10 gender-neutral and non-binary elopement attire ideas
If you and your partner are struggling to find elopement attire that feels true and authentic to you, then you’re in the right place—we’ve put together a guide to finding outfits that resonates with YOU and the way you identify, including ideas + inspiration for gender-neutral, non binary, and non-traditional elopement attire.
The wedding industry is one that is rooted in binaries, with an emphasis placed on the bride and the groom nearly everywhere you look. I swear the words “bride” and “groom” are part of nearly every common item of wedding decor and details… just think of the common phrase “here comes the bride”!
In fact, the majority of wedding traditions around the world are inherently binary, based on the idea of two separate genders and the identities assigned to them. Fathers walking brides down the aisle to pay homage to patriarchal traditions… handing them over to their groom as if transferring ownership… the traditional wedding attire assigned to each gender… this can all feel a wee bit overwhelming, uncomfortable, and disheartening to anyone planning a wedding who doesn’t identify with the traditional gender norms.
With the world we’re living in right now, it’s becoming increasingly important to boldly speak out about our love and care for our queer couples, and against the folks and the laws trying to harm them. We’re hoping that this guide helps you see ALL the beauty and magic and opportunity available to you in crafting a one-of-a-kind elopement that celebrates you + your unique love… no matter the boundaries, labels, or assumptions you shatter along the way. We just so happen to love breaking moulds and defying expectations 😉
Because, well, love is love. For us, it’s always been as simple as that. We’ll make sure you have the most magical adventure no matter what race, age, sexual preference, gender identity or body type you have—and every magical experience begins with feeling like your BEST, most authentic self.
In 2025 the UK Supreme Court case, For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers, ruled that in the Equality Act 2010, “sex” refers to biological sex. (Meaning that a “woman” is defined as a person born female, and a “man” is defined as a person born male.) In response, I would like to emphatically affirm that to Dave and I, trans-women are women. We see you and we stand with you. If you are wishing to elope in Scotland, we will do everything in our power to make sure you have a day that honours you, exactly as you are in a safe space.
4 facts about gender-neutral elopement attire
Let’s start off with a few indisputable facts about gender-neutral and non-binary elopement outfits, shall we?
1. Anybody can wear a dress, and anybody can wear a suit
Indisputable fact #1: Anybody can wear a dress, and anybody can wear a suit. Just as important, any BODY can wear a dress, and any BODY can wear a suit.
Sure, these may be the traditional outfits you picture when you think of weddings, but right off the bat we want to make it clear that these styles aren’t limited to certain gender identities. If a gorgeous, white bridal dress calls to you as a person who identifies with more masculine traits, wear a damn gorgeous white bridal dress! And if a classic tuxedo calls to you as someone with traditionally feminine traits, find a classic tuxedo and rock it.
It’s been grand to see many fashion designers breaking the mould and the gendered expectations with gender fluid wedding dresses and tuxedos in recent years—so we wanted to emphasise that if these traditional styles do call to you, there are many, MANY ways to make them your own, no matter how you identify.
This applies equally to accessories – want to wear a cape with a suit? Heck yes! Flower crowns? Crowns for everyone. Bow tie? I bow to you, whoever you are.
2. Traditions are what you make of them
Speaking of making traditions your own. . . oftentimes we’ll see queer women who want to wear a dress, but don’t quite resonate with the whole “pure white,” classic look of a traditional dress.
If you do want to wear a dress or tuxedo, but don’t want to conform to traditional gender norms, pay attention to details such as textures, shapes, fabrics, patterns, and silhouettes that offer a more unique look fit to your style. This might mean opting for an off-white dress covered in dramatic ruffles, a tinted gown featuring pale pink designs and purple floral appliques, or an emerald green crushed velvet suit in place of the traditional black and white!
3. You can have as many outfits as you wish
If your identity has different facets that are hard to showcase in one outfit then why not wear more than one outfit? In fact, it’s already increasingly common to change outfits at a wedding (i.e. for a reception) so lean in and let all sides of you be celebrated!
4. There are no boxes, rules, or labels that matter
Truthfully, nothing in this guide matters if it doesn’t feel right to you. You can politely tell any boxes, rules, or labels that feel restrictive to go straight to hell, because nothing matters more than the two of you feeling like your most magical, sparkly selves no matter what you’re wearing! Don’t be afraid to get weird, bring out your quirks, and let your most beautiful selves SHINE.
Important, these rules also apply to cis-gender people who don’t feel comfortable with traditional wedding attire
10 Gender-neutral and non-binary elopement attire ideas
Kilts
We may obviously be a wee bit biased here being Scots… but kilts can be tailored to suit any gender identity, making them one of our fave options for elopement attire!
Jumpsuits
If a dress doesn’t feel authentic to you, nor does a full suit, a jumpsuit is a grand medium between the two—offering many ways to customise your outfit to suit your unique fashion sense, body type, and colour/styling preferences.
