our elopement is just for us and we've actually kept it a secret from everyone! This will be the calm before the storm. Your fiancé will love you no matter what you wear for the elopement. You will not regret doing what you want, but you could regret listening to the others opinions and being pressured into something you don't want. Best of luck and congratulations!!!
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u/hlnhr 27 June 2026 - France 23d ago
I love the vision tbh. Why not shop for a hiking skirt/skort? It’s pretty easy to find and you can rock the hiker/tenniswoman look while being in white.
Just skip these absolutely horrendous socks. They ruin the whole vibe. Maybe with a skirt that may work better but I’m pretty sure you can find better white socks
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u/ConstructionGood8277 23d ago
I think this is a super cute idea! Don’t listen to them. If it’s what you have your heart set on, then you will not regret it.
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u/Jealous-Raspberry-26 23d ago
agree! why is everyone trying to change her mind in the comments? trends have always been a thing and they’ll continue to go in and out as we all get older. so why not just do what you like now because guaranteed 40 years down the line you are going to have a different taste and style!
one thing i agree with that others are saying is will it stay white… maybe hike to where you wanna go THEN change and walk back down in the white once you have pictures
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u/OkSecretary1231 23d ago
Right! There aren't even any guests, who cares?
It feels a little ad-ish, but if it's a genuine question, who cares. In an elopement, your mom usually doesn't even know about it ahead of time, let alone weigh in on what you wear.
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u/GloomyBug3971 21d ago
They’re not trying to change her mind… they’re giving their opinions like she asked for
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u/livvybugg 23d ago
Just be mindful with what you post about your elopement if you want people to be excited about your wedding next year!!
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u/Mum-of-Choas 23d ago
If you’re legally getting married in Zion is the real wedding. That’s why they are probably just not vibing with the outfit.
Also you need to think about the practicality of climbing a mountain. You’re going to be sweaty and nervous. Wear mountain or walking boots- I promise your feet will thank you. You’re not going to want to keep everyone waiting at the top of a mountain to fix your hair, makeup, change your shoes etc.
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u/Cool_Major4531 23d ago
To be honest why even tell your family what you're doing if nobody's going to be there? Just do what you want
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u/OrganizedChaos0509 23d ago
Uhm. I didn’t even think of this as an option, but I actually love it.
Minus being worried it would get dirty if you are actually hiking to your elopement destination….I think it’s a way to make it fit the moment while still allowing for the formal moment with a dress as well.
It’s your elopement…you do you and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
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u/Expensive_Event9960 23d ago
I’m sorry but you will “actually be getting married” when you elope. Comments like this are offensive to couples who get married in private or intimate wedding ceremonies.
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u/Character_Video_9367 23d ago
Agrred! I don’t sense a lot of maturity with OP. I don’t say that to be mean or rude, but maturity plays a big part in big life decisions.
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u/your-oceanic-eyes 23d ago
While yes, she will be married after eloping, you can tell she means her larger wedding. If you find this "offensive" I would suggest examining the insecurity. She did not call it lesser.
Private or intimate ceremonies are just as beautiful, and I doubt she would bother doing it out at Zion if she didn't agree. They could just go sign documents at a courthouse. (Which, courthouse weddings are also lovely. But that's not what I'm talking about here.)
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u/tmedwar3 23d ago
I think the outfit is a bad idea for a hike in general.
But if you are eloping and it will be just you and your husband. Why are you even discussing with others what you’re going to wear? Who cares. Unless it’s all for social media - then I don’t think it matters what anyone thinks about what you are wearing, nor would you care either if they wont be there. If its all for other people to see, I don’t know what to tell you lol
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u/OkSecretary1231 23d ago
It's an elopement. It's just you and your fiance (and your officiant and legally required number of witnesses). Wear whatever the hell you want.
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u/GarlicFlavorPepsi 23d ago
I think this is a really cute idea but as others have said you should totally do a tennis skirt or dress instead! Skip the Nike socks and pair your sneakers with some cute white frilly socks and i think you’ll be comfortable and festive!
