The decision to elope often has to do with wanting to forego the stress of wedding planning and instead focusing full on your love. While you may decide to skip the seating chart and centerpieces, there are a few elements to your elopement you may not want to miss out on. Of course you’ll need a stellar photographer capturing your intimate vows, but you might want to put a little thought into what you’re wearing while you read them! Choosing your elopement dress is similar to selecting any wedding dress in that you want to feel your most beautiful, but there are some unique factors at play in such a small celebration.

First, you have to consider budget. Is eloping giving you the opportunity to wear the extravagant gown of your dreams, or would you be more comfortable in an alternative white dress at a more conservative price point? Second, you’ve got to know where in the world you’re saying “I do.” Do you want your elopement dress to complement the surroundings, or stand out with a statement? With those answers in mind, scroll through the following inspiration and picture your own wedding day!

Long sleeves and cozy layers

image by Ash & James Photography, dress by Yasmine Layani; see more from this elopement here!

image by Kristian Lynae Irey; see more from this elopement shoot here!

image by Emily Delamater Photography; see more from this elopement shoot here!

image by Lauren Scotti Photography, dress by Houghton; see more from this real wedding here!

Something slinky, breezy, and even a little revealing

image by Kim Stockwell Photography, see more from this elopement shoot here!

image by Hannah Kate Photography, dress by Wear Your Love; see more from this elopement shoot here!

image by Victoria Carlson Photography, wedding dress by Grace Loves Lace; see more from this elopement here!

image by Maria Sundin, wedding dress by House of Moirai; see more from this elopement shoot here!

Shoulder-Baring Gowns

image by The Toths, wedding dress by Zuhair Murad; see more from this elopement here!

image by Tricia Victoria Photography, wedding dress by Alfred Angelo; see more from this elopement here!

image by Couple of Prague, wedding dress by Zara; see more from this elopement shoot here!

Short and Sweet (Or a Little Sassy)

image by Artemis Photography, dress by Free People; see more from this real wedding here!

image by Cling & Peck, dress by ModCloth; see more from this elopement shoot here!

image by Jami Laree, wedding dress by Bebe; see more from this elopement here!

The most beautiful dress you’ve ever seen

image by Archetype Studio Inc, wedding dress by Pronovias; see more from this elopement here!

image by Allison Harp Photography, wedding dress by Allure Bridals; see more from this elopement here!

image by KNW Photography, wedding dress by BHLDN; see more from this elopement shoot here!

image by The Curious Eater, dress by TJ Maxx; see more from this elopement here!

Like we said, choosing the right dress is all about location, location, location, so be sure to choose a climate that matches your dress selection! Check out these 16 mind-blowing elopement destinations around the world to get you started.