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Photo by Forged in the North
What do Bianca Jagger and Emily Ratajkowski have in common? Besides being fashion icons, they both wore bridal suits to their courthouse wedding. Many brides have started to take nontraditional approaches to their wedding looks, especially for courthouse nuptials. Em Rata even skirted the classic white color altogether and instead opted for a mustard yellow suit from—believe it or not—Zara!
Consider picking a dress in a bright color for a fun, unexpected twist at your nuptials.
For the most part, nothing is off-limits. For brides who love a vintage-inspired look, tea-length dresses or mod silhouettes are sure to please your retro tastes. Modern courthouse brides will be drawn to jumpsuits, sleek separates, and tailored suits, while statement-making brides should go for bold silhouettes with asymmetrical bodices and exaggerated ruffles. And for the bride-to-be with a classic aesthetic, a simple satin or lace dress is forever timeless and elegant.
To help you find your perfect courthouse wedding look, we researched a slew of gorgeous options for every style, season, and budget–taking materials, comfort, style, size range, and overall quality into consideration. For courthouse brides who want to keep it classic and simple, Victoria Beckham and Reformation offer a worthy selection of dresses. Looking for something more modern for your special day? BHLDN and DB Studio have jumpsuits you (and your spouse-to-be) will absolutely adore.
Read on for our favorite courthouse wedding outfits.
For the Playful Bride: Lulus Lace Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free shipping over $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
Go whimsical with this off-the-shoulder lace dress. You'll adore how the full-bodied midi skirt allows for movement while still capturing a vision of elegance. Plus, it's under-$100 price tag is unbeatable.
Price at time of publish: $82
Best Slip Dress: BHLDN Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress
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BHLDN
Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Midi | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
A slinky slip dress is probably as courthouse chic as it gets. Keep accessories casual for a more daytime look or dial up the glamour with embellished heels and statement earrings for a more formal affair.
Price at time of publish: $168
For the Fashion-Forward Bride: Danielle Frankel Trench Coat
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Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Full length | Shipping: $10 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days
What does one wear over their courthouse outfit? A chic trench coat of course! Crafted from light organza and tulle, this sheer jacket makes for a stylish finishing touch for the fashion-forward bride. It's a great piece to keep you comfortable in transition seasons.
Best Separates: Reformation Yucca Linen Two Piece
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Courtesy of Reformation
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
Breezy, beautiful, and sweet, this two-piece set from Reformation was made for summer weddings that call for bridal separates and lightweight fabrics. Plus, this dreamy ensemble is casual enough to be worn again on your honeymoon and beyond.
Price at time of publish: $298
Best Blazer Dress: Rime Arodaky Jax Belted Lace-Trimmed Crepe Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Net-A-Porter
Size Range: FR34-42 | Length: Mini | Shipping: $10 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days
This crisp and sleek blazer dress is a no-brainer for your courthouse wedding. Carry a simple posy of flowers or even just a single stem to complete this ultra-modern and minimalist look. A suit dress is a classic courthouse wedding look in which you simply can't go wrong.
Price at time of publish: $1,725
Best Jumpsuit: ML Monique Lhuillier Doutzen V-Neck Jumpsuit
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
A bridal jumpsuit is a great alternative to a courthouse wedding dress. Style this look with a statement-making clutch or keep it monochromatic for a minimalist vibe. We especially love the thigh-high slits for an added sexy flair.
Price at time of publish: $320
For a Winter Courthouse Wedding: Krisa Smocked Turtleneck Dress
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Courtesy of Krisa
Size Range: XS-L | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days
Winter brides, take note of this dress for your courthouse nuptials. The long sleeves and high collar make it perfect for chillier weather, while the short length keeps it slightly more casual for a city hall affair. Pair it with a long coat to keep your legs warm after you say "I do."
Price at time of publish: $209
Most Minimalistic: Victoria Beckham Sleeve Detail Dolman Midi Dress
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Courtesy of Shopbop
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
Looking for a classic and simple courthouse wedding outfit? This mini dress from Victoria Beckham just might be your answer. Style it with a bold pair of wedding heels for an unexpected touch. The best part? It's simple enough that you can wear it again after the big day.
Price at time of publish: $1,390
Best with Long Sleeves: Sachin & Babi Rhinebeck Mini Dress
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Mini | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
Simple yet elegant, this richly textured mini dress feels utterly timeless for courthouse nuptials. We love it styled with a bridal headband or elbow-length veil. Plus, the long puff sleeves and eye-catching detail make it versatile for any season.
For a Summer Wedding: Self-Portrait Off-the-Shoulder Guipure Lace Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Net-A-Porter
Size Range: UK4-14 | Length: Mini | Shipping: $10 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days
If you're searching for a courthouse wedding outfit that you'll definitely wear again, look no further than this Self-Portrait dress. This dreamy lace number is divine for summer nuptials and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Best Floral Detailing: Payal Jain Archer Mini Dress
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Mini | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
This off-white mini dress is perfect for the vintage-loving bride. The shift silhouette is embellished with dimensional floral detailing for an effortlessly elegant look that's still casual enough for any courthouse ceremony.
