The 23 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits for a Chic City Hall Celebration

1 year ago 273

Whether you're opting for a civil ceremony before your actual big day or prefer a laid-back celebration for your marriage over the traditional church and reception, courthouse weddings are a common and fabulous way to tie the knot. Not only can these nuptials feel extra-intimate with your partner and help the two of you save money (so you can spend more on the honeymoon or save for future expenses like a house), but they also present the opportunity for unique bridal ensembles.

Courthouse wedding attire is generally not as formal as what you'd wear for a traditional ceremony (unless you want it to be!), but we always advocate that couples wear something that makes them feel their best and is befitting of this special occasion—for most brides, thats a little white dress, jumpsuit, or two-piece set. If you're planning a courthouse ceremony but feel lost on what to wear, BRIDES has you covered. From classic satin and lace options to playful minidresses, we scoured everywhere from Reformation to Ulla Johnson, as well as major retailers like Anthropologie and Bergdorf Goodman, for the best courthouse wedding outfits. Our top dress picks for your civil ceremony, ahead.

Credit: Reformation

Reformation's Maven Dress achieves the ideal blend of sophistication and playfulness, making it one of our favorite options for a courthouse wedding outfit. Between the basque waist, mock neck, and creamy hue, there's nothing we don't love about this full-skirt midi.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Viscose

If you're looking for a truly timeless option for your courthouse wedding, look no further than this Meshki gown. This understated sleeveless dress features a perfectly tailored fit and an elegant boatneck, helping you look your best at City Hall.

Size Range: XXS-3XL | Materials: Polyester

Credit: Revolve

Simple and elegant, this 100 percent silk gown from Amanda Uprichard is for the minimalist bride who still wants to make a stunning impression with her courthouse look.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Silk

Credit: Anthropologie

For the bride who wants variety in her bridal wardrobe, consider this Hutch mini for saying "I do" at the courthouse. This ivory garment has gorgeous jacquard embroidery and puffed sleeves for an elegant look.

Size Range: XS-XXL | Materials: Polyester

Credit: Bloomingdales

Lean into the courthouse vibe with this collared boucle dress from Self-Portrait. This option is formal for the bride who wants a more conservative look for city hall, but in the chicest way, with sparkly buttons and a belt at the waist to give the gown more shape.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Acrylic, polyester, wool

Credit: Mytheresa

On the other hand, this midi dress offers a more whimsical approach to courthouse wedding dressing, with a large floral adornment on the bust, a delicate bow belt, and a retro-inspired A-line silhouette.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Polyester

Credit: Anthropologie

This Black Halo choice is for the modern bride who still wants to feel glamorous at City Hall. The crepe satin material and high neck, paired with an attached long scarf, give it a truly luxurious look.

Size Range: XS-L | Materials: Polyamide

Credit: Revolve

Deceivingly simple, this midi gown from Herskind has a gorgeous draped scarf detail for added flair. The off-white hue adds to the unconventional, yet still bridal, look and feel.

Size Range: 32-42 | Materials: Not listed

Credit: RIXO

We're obsessed with this boho mini dress for a laid-back courthouse ensemble. The intricate lace trim and cream colorway give it a vintage vibe for the bride who loves a retro look.

Size Range: 2-16 | Materials: Silk

Credit: Bergdorf Goodman

There's a lot to love about this Ulla Johnson dress, but you can't argue with the coolness of the contrast between the exposed seams on the bodice and the ultra-feminine flutter sleeves with scalloped edges and a classic A-line silhouette.

Size Range: 00-16 | Materials: Viscose

Credit: City Chic

Simple and sweet, we love this midi dress for the bride who prefers to let her shoes and accessories take center stage. Pair this strapless City Chic dress with stylish wedding heels and a dramatic veil for added flair.

Size Range: 12-24 | Materials: Polyester, elastane

Credit: City Chic

Consider this lace maxi if your bridal style leans more towards a laid-back look. The flowing long sleeves and skirt with the prettiest allover lace details feel simultaneously boho and bridal.

Size Range: 12-24 | Materials: Viscose

Credit: Bergdorf Goodman

For a splurge-worthy pick, consider this Valentino minidress made from luxe wool. Ruffles at the shoulder and hemline, combined with a boat neckline and inconspicuous slip pockets, give it a feminine feel.

Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Virgin wool, silk

Credit: Bergdorf Goodman

A fashion-forward bride will obsess over this Khaite option for their courthouse nuptials and not just for the designer label. Its unique, sculptural shape and short hemline would look fabulous with a pair of tall pumps and a chic birdcage veil.