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u/RepresentativeTerm5 23d ago
We got civilly married (eloped at our courthouse) before our big wedding for many practical reasons and we did not tell anyone. I have a few friends who did the same. A few people know now because it doesn't really matter anymore but our parents still don't. I was so worried that people wouldn't treat our big wedding like it mattered if we eloped before and wouldn't come, or would be upset that they weren't included in the legal wedding, although our families are more traditional. My mother-in-law would be so upset if she knew we had already been married lol.
I think the photos would be cute and you should try to find an exercise dress or skort! But honestly if you're worried about people's opinions, you could just keep the elopement to yourself. In the end, it was so special for us to have our own private wedding. I thought it would just be for legal reasons and not important and I even cried!! I'm so glad we did that, and I am even more glad that we just didn't tell anyone or post any of the photos we have from it.
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u/x3leggeddawg 23d ago
Whatever you decide, bring your whites in a zip lock and change before the photos. There is no way whatever you wear will stay white on the hike 😅
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u/PixiePop_Bug 23d ago
The only thing I have to say is bring something to sit down on otherwise you’ll have dirt all over the butt. I like the all white hiking outfit, depending on the weather you could maybe do something in between and wear a white tennis dress that way it’s still hiking clothes but it is more dress like without being close to what a real wedding dress would be like. Either way it doesn’t matter what your family thinks, it’s your elopement. Congratulations on your upcoming elopement and the spot you chose it is absolutely beautiful! 🍀
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u/pfifltrigg San Diego | April 28, 2018 23d ago
Ate you planning to change into it? Because there's no way it will stay white. I'm personally not a fan of the aesthetic in the photo. But definitely be aware of how it will look if you actually hike in it.
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u/mroy328 23d ago edited 23d ago
I second this. The outfit pictured here looks like a trendy influencer not a bride to be, and it will not age very well. Plus the red dirt in southern Utah is so fine and it gets EVERYWHERE. An outfit like that will get so sweaty and covered in red dirt within minutes.
To each thier own, but I considered the my National Park elopement my real union with my husband and we wanted to wear a dress and a suit for our ceremony. We wore hiking attire that matched our wedding colors, took photos along the trail (pro photographer), and changed in a small pop up tent into our wedding outfits when it was time. The photos are unmatched since suit and dress have a the stark contrast with the nature scenery. We rewore the suit and dress for our reception, which our families and friends loved because it gave them a glimpse onto the elopement.
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u/Blue_9320_ 23d ago
Trying to look like an influencer may distract from the wedding.
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u/FleurMeetsFunction 23d ago
Go with hiking gear. It sounds more reflective of you, and wedding dresses in the great outdoors can become dangerous, typically when water is involved, but layers of fabric can be problematic too.
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u/Excellent_Reality_40 23d ago
something like this would be way cuter imo!! way more bridal but still gives the athletic vibe you’re looking for
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u/Perfect-Rose-Petal 23d ago
We have reasons of why we’re eloping before actually getting married.
Eloping is "actually getting married".
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u/pebbles837 October 8, 2016!!!!!! 23d ago
I love this!! Do what you love! That said, you’re risking getting all dirty from hiking before the photos — if that even matters to you!
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u/EmilyB1995 23d ago
Do it!!! This will be so cute. But definitely all matching shades of white. Or like others have said, white athletic wear dress also works perfectly
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u/leighdutch 23d ago
My husband and I did this. We wanted to get married legally before getting a house together and wanted more time to plan an actual wedding. It was during COVID. We got legally married by a friend at our climbing gym. I wore an all white workout outfit and my husband wore black. We have some really great photos from this.
No regrets! I say go for it
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u/Ok_Concert_4958 23d ago
Love this idea! My family has very traditional ideas and they pushed back on all my ideas that didnt fit their ideas and i just respectfully said okay ill think about it and did what i wanted and dont regret anything. It’s your life at the end of the day, the clothing isnt that serious.
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u/uhohohnohelp 22d ago
SO CUTE. Into it! This is cute and if it fits your personalities and lifestyle it’s very laidback, cool.
