What does a bride wear to a courthouse wedding?

Whatever you wear is entirely up to you—there are no rules! 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 stand-out silhouettes. Don't be afraid to go all-out if that's what will make your day feel special and true to you!

Can I wear a wedding gown for my courthouse wedding?

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.

Can I wear a wedding veil for my courthouse wedding?

Definitely! You can accessorize your courthouse wedding look with anything from a wedding veil to a tiara to a chic hat and bridal shawl . The options are endless!

The 18 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits of 2023

Easy and unfussy, courthouse weddings are perfect for couples looking to make it official in an intimate setting. But, just because you’re opting for a small civil ceremony, doesn’t mean you can’t go big when it comes to your courthouse wedding outfit. In fact, for the most part, nothing is off limits with many brides opting to don everything from traditional gowns to modern jumpsuits. What's more, there's a look out there to fit any budget and complement any bridal style.

Consider picking a dress in a bright color for a fun, unexpected twist at your nuptials.

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, Net-a-Porter and Reformation offer a worthy selection of dresses. Looking for something more modern for your special day? BHLDN and DB Studio have jumpsuits you will absolutely adore.

Read on for our favorite courthouse wedding outfits.

Our Top Picks

For the Playful Bride:

Lulus Lace Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress at Lulus

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Most Sophisticated:

Black Halo Carolina Dress at Amazon

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For the Vintage Bride:

Sau Lee Cassia Dress at Revolve

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Best Slip Dress:

BHLDN Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress at Anthropologie

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Most Romantic:

Bronx and Banco Saba Blanc Midi Dress at Revolve

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Most Formal Jumpsuit:

DB Studio One-Shoulder Crepe Bow Jumpsuit at David's Bridal

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Best Back:

Bernadette Sacha Dress at Net-a-Porter

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Best Lace Dress:

Simkhai Signature Joy Mini Dress at Jonathansimkhai.com

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For the Fashion-Forward Bride:

Danielle Frankel Trench Coat at Net-a-Porter

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For a Summer Wedding:

Self-Portrait Off-the-Shoulder Guipure Lace Mini Dress at Net-a-Porter

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Absolutely Stunning White Lace Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress

Lulu's

View On Lulus

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Cotton, nylon, polyester | 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

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Shopbop.com

Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyamide, viscose, elastane | 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

Revolve

View On Revolve

Size Range: 0-8 | Materials: Rayon, viscose, cotton| 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: $293

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | 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

Revolve

View On Revolve

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | 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

one-shoulder crepe wedding jumpsuit with bow

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Size Range: 0-14 |Materials: Polyester | 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

A nontraditional bride will love this wide-leg jumpsuit with a drapey charmeuse one-shoulder neckline from DB Studio for something both comfortable and chic. We love that the removable sash allows you to tailor a fit most comfortable for you.

Price at time of publish: $170

Sacha off-the-shoulder taffeta mini dress

NET-A-PORTER

View On Net-a-Porter View On Matchesfashion.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Size Range: EU34-42 | Materials: Polyester, polyamide, elastane | 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: $277

Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Jonathansimkhai.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue View On Shopbop.com

Size Range: 00-16 |Materials: Polyester | 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

NET-A-PORTER

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | 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.

Price at time of publish: $1,316

SELF-PORTRAIT Off-the-shoulder guipure lace mini dress

NET-A-PORTER

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: UK4-14 | Materials: Polyester |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.

Price at time of publish: $405

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester, spandex |Length: Cropped | 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–especially if it boasts an oversized bow like this style from Mestiza. Keep your look simple and chic with matching white accessories and delicate jewelry.

Price at time of publish: $525

RIME ARODAKY Jax belted lace-trimmed crepe mini dress

NET-A-PORTER

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: FR34-42 | Materials: Acetate, viscose, cotton, polyester | Length: Mini | Shipping: $10 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days

This crisp and sleek belted 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.

Price at time of publish: $1,725

Shopbop

View On Shopbop.com

Size Range: | Materials: Cotton, silk, polyester | Length: Maxi | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

If you're looking for a non-traditional outfit, consider experimenting with colors and patterns. This pretty printed frock would be right at home at a courthouse wedding and can easily be worn again and again long after you say 'I do.' It's our favorite pick for spring and summer nuptials.

Price at time of publish: $1,150

Reformation

View On Reformation

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Linen |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

Krisa Style

View On Revolve View On Krisastyle.com

Size Range: XS-L | Materials: Polyester | 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: $69

Andres Otalora El Olivo Linen Midi Dress

Moda Operandi

View On Modaoperandi.com

Size Range: 0-10 | Materials: Linen | Length: Midi | Shipping: $10 standard shipping fee| Return Policy: Full refund within 28 days

For a lightweight, stylish dress for your courthouse ceremony, we adore this linen midi from Andres Otalora. This breezy option features an elegant strapless neckline, a bustier-style bodice, and a flirty flared hemline. Pick this pretty frock for a casual summer wedding.

Price at time of publish: $650

By Watters Macaron Square-Neck Tulle Embellished Mini Dress

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Nylon, polyester | Length: Mini | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Keep it short and sweet in this pearl-embellished mini dress complete with puff sleeves, pleated tulle, and a square neckline. If you're looking for a little added drama, why not sport a long veil?

Price at time of publish: $495

BHLDN by Carly Cushnie Samantha Open-Back Blazer Mini Dress

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: 0-18 | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Length: Mini | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Channel Bianca Jagger's wedding day look with this impossibly chic blazer dress. Daring yet sophisticated, feminine yet modern, you can't go wrong with this blazer dress for your City Hall wedding. Plus, it's perfect for dressing up or down and can easily be worn again.

Price at time of publish: $398

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.

FAQ

What does a bride wear to a courthouse wedding?

Whatever you wear is entirely up to you—there are no rules! 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 stand-out silhouettes. Don't be afraid to go all-out if that's what will make your day feel special and true to you!
Can I wear a wedding gown for my courthouse wedding?

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.
Can I wear a wedding veil for my courthouse wedding?

Definitely! You can accessorize your courthouse wedding look with anything from a wedding veil to a tiara to a chic hat and bridal shawl. The options are endless!

Why Trust Us

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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