Size Range: 0-10 | Materials: Silk

Credit: Bergdorf Goodman

Getting married somewhere warm (despite saying your vows in an air-conditioned courthouse) means a strapless cotton pick is the move. This option from Simkhai is perfect with its drop-waist bodice and flowing pleated skirt.

Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: Cotton, polyester

Credit: Revolve

Give your courthouse nuptials a mini moment with this satin Self-Portrait dress that's the perfect short frock for a modern bride. The intricate floral lace front, adorned with pearls and rhinestones, feels very coquettish, perfect for those enamored with that aesthetic.

Size Range: 0-10 | Materials: Polyester

Credit: ELLIATT

Few patterns feel as elegant as jacquard—this, combined with exaggerated off-the-shoulder puffy sleeves and non-stretch fabric, makes this ELLIATT dress perfect for a sophisticated bride ringing in her nuptials at city hall.

Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: Polyester

Credit: ELLIATT

This ELLIATT dress marries playfulness and formality perfectly for a courthouse affair. Its structured blazer design, complete with front flap pockets and a tailored fit, adds an air of sophistication, complemented by the floral buttons and puffed sleeves.

Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: Polyester

Credit: Anthropologie

You can never go wrong with a cowl-neck gown for any bridal occasion, especially for a courthouse wedding. This Willowby by Watters gown features classic elements a bride would want, from a luxe satin exterior with matching fabric buttons to a backless design, but it isn't too over-the-top for the courthouse.

Size Range: 0-15 | Materials: Polyester

Credit: Anthropologie

This Anne Barge moment features allover lace for a bride seeking something classic for her courthouse look. The midi hemline and halter neckline give it a more informal vibe that's suitable for a city hall setting.

Size Range: 0-15 | Materials: Nylon, polyester, cotton, rayon

Credit: Reformation

Satin is a classic wedding dress element—this Reformation gown incorporates this luxe-feeling fabric to create a beautiful, tailored bodice and buttery, relaxed skirt perfect for an elegant courthouse look.

Size Range: 0-15 | Materials: Nylon, polyester, cotton, rayon

Credit: Blue Sunglasses

Embrace florals for a spring or summer courthouse affair with this ELLIATT gown, complete with satin rosettes and other pearl-adorned fabric flowers. As a bonus, the relaxed, flowy silhouette also allows for a more comfortable ceremony.

Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: Polyester

Credit: Bergdorf Goodman

This cotton Altuzarra dress is perfect for a spring or summertime courthouse ceremony, thanks to its billowing puffy sleeves and pretty eyelet details. We love how it's not too formal, so as not to look out of place inside the courthouse, but still chic enough to give a bride her special moment.

Size Range: 2-12 | Materials: Cotton, polyester

What to Look for in a Courthouse Wedding Outfit

Seasons: Since you'll likely be taking plenty of photos outside or on the steps of City Hall, it's essential to dress for the season. Winter brides should consider long-sleeve jumpsuits, dresses, and wedding suits made from warm fabrics, while summer brides should opt for cotton or linen dresses in crisp bridal white and floral prints.
Accessories: As you're shopping, consider the accessories you want to pair with your ensemble. Accessories like dreamy veils, dainty headbands, chic clutches, and classic pumps are the perfect finishing touches to a courthouse ensemble.
Length: Consider the wedding's formality when deciding the dress's length. Think about the celebration you want to have after the ceremony, whether it is a small dinner or a cocktail reception. Since wedding attire for a courthouse ceremony can be as casual or formal as the couple desires, options range from calf-length dresses to minis and blazer dresses to suits.

FAQ

Some popular outfits for a courthouse wedding include bridal suits, mini dresses, slip dresses, and jumpsuits. Courthouse weddings tend to be much more casual than full-on wedding celebrations or black-tie affairs, but that doesn't mean you can't play with sparkly or lace materials and standout silhouettes. Don't be afraid to go all-out if that's what will make your day feel true to your personal style.
Yes, you can absolutely wear a wedding gown for your courthouse wedding. Your city hall outfit can be as formal or casual as you'd like. In fact, since you're saving big on budget with an intimate ceremony, this leaves more opportunity to splurge on an extra special dress.
You can accessorize your courthouse wedding look with anything from a wedding veil to a tiara to a chic hat and bridal shawl.

Why Trust BRIDES

Maddie Barber is a BRIDES writer and shopping expert. She spent hours researching the best courthouse wedding outfits from several BRIDES-trusted retailers.

The 23 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits for a Chic City Hall Celebration

What to Look for in a Courthouse Wedding Outfit

Why Trust BRIDES

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