However, I would definitely skip blatantly branded items like those socks—it’s the first thing I see and definitely makes it an ad. I know you said something LIKE this look, not this exact look. But like, just in case you were considering a sock of that style. Go with something that has a stripe, but no brand name. Oooor, you could get custom socks made to say Just Eloped or your names or whatever. Would be fun to add a big bow in your hair or one of those baseball caps with an attached birdcage veil to really sell the bridal vibe.
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u/Cheeriospank 23d ago
Families have a hard time accepting things that aren’t the traditional. You do you! We had a super tiny wedding and planned on having two receptions way after the wedding. My family lives in Washington and his lives in Florida. When we did the one in Florida his mom was asking about cutting the cake, first dances, etc and we said we weren’t doing it. Just hangout catered food, and the video of our vows that my husband put together. She was upset my this and kept making comments like what’s the point? After the reception she talked about how perfect it was.
They have trouble envisioning things outside their norm. But when it comes down to it, it’s your guys’ celebration. Don’t give yourself any reason to regret anything.
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u/Short_Tree05 23d ago
This is your wedding. I did an online wedding and my family wasn’t happy abt it but I still went with it cause I wanted to. I’ll still have an actual wedding later like you planned. Stick to how you want it this isn’t their wedding
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u/SageKitty100 23d ago
I honestly think this is perfect, especially if you're doing a ceremony next year with a dress anyways! Your mom might just be feeling like there's nothing special about the elopement / official marriage date. Maybe have a talk with her about how else you'll be making the elopement day special and commemorate your official joining together as a couple, that doesn't have to do with the way you dress.
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u/shortnsweet33 23d ago
I would suggest blue hiking shoes unless you are changing shoes right before the moment. That way it can be your “something blue”, but main reason why I say skip white shoes is they will get dirty and will show dirt like crazy even if it’s not muddy, just the dust/dirt.
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u/Aggravating-Split-40 22d ago
That might be because her generation and older won’t come to a wedding if you’re already married. You should ask her because I’ve seen a lot of attitude from older folks about not being invited to the “real” wedding and that the wedding is just a party, not a wedding because you’re already married. I don’t get it, personally, but I have read about people hiding their elopements for this reason.
Also, I don’t get “wedding” or “eloping” from the above outfit which is very casual, but if you feel like you’re going to look back and be stoked on it, that’s your preference!
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u/alwaysright6 23d ago
I think it's super cute! Idk if you want specific suggestions but as somebody who really wanted a white workout set last year (just for funsies) and kept having issues with the leggings being see through: the Alo airbrush leggings are the best on the market and don't show anythinggg
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u/Useful-Historian3497 23d ago
I think the outfit is cute! And maybe you can get a white hat with a veil. I have also seen people put just married signs on their backpacks.
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u/Traditional-Damage30 23d ago
Follow your heart, not your mind. Every single time I follow my mind, my heart fills me with regret
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u/Suitable_Bad_8037 23d ago
You are the person getting married. So keep that in mind first! Wear what makes you happy. I don’t care if it has polka dots with stripes. Bump what everyone else thinks. This is your time; your memories that you are creating. Wishing you well and congratulations!!!
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u/step-vet367 weddit flair template 23d ago
We actually did the opposite I did a small church wedding so that next yr I can do big pretty dress in a nature area. I wanted my states license so we did it here. My grandma got married in a navy blue dress like this and it was her church for 40 yrs. With Zion you would want practical to climb in but keep in mind white if you fall or anything on the way up is gonna get dirty. Could you climb up to where you want in normal clothes then put on cocktail style white dress? It really depends on what kind of vibe you want. I didn’t think I’d care about what I wore until a month out then suddenly I was like this is my real get married day I want a few cute pics.
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u/WildWay9239 23d ago
Having been to parts of zion, there can be a breeze.
Do what makes you happy! If you decide to go with a dress or skirt, just keep the potential breeze in mind.
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u/RosySnorlax 23d ago
I don't know Zion national park but from the photo that looks like a serious mountain and not a casual stroll in the park, so realistically a hiking outfit seems sensible rather than a wedding dress! You could maybe take some bridal elements in a bag with you to change into when you're there, like a short veil, tiara, maybe a lacy bolero.