Two-piece sets
Two-piece sets are an easy-as-pie way to craft an elopement outfit that feels perfectly tailored to you! Pick your pairing of vests, blazers, blouses, trousers, suspenders, skirts… you name it and you can do it.
Tailored suits
Suits are a fab option for androgynous folks looking for elopement attire, as they don’t need to fall into either a traditionally masculine or feminine presentation. Whether you opt for a more informal two-piece or a full three-piece set for a more sophisticated look, orrr any combination of a vest/blazer/trousers… you’ll be sure to find a pairing that represents your most authentic self. Don’t forget the power of colour when it comes to expressing yourself – don’t feel too constrained by the sea of black, royal blue or grey (unless that’s your thing!). Also, let your imagination run wild with accessories!
Colourful dresses
Elopements are often associated with simplicity, minimalism. And for some elopers this is true! However, we often find that we work with couples who go against this idea. Couples who still have lots of details, flourishes and, let’s be real, maximise the heck out of their day. Everything is infused with intentional, meaningful touches that just scream *them*. We LOVE seeing this (because we’re those kinds of folks too).
One of our favourite ways to break the bounds of classic black & white elopement attire is by opting for colours instead! Over the last few years, we’ve seen a wide variety of colour choices when it comes to dresses and dress accessories. We absolutely LOVE seeing how free our couples feel to make a decision that suits them – whether they choose white or not – regardless of tradition.
Here are just a few of our fave wedding dress designers who have a great colourful selection:
Patterned dresses
Dreaming of wearing a dress but don’t quite vibe with the classic bridal look? Besides trading white for a different colour, another way to customise your look is to find a patterned dress! This may mean a dress covered in vibrant floral designs, or maybe a golden gown decorated in magical celestial symbols (think: moons, suns, stars, etc)…. there are plenty of options depending on how minimalist or maximalist you want to go.
Unique accessories
Have I mentioned how much we love a cloak or a cape? Accessories like these are an easy-peasy way to elevate your elopement look and personalise it to fit YOU! Capes, cloaks, crowns, scarves, shawls, and blankets are all wonderful additions to an elopement outfit (especially here in Scotland, where you’ll be grateful to have brought a cosy blanket along for your adventure on a chilly day!).
And remember the no rules part? Mix + match accessories – feel free to subvert gender-norms and/or express yourself in whatever way you feel most authentic.
Where to shop for gender-neutral & non-binary elopement attire
Shopping for your elopement attire can feel quite overwhelming (with the MILLIONS of options out there to choose from)—so we’ve gone ahead and gathered a wee list of shops & designers known for their inclusive and innovative styles, designs, and sizing.
Kirrin Finch
Androgynous clothing for women and nonbinary folks, including menswear-inspired button-downs, gender-defying accessories, and a wide range of colours
SuitShop
Suits and tuxedos for men, women & everyone! The most size-inclusive online suiting retailer on the web.
WildFang
Queer and female-founded, offering unique and expressive clothing that defies gender norms
Queera Wang
Regal, glamorous androgynous pieces that transcend traditional bridal looks
Bindle & Keep
Custom suiting for every body!
Christian Siriano
Gender-bending bridalwear for all different types of people
HauteButch
Ethically-manufactured suit designs highlighting masculine style and androgynous aesthetic
Local to Scotland
SIMO the Label
Based in Edinburgh, SIMO creates a romantic, sensual, and severe wardrobe for anyone regardless of gender and age
Walker Slater
For tailored tweed suits for any/all/no genders – traditional heritage brand but with contemporary styling based in the heart of Edinburgh
Freja Designer Dressmaking
Don’t let the name mislead you – Mette Baillie (owner) is experienced in creating bold bespoke wedding attire of all styles for women and non-binary folks
Kat (she/they)
Because we had the tiniest of elopements with absolutely no guest list, it freed us from other people’s expectations (and that was a big draw to go the elopement route). I didn’t feel any pressure to dress any particular way, I went through several possibilities (I even considered getting a custom suit made), but in the end we agreed that we were going for ethereal, adventuring vibes and I was lucky to stumble across a perfect dress.
You deserve to feel joyous, magical, and wholly, completely yourself on your elopement day—and a large part of that comes down to the clothing you pick. We hope this guide has given you the opportunity to think a wee bit outside of the box when it comes to traditional attire and breaking outside of the binary gender norms, no matter how you identify or who you love.
You deserve to feel connected to every part of your celebration. . . your partner, your vows, your outfit, the land, and most importantly, yourself. When that happens, it’ll be easy for us to capture the undeniable, unmistakable love shared between the two of you, for you to look back on for eternity.
Fancy a wee cuppa to chat through your ideas and inspirations? Get in touch with us to let us know about your Scotland elopement plans—and the outfits you’ve chosen!
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