So you’re eloping in NYC! Amazing! Now the fun part, what on earth are you going to wear for your elopement?
Figuring out what you’re going to wear for your New York Elopement is always one of the most fun parts of wedding planning! It’s a chance for you to express yourself and look your best!
As you’re planning what to wear for your New York Elopement there are a few things to consider.
First, footwear! What to wear for shoes when eloping in NYC.
Footwear: This part is KEY for a successful New York Elopement. Happy feet = happy photos. If you’re in pain, it’s going to show on your face. My thoughts on shoes for your wedding are: always pack a comfy change of footwear if you’re going to be wearing shoes that might be uncomfortable. Better safe then sorry. It’s super easy to change into and out of shoes, and we usually do quite a bit more walking then people are used to. I do always have bandaids in my camera bag just in case, but always better safe then sorry.
You can also use this as an opportunity to show some personality! I’ve had lots of fun custom sneakers or sparkly flat boots that showcase lots of character. By the same token, if you’re sky high heel person, rock those sleek stilettos for photos, and then no one needs to know you had flip flops in between shots.
The second thing to consider for outfits for NY elopements is NYC itself, the sidewalks, the subways, etc. All of these mean grime is present.
Movement/Dirt/Sidewalks: NYC streets are not pristine. There can be dirt and grime even in Central Park. If you want those iconic New York City photos, we’re going to be moving around and walking on the streets and sidewalks. If you’re wearing something you’re afraid to get dirty on the bottom or too heavy/cumbersome to move around in, it will be a lot of unneeded stress. That’s not to say you can’t wear white, but know the underside of your dress will not be white at the end of our session. I’m always happy to help with bustles as needed, or I’ve had many brides loop a train over their arm.
Photos will be easiest if you’re in an outfit you can move in and are comfortable in. We’re not doing gymnastics, (though if you want to do backflips or breakdance in your wedding attire, I am HERE for it!!) but if you need multiple attendants to carry your gown and then set it down in one spot or your pants are too slim to sit down in, perhaps not the best choice.
The Weather: When you’re eloping in NY, there is a very high chance we will be taking at least some photos outside. So there’s a few things to consider to make this as successful as it can be.
Cold Weather: If you’re a suit person, this is much easier. If you’re wearing a dress, I highly advise layers. Find a cute coat or shrug to layer, and also pull on those warm leggings underneath. No one will know and you will be much cozier. We can always take jackets on and off between takes. Check out this post on How to Elope in NY in the Winter. I stock hand warmers in my bag in the winter, but it’s always better to have those extra layers as well.
Hot Weather: Think light!! I get so many folks in heavy dark suits that show up at 2pm in August. You’re going to sweat buckets! If you can opt for a lighter material, you’ll be so much happier. Also, my other HUGE piece of advice for summer… early morning or late evening are your friend if you don’t want to melt. It’s always a good idea to bring along a handkerchief or washcloth to help with sweaty faces as well.
Fancy vs Casual or somewhere in between?: This is another fun aspect of eloping. You do you! At City Hall, I have had couples in tuxes and ball gowns as well as jeans and a sweater. I promise it’s not “too much” to wear a gown to elope in City Hall. I’ve also photographed lots couples with simple summer dresses, a casual suit or cocktail attire. I had an officiant tell me once that she saw a couple in swimsuits once. You should get married in whatever makes you the happiest and makes you feel your best!
My only suggestion here is that you communicate with your partner. Photos can look off if the couple doesn’t match in formality. If one of you is going formal, then both of you should. Ideally you should look like you’re going to the same party. Having one person in shorts and flip flops and the other in a tux or ball gown doesn’t work well.
Should you wear white? Or something colorful? Can your suit be a non-traditional color?
YES! To all of these. Color vs white for a wedding dress or a brighter suit color if that’s your jam? Go for what feels true to you! An elopement is for you and your partner and should represent you to the maximum. If you’re traditional, that’s great. If you want to go in the opposite direction, perfect. I’ve had couples get married in all kinds of colors.
There are no huge groups of family to please, no judgement from the congregation. If you have always dreamed of wearing a beautiful white dress, that’s awesome. If you want to get married in black or neon, then you should be true to yourself. My most favorite thing is when couples getting married are excited about their wedding outfits. The fact that what they’re wearing brings them joy shows through and that’s all we need.
Cultural Wedding Attire:
Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t honor your culture if that’s something that’s important to you! You should absolutely wear whatever garments or wardrobe elements that are important to you. It’s your day, you should enjoy it with whatever clothing makes you happiest!
Looking for more information on how to elope in New York? Check out my NYC Elopement Guide!