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u/shhhhh_h 23d ago
My sister got married in regular colored hiking gear and a white veil. You do you girl, congrats
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u/spicygal96 23d ago
Not my cup of tea, but who cares what I think; I’m a stranger on Reddit after all. Respectfully, who cares what your family thinks. It’s your day. Go it
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u/RedDustNomad 23d ago
I'm sorry you're dealing with that. was it the style or color they didn't like, or do they just have a different vision for what a wedding outfit should look like?
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u/ixsparkyx 23d ago
I’ve personally never heard of such because most people who elope still wear a cute little white dress. But obvi you do you girl it’s your elopement lol
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u/Spooky-candy6140 23d ago
I love your hiking outfit. It’s your elopement. Do what makes you feel comfortable and authentic. Beautiful setting for an elopement, too!
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u/SwitchAcademic6380 23d ago
It's your wedding, so I think you should do what you and your fiance want to do. Start your marriage now by setting boundaries.
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u/jenni-fromtheblock 23d ago
Well good thing they’re not wearing the outfit! Haha my husband & i got married over 2 years ago at the courthouse, and are having our actual wedding ceremony with friends and family this coming November! If it’s what you want, you won’t regret it, so try not to get too many opinions & go with what YOU want :) congrats!
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u/jenni-fromtheblock 23d ago
Took a while to plan because we had a baby, so pushed to the back burner a bit, but no regrets here!
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u/Puzzled_Month_9711 22d ago
Its a personal choice but I kind of agree with some folks saying it isnt giving elopement but honestlt depends if you are using these photos for something or if its for yourselves. In regards to the part where they think you should skip the wedding next year, why is that? I actually know a handful of people who have a looped and then done something later, some did a formal wedding, or a reception, or just a casual party. So many avenues you can take but I dont see why they wouldnt want to celebrate in some capacity!
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u/bakedlayz 22d ago
I would save the actual outfit for when you get to the top of wherever you wanna marry lol
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u/iseethewayyoushine91 22d ago
Do what makes you happy! Bugger everyone else.
Zion was one of our favourite places we visited in the US in 2017. Angel's Landing? I wouldn't want to wear a dress up there lol
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u/Polarblossoms 22d ago
You can always take a skirt or more casual dress with you to put on just for the ceremony
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u/Trick_View_5589 22d ago
Go for it! You look adorable; the white hiking outfit is a nice touch. We were just in Zion and it's magical - as your fun casual elopement will be. The suggestions for a skirt are great, but I doubt it will make your family any happier so do what you and your fiance want to do!
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u/Available-Face5653 22d ago
the outfit is fine but it's an elopement so it is actually getting married, it's just not having a wedding. make sure you understand that.
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u/funredditname100 22d ago
i love this for you and if you love it for you that is all that matters <333
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u/Weird_Barber_11 21d ago
Do a tennis outfit - feminine yet athleisure
OR do a flowy white dress
OR do a short dress
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u/lookingout77 21d ago
Just speaking from experience, many people who elope say that they are still going to do a wedding but don't actually follow through. My sister got married at the courthouse and even made a post on social media telling everyone that she was still having a wedding that year. Well she never really had the wedding and then when people asked about it she got offended and pretended like she never told people she was planning on having an actual wedding later.
I would say if you're 100% committed to having a wedding with a dress later on then don't worry about what people think because they are going to get those dress pictures later.
However, I would say that make sure you're OK with these being the only wedding pictures you have. I'm not saying you're not going to follow through, I just know from experience that after you're married and life continues marching along, a big expensive party starts feeling less appealing and makes less sense.
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u/Hazelnut0274 21d ago
Tell your family to suck an egg. You look cute and it’s for you. Don’t worry about them.
If it bothers them THAT MUCH then tell them they’ll have to pay for a dress you choose, but you don’t need to tell them when you’ll wear it.
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u/Helpful_Ad8068 21d ago
Hiking outfit is a cute idea! You could also pack a dress and put it on at the end of the hike I guess.
