How to Do Your Own Hair & Makeup for Your Elopement (and Look Amazing)

Doing your own wedding hair and makeup for your elopement might feel like a big responsibility, but it’s absolutely possible—and even empowering. If you’re planning to exchange vows in a remote, breathtaking location, the reality is that professional wedding hair and makeup stylists might not be an option. And that’s okay. You don’t need an expert to look and feel beautiful. What you need is a plan, some practice, and a few key techniques to enhance your natural beauty in a way that holds up in nature.

Overcoming the Fear of DIY Wedding Hair & Makeup

For many, the idea of doing their own wedding hair and makeup on such a significant day is intimidating. The pressure to look perfect can be overwhelming, but the truth is, perfection isn’t the goal—authenticity is. This is about feeling like yourself, not looking like a version of someone else. The best approach is to keep things simple and natural. If you don’t normally wear dramatic eye makeup, your elopement day is not the time to start. Stick to enhancing what’s already there.

Natural Wedding Hair & Makeup: Working With the Elements

Outdoor elopements bring unpredictable elements—wind, rain, humidity—which means your wedding hair and makeup should be designed to complement, not combat, the environment.

Wedding Hair: Practical Yet Beautiful Styles

1. Embrace Your Natural Texture – Work with your hair’s natural tendencies rather than against them. This minimizes stress and increases durability.
2. Braids & Clips for Stability – These styles look effortless while keeping hair under control in windy conditions.
3. Soft Waves for Versatility – Beachy waves or loose curls offer movement without looking overly styled.
4. Wind-Resistant Choices – Wind adds magic to wedding photos, but choosing styles that move well (rather than fighting to keep everything perfectly in place) will create a more natural, timeless look.
5. Waterproof Products – If there’s rain in the forecast, use humidity-resistant sprays and lightweight styling products that won’t turn stiff or sticky.

Bridal Hair Accessories: Traditional & Non-Traditional Options

Accessories can elevate your wedding hairstyle and add personality to your look. Whether you lean towards classic elegance or something more unique, here are some ideas:

Traditional Bridal Hair Accessories

• Veil – A timeless choice that adds softness and drama to your look.
• Tiara – Perfect for a regal, fairytale-inspired aesthetic.
• Floral Pins – Fresh or silk flowers can add a romantic, nature-inspired touch.
• Spray Pins & Pearls – Delicate additions that provide subtle sparkle and elegance.

Non-Traditional Bridal Hair Accessories

• Crystal Crowns – A mystical, bohemian twist on the traditional tiara.
• Hats – Wide-brimmed hats or fedoras can bring an adventurous, modern flair.
• Hair Vines & Chains – These can be woven into braids or curls for an ethereal, whimsical effect.
• Feathers or Shell Clips – Ideal for beach or forest elopements, adding a natural, earthy feel.

When choosing an accessory, consider how it interacts with your hairstyle and the environment. Wind and rain can impact how a veil flows or how well certain pieces stay in place. Secure everything with sturdy pins and do a test run to ensure comfort and durability.

Trial Run: The Key to Confidence

A trial run is essential. Test your chosen wedding hairstyle, take photos in different lighting, and wear it for a few hours to ensure it holds up. If you’re hiking or moving around a lot on your elopement day, test it under similar conditions.

Wedding Makeup: Enhancing Without Overdoing It

Natural light and photography can wash out features, so wedding makeup should have slightly more definition than everyday wear while still looking effortless.

1. Prep the Skin – Hydrated, well-moisturized skin ensures a smooth application and longevity.
2. Lightweight, Buildable Foundation – Heavy foundations can look unnatural in outdoor light. Opt for a breathable formula. I love Dr. Jart+ Premium Bb Tinted Moisturizer. It’s moisturizer, makeup & sunscreen all-in-one. Shades are flexible, easy, and adapt to a range of skin tones.
3. Defined Brows – Lightly filling in your brows frames the face and adds structure to your look.
4. Soft, Neutral Eye Makeup – Warm browns and neutral tones create subtle definition without overpowering your natural beauty.
5. Waterproof Mascara – A necessity for emotional moments and unexpected weather. My favorite is this one!
6. Blush & Bronzer for Dimension – A little color prevents you from looking washed out in photos.
7. Simple Lip Color – A soft lipstick or tinted balm is flattering and easy to maintain throughout the day.

Weather-Proofing Your Look

• Use a long-lasting setting spray to lock in wedding makeup. I love All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray from Urban Decay.
• If you’re in a dry climate, focus on extra hydration to avoid patchy makeup.
• In humid or wet conditions, avoid heavy powders and opt for cream-based products that blend seamlessly.

How Wedding Hair & Makeup Impact Photography

Your styling choices influence the entire mood of your wedding photos. Flowing hair that catches the wind adds movement and emotion, while structured styles create a more polished, editorial look. Consider how you want to feel when looking back at your images—free, natural, and effortlessly beautiful, or sleek and defined?

Resources: Helpful Wedding Hair & Makeup Tutorials

Trust Yourself

Your elopement is about celebrating love, connection, and the adventure you’re about to embark on. Doing your own wedding hair and makeup can be a meaningful part of that journey—a quiet, reflective moment before stepping into a day filled with joy. Embrace the process, trust yourself, and remember that the most important thing is how you feel. When you feel confident, that radiates in every photo, every moment, and every memory you create.