How to Choose an Elopement Suit

Suits tend to be a little more simple than dresses - there’s less variation in styles, so it may seem like choosing an elopement suit is easy. But, when you decide to elope instead of do the traditional wedding thing, there are a few extra considerations! Whether you’re a groom looking for elopement attire, a bride who isn’t into dresses, or someone who doesn’t fit into the binary at all and wants to look fly for the elopement, this guide will give you some tips for how to choose an elopement suit.

What is an Elopement Suit?

First things first, what’s the difference between an elopement suit and a wedding suit? There are a few important things to think about when it comes to eloping - like the fit of your suit and how comfortable it is, and the weight and packability of it if you’ll be hiking or need to pack your suit. Elopements are pretty different from big weddings - you’ll likely be moving around more, so comfort is the most important thing!

Photographer: Kristian Irey

Finding a Comfortable Suit

You definitely don’t want to spend your elopement day unable to take uphill steps or struggling to lift your arms - your suit should be comfortable. When you’re shopping for a suit, be sure to try moving around, lifting your arms, taking big steps, bending over… every movement you can think of! Anything that feels even a little off when you try it on will get super annoying if you’re wearing the suit all day for your adventures, and that’s the last thing you want to be feeling when you’re marrying the love of your life. So make sure that your elopement suit is comfortable, and get it tailored for the perfect fit!

Staying Warm in an Elopement Suit

When you’re tying the knot outdoors, especially here in Alaska, weather is a really important consideration. Luckily, suits typically make layering pretty easy. You’ll have a jacket that you can take off if it gets warm and put on if it gets cold!

But, we recommend adding some additional layers too, especially if you’re not eloping in the summer. But even in the summer, there are glaciers and mountains to explore in Alaska, so it can get chilly as you gain elevation! Base layers are amazing - some thermal leggings under your pants and a wool top under your shirt will help so much in keeping you warm. Bring a warm jacket to put on over your suit too, just in case you need it!

Photographer: Kristian Irey

When you’re shopping for the perfect elopement suit, think about the weather too - certain fabrics are warmer than others, so this can be helpful for you. Wool, flannel, silk, and corduroy are examples of heavier fabrics that will keep you warm! The downside of a warm fabric is that it tends to be heavier in weight, so if you’re planning to hike or be carrying your suit for part of the day, try to balance weight with warmth!

Traveling With a Suit for Your Elopement

If you’re flying for your elopement, we recommend putting the suit in your carry on. This helps avoid any (major) stress if your luggage gets lost! On the elopement day, if you’re hiking, some people choose to carry the suit and change at their destination. Luckily, this is pretty easy to do! Get a waterproof garment bag, put your suit in there, and strap it to the backpack. This is better than folding up the suit, as it avoids wrinkles!

Suit Colors for an Elopement

Black and navy blue suits are a classic, but don’t be afraid to get a little creative with what you wear on the elopement day. A pop of color can be a lot of fun, so try on some suits that are a little unique! You can also coordinate with your backdrop - for example, a maroon or yellow, or any warm-colored suit, would pop against a blue background (like a glacier). On the other hand, if the backdrop has more warm tones, like trees covered in fall foliage, a cooler tone for the suit (like blues and purples) will stand out more!

Accessorizing a Suit

The suit is just part of the outfit - you also need shoes, and some accessories! For shoes, we recommend hiking boots, or any sturdy boots that will keep you warm and be comfortable. Just like the rest of your outfit, comfort is key! If you get new kicks, it’s important to break them in before the big day, so wear them a few times before you get married in them to avoid blisters or discomfort. We recommend wool socks too - wool stays warm even when it gets wet, so this is perfect for snowy or wet elopement locations!

You can also add some personality to your elopement suit with accessories. Find a tie that you love, whether it’s a bowtie, bolo, or a classic tie, and you can also add a hat, some cufflinks, a patterned vest, or any other way that you want to style your suit.

Photographer: Zoya Dawn

Should You Rent an Elopement Suit?

Suit rentals can be a good option for people who are getting married - if you don’t wear suits, like, ever, it can be a way to save money and to avoid buying something you’ll only wear once! This is definitely possible for an elopement suit, but definitely keep in mind that you’re getting married outdoors, and think about what you have planned for the day. There’s a good chance the suit might pick up some dirt, so consider this when you’re deciding if you should rent or buy, and read the terms and conditions of any potential rentals.

Where to Shop for a Wedding Suit for an Elopement

If you’re ready to start shopping, you can check out local suit shops - they’ll have a great selection, and you’ll be able to try on any suits before you buy.

Here are some other options for elopement suits:

Bindle and Keep - custom suits for any gender, and they do virtual fittings!
The Black Tux - order a suit to try on at home before you buy, for free
Indochino - custom suits
Little Black Tux - suits for women

And if you need tips for what to wear for your elopement in Alaska, we’re here to help! As your elopement planning team, we’ll create a custom adventure for you, and we’ll be here to give you all the advice, guide you through the process, and even provide hand warmers on the big day. Contact us if you're ready to plan your elopement!