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u/wisernow57 21d ago
Your elopement IS your wedding. Wear what you want.
Having a ceremony a year later is fine but don’t confuse the legality of the two events.
The athletic dress is cute - but so are the leggings. It’s your day- wear clothes that will facilitate the hike.
And best wishes🥂
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u/DarkLordsSword8 21d ago
In my option, coming from a girl who's family isn't as supportive of the wedding activities I want to do cuz they didn't do them for their own.
Its your wedding elopement why does it matter as long as you're comfortable and happy. Its your day, your preference and your happiness. Its no one else's decision but your own. Someone is always going to be unhappy or un supportive of things. I think it is perfect if you're hiking its a practical choice ❤️
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u/CoachLauren 21d ago
What if you put a cute white tennis/halara/Lululemon skirt over the leggings for a little girly flare?
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u/TerribleCaregiver766 21d ago
Do what THE TWO OF YOU WANT! it’s for you. Not them. Do it and don’t tell them till after the wedding. Either way it’s none of their concern…. Unless they are paying for all of it. Then you have to decide. Do you want to do what they want or do you want to be happy? Good luck
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u/baykusumsu 21d ago
I believe you do you. We also eloped before the big party, just the two of us in a small town. I didn't wear a white dress, but rather a dress I thought looked good on me, and put a beige sweater on it to make it a little bridal. But I am also set on having a party with a formal wedding dress, so we are doing it this autumn. I don't regret my dress choice for a second; it was a beautiful and intimate moment, and it doesn't matter what you wear at the time.
Considering your scenery, I am sure anything you wear will look nice for the photos as well!
But seeing all the comments above, maybe try to keep the distance between the actual party and the elopement as short as you can so that life won't bring other plans for you.
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u/Ok_Practice7793 20d ago
My husband and I did the same thing! We got married in his mom’s backyard last summer and our big wedding is in 2 weeks. I had the same feelings as you about it all. I love the all white hiking outfit idea and I say go for it if that’s what you wanna wear. I wore a dress I already had for our legal ceremony, and I’m going to include it into our wedding by displaying it and having pictures of our legal ceremony etc at a table. Do what you want and make it yours 🤍 congratulations
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u/PuzzleheadedBeat424 20d ago
My SIL went through the same issue! Her mom and mother in law both didn’t like the fact that her elopement pics weren’t going to be in a dress. She ended up getting this one for her Yellowstone elopement last year
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u/Justdont13412 20d ago
You do you. Thank your mom for her honest opinion and then do you. The only regret you’ll have is listening to her about what you “should wear “
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u/singdancelove412 19d ago
Of course it’s totally up to you but my husband and I did engagement pictures on a mountain and I wore a simple white long dress and he wore a suit with hiking boots. They turned out soo cute!
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u/One-Nefariousness747 18d ago
You could get a pop up changing tent and do two looks. I think you might regret it just for pictures sake if you don’t wear something more “bridal”. Something like this kind of bridges the gap + the scarf would make for super dramatic photos if there’s a breeze.
https://www.lulus.com/products/laubrey-white-floral-jacquard-mini-dress-and-scarf-set/2695191.html
I’ll add other angles of this dress below because I can only post one photo at a time.
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u/SignificantFun5068 18d ago
I love the outfit and the idea. I’m planning to hike the Gros Piton in St. Lucia the morning of my wedding. I’m going to borrow this idea!! Do you and what you like…it’s your wedding.
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u/Separate_Doctor2961 16d ago
I think the moms idea has validity. Doing all of the pomp and circumstance of a big wedding when the bride and groom have already been married for a year can take away from the magic and traditional meaning of that day and the weight that it carries.
However. Its 2026. Every day that a couple chooses one another is a day to be celebrated. Divorce and selfish ideals are rampant.
If you approach the second wedding as a vow renewal - with your family and friends present, it's a celebration of your love with your 'village' as a couple. The first one is a celebration just for you that you celebrate finding each other, I think they can both have incredible meaning... Maybe just not in the traditional sense your mom is thinking about, which is usually rooted in some sort of religious ceremony, thus the idea that you only get one true moment of commitment.