Most Formal Jumpsuit: DB Studio One-Shoulder Crepe Bow Jumpsuit
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Courtesy of DB Studio
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Full-length | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $149; Standard shipping fees are based on your order's value | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days
For something both comfortable and chic, a nontraditional bride will love this wide-leg jumpsuit with a drapey charmeuse one-shoulder neckline from DB Studio. We love that the removable sash allows you to tailor a fit most comfortable to you.
Price at time of publish: $220
Best Lace Dress: Jonathan Simkhai Signature Joy Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Jonathan Simkhai
Size Range: 00-16 | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free shipping over $100 | Return policy: Full refund within 14 days
Sweet and simple, this mini dress is perfect for a spring or summer courthouse wedding. The silhouette is signature for Jonathan Simkhai, from its rounded high-collar to its A-line design. Add extra pizzazz with a super-high pair of heels.
Price at time of publish: $895
Best Back: Bernadette Sacha Dress
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Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size Range: EU34-42 | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free shipping on all orders over $250 or $15 express shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days
Though this mini dress is simple in silhouette, the oversize bow detail is a playful touch for low-key impact. We love it with classic kitten heels and modern pearl accessories. We can picture it at any courthouse wedding, regardless of the season.
Price at time of publish: $925
Most Romantic: Bronx and Banco Saba Blanc Midi Dress
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Courtesy of Revolve
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days
If you are having a courthouse wedding but still want a fairy-tale dress, opt for this design from Bronx and Banco. Mesh fabric with lace trim and floral applique make up this midi dress fit for a princess. Style this look with understated accessories to let the head-turning details of this dress do the talking.
Price at time of publish: $437
For the Vintage Bride: Sau Lee Cassia Dress
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Courtesy of Revolve
Size Range: 0-8 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days
This standout style combines modern and vintage aesthetics with an East-West influence. Pair this elegant midi dress with classic white or nude heels and gold jewelry for a timeless look that's perfect for your courthouse wedding. It's a chic look you can wear again for any formal affair to come.
Price at time of publish: $325
Most Sophisticated: Black Halo Carolina Dress
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Courtesy of Shopbop
Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
For a polished courthouse look, consider this A-line option. The mid-weight stretch crepe works great for any season, and the bow detail at the neckline pulls this design together. Not to mention, the clean and classic aesthetic will look stunning in your wedding day photos.
Price at time of publish: $375
For Your Something Blue: Jane Summers Isabella Backless Short White Wedding Dress
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Courtesy of Jane Summers
Size Range: 2-12 | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 14 days
This dress from Jane Summers features a fun fit-and-flare style skirt with a fitted bodice. Our favorite part is the unexpected baby blue ribbon that ties together the back. It's the perfect way to add a bit of subtle color to your look. It's also an easy, breezy pick for hot summer days.
Price at time of publish: $398
Best Bridal Suit: Reformation Kinsale Set
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Reformation
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Full-Length | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
Channel some of the most iconic celeb courthouse wedding outfits with this bridal suit from Reformation. The wide-leg pant and oversize blazer is a chic and fashion-forward twist on tradition. Plus, it has pockets, making it both practical and convenient.
Price at time of publish: $488
Best Linen Dress: Zimmerman Rosa Laced Midi Dress
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Courtesy of Shopbop
Size Range: 00-4 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free 3-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
For a lightweight, stylish dress for your courthouse ceremony, we adore this linen midi dress from Zimmermann. This unique option features an elegant scalloped trim, and we love the bodice with subtle strap detailing. Pick this pretty frock for a casual summer wedding.
Price at time of publish: $695
What to Look for in a Courthouse Wedding Outfit
The beauty of a courthouse wedding is that anything goes when it comes to your bridal outfit. While some brides may gravitate toward sleek jumpsuits and modern bridal suits, others choose to wear floor-length gowns or tea-length frocks. Plus, there’s no rule that says you have to wear white. If you’re looking to make a statement at city hall, opt for dresses in floral prints and vibrant colors.
Since you'll likely be taking plenty of photos outside or on the steps of city hall, it's important 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. As you're shopping, keep in mind what accessories you're looking to pair with your ensemble. Accessories like veils, headbands, clutches, and classic pumps often make for the perfect finishing touch to a courthouse outfit.
You could choose to go to a traditional wedding dress boutique or you can find a dress at stores like Zara or Reformation. In fact, some brands—like Jane Summers—make dresses specifically for courthouse weddings. If you're feeling really adventurous, check out your local vintage store to search for a hidden treasure of a dress. Finally, consider your ideal accessories to complement your bridal look. Since courthouse weddings tend to be a more budget-friendly option, brides may have the opportunity to splurge on accessories a bit more to make their courthouse wedding look truly one of a kind.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, guests, wedding parties, and more.
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