Feeling a bit edgy today? Or maybe, all the time? If you’re in the camp that can’t imagine wearing a white wedding dress – why not rock a black wedding dress – we’re ALL FOR IT! Besides, white wasn’t always the tradition in western culture (and even if it was, we give you permission: break traditions). Seriously, white dresses only became the standard when Queen Victoria wore white to her wedding way back in 1840; only then did it become the ‘it trend’ to follow….and if you’re reading this, we know you’re a bit more current that 1840 trends. ;) Prior to Queen Victoria any color was acceptable—black was even the popular choice in Scandinavia! But, you know us at GWS, we believe in mixing things up, doing things your own way, and truly letting your unique personality + love shine through on your wedding day (and all the time, for that matter).

So, for all our darling readers out there that would rather be rocking a shade closer to midnight or onyx, this one’s for you! The Rolling Stones had it right when they sang, “…Painted black! Black as night, black as coal.” From airy tulle to sultry lace to intricate beading, we’re sharing our favorite black wedding dresses (in no particular order). Good luck picking a fave!

{above photo is by sarah brookhart photography—full details + dress featured later on in this post}

Our Favorite Black Wedding Dresses

1. This Black Tulle Beauty

this hauntingly beautiful dress from the paint it black: moody enchantress of the forest elopement inspiration

photography: white willow photography // wedding dress: french knot couture

2. This Two-Piece Wonder

this gothic black wedding dress from this fall bridal inspiration with a black gown

photography: rustic white photography // wedding dress: ‘furiosa’ by elizabeth dye

3. This Minimalistic Wrap Dream

this dress with perfectly placed slits and a plunge that’s TDF

photography: the hearnes // wedding dress: reformation // florals: tellurian

4. This Marbled Two-Piece Set

this moody a black and white skirt from this winter wedding inspiration dripping with burgundy pops

photography: breanna marie photography // wedding dress: sweet caroline styles

5. This Simple + Stunning One!

this simple black wedding dress by betsy and adam from macy’s

photography: julia duke // planner: cause we can events // flowers: by bloomers //

6. This Victorian-Inspired Masterpiece

this victorian wedding dress from this elopement at the pharmacy museum in new orleans

photography: hannah mcswain // wedding dress: sweet caroline styles

7. This 1920s-Inspired One With a Cape

this black wedding dress with a cape from this tantalizing tim burton-inspired spooktacular wedding

photography: with love by georgie // wedding dress: adina’s bridal

8. This Black and Purple Tulle One

this black dress with purple tule from this peel back the layers of this unique + lovely wedding shoot inspired by…onions!

photography: feather & stone photography // wedding dress: mywony

9. This Black + Lace One Worn in a Cemetery

this chilling dress from this ‘til death do us part: a wedding in a cemetery

photography: lorely meza // wedding dress: tony ward

10. This Beaded Beauty

this beaded black wedding dress by sarah joseph couture // photo by janneke storm

11. These Black Spooktacular Gowns

these scary good black wedding dresses from this spooky autumn equinox bridal shower // photography: this rad love

12. This Chic Nude and Black Dress

this nude + black wedding dress from this glam engagement inspiration at rattlesnake ridge

photography: jenna bechtholt photography // wedding dress: the jet set diaries – pizzo maxi

13. This Two-Piece Black Lace Set

this two piece black dress by rachel cash with miss magelicutti //photography: lauren collier photo

14. This Modern Black-and-White Set

this black + white wedding dress from this modern, stylish san francisco rooftop wedding

photography: jenn emerling // wedding dress: black skirt + white top from shareen vintage

15. This Tulle and Lace One We Can’t Stop Staring At!

this gorge tule black wedding dress by sweet caroline styles // photography: sarah brookhart photography //  hair + makeup: the bonafide ginger // florals: splints and daisies // rings: the flying fox art and design // model: danielle lehman

16. This Off-the-Shoulder Chiffon Number

 

this off the shoulder dress from this south african anniversary session with a zebra

photography: adene photography // wedding dress: janita toerien

17. This Simple + Striking One

this stunning black wedding dress by asos //photography: megan welker //  model: madison maldonado // florist: sierra joy co

18. This Black Tulle Two-Piece Set

this tule two piece black wedding dress from this mango street sweethearts: rachel + daniel’s moody elopement on the faroe islands

photography: phil chester // wedding dress: skirt + top from sweet caroline styles

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