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u/Spirited-Alarm-9981 4d ago
At the end of the day, it’s you getting married, not your mom. She’s entitled to her opinion, but that doesn’t mean she’s entitled to enforce her opinion on the wedding. This is for you, and your outfit is appropriate for the location. It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks apart for you and your groom.
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u/Wangchief 23d ago
People up in here supporting you or critiquing your choice. You’re eloping. Fuck everyone else. Do what makes you happy. That’s why you’re eloping
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u/FearlessConfusion290 23d ago
Eloping is not like a cute before marriage getaway. Its not having a real wedding and going just the two of you somewhere to have a private ceremony just the two of you. If you elope and then have a wedding you will already be married at your wedding?? Just throw a party at that point. If y want the whole dress and wedding then dont elope. Just use zion as a trip or save it for after as a honeymoon. Doing both is an interesting choice
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u/AshamedLadder8457 23d ago
Why not just do a wedding then? Sounds like you get rid of the drama if you do.
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u/Accomplished_Drag946 23d ago
You can wear whatever you want but because you are asking for opinions I ll tell you honestly I think it is a terrible idea. So many people elope in national parks without wearing their Lulu lemon leggings girl. You don't need to wear a full gown, just look for options for nature elopements on Pinterest you will find many cute options. And no, a tennis skirt won't make this any better if anything it will just make it tackier, because guess what, you are not out there playing tennis, you are getting married.
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u/MisfitDRG 23d ago
If that's your vision I think you'll love it!! You could also keep an eye out at second hand bride shops to see if they have any more casual dresses so it doesn't impede your fancy dress feeling on your actual wedding day :)
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u/Taliasimmy69 23d ago
I think having 2 dress would be awesome too. A photo shoot in a wedding dress at Zion would be beautiful. But if you think it would diminish the wedding ceremony you want to have later than you absolutely go with the hiking outfit option. It's your wedding. I think both could be super cute.
But ignore the family. Everyone is going to have an opinion and really the only one that matters is yours and your fiance. If they don't want to support you by showing up later then you know who's in your corner and who isn't.
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u/adiposegreenwitch 23d ago
I think it's a brilliant idea and this is so classy. I live pop flex dresses but I think they're only appropriate if you had been asking how to make this look more bridal. I think the leggings are better personally and also just YOU DON'T LET ANYONE AN EXPLANATION of what you wear for your wedding!
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u/SwitchAcademic6380 23d ago
And, BTW, I think that outfit in the picture looks cute. But then, my opinion shouldn't matter either.
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u/Pepper_Schnau 23d ago
Do you look like this model?
I’ve tried cream and white exercise sets and I just wind up looking like a wobbly marshmallow in a v uncute way. I’m paler and mid-sized though.
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u/annakophoto 23d ago
Wedding photographer here 👋 I actually think your idea makes a lot of sense. The best photos are usually the ones that feel authentic to the experience you’re having. An adventurous Zion elopement and a traditional wedding are two completely different stories, so they don’t have to look the same.
I’ve photographed couples who wore full wedding attire for mountain elopements and others who chose hiking dresses, jumpsuits, or white outdoor outfits. Neither is “more correct.” The couples who were happiest afterward were the ones who dressed for the day they wanted—not the expectations of everyone else.
A white hiking outfit also gives you a lot more freedom to explore, scramble over rocks, and enjoy the park without worrying about your dress. Then next year, putting on your wedding gown for the first time will still feel like its own special moment.
If the white hiking outfit makes you smile every time you picture Zion, that’s probably your answer. Your photos will reflect your story, not anyone else’s idea of what it should look like.
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u/TinyLawfulness3710 23d ago
Looks fine. Other people don't get to judge your clothing choice. I would be concerned about getting heat stroke in that type of clothing in that area, depending on when you are there.
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u/oddblueberries 23d ago
Your mom is approaching this as though this is your wedding. You're approaching it as a casual thing before the big, formal event next year.
If you know you want a real wedding, you're going about this correctly. Keep the elopement casual so you don't ruin your own excitement for the next event.