So you’re planning a courthouse wedding, and you need a courthouse wedding dress that matches the vibes. Luckily for you, we’ve found some of the most photo-worthy outfits for a courthouse or city hall ceremony — from modern mini dresses to gorgeous white gowns!
Planning a courthouse wedding looks a little different from traditional wedding planning, and the same goes for choosing what to wear. With wedding traditions thrown out the window, you can have a little fun with your attire. Want to bare some leg? Wear bright colors? Rock a trendy accessory? All of the above?
No matter your bridal style, we’ve rounded up some iconic dresses and outfits that would stun for a courthouse wedding. But first, let’s go over a few FAQs to help you find the one!
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What to Wear to a Courthouse Wedding
When it comes to a courthouse wedding, there are no “rules” or “traditions” for what to wear — the sky is truly the limit! So to help you choose the best look for your big day, here are a few essentials questions to ask yourself first:
1. What style of dress (or bridal suit or jumpsuit) makes me feel most like myself?
2. Consider the time of year — will it be hot, cold, or mild?
3. What do I WANT to wear? Do I love a traditional bridal look, or would I rather wear something unique and unexpected?
GWS Tip: If the first and third questions are hard for you to answer, pay attention to which courthouse wedding dresses make your heart beat just a little bit faster as you scroll through below. That’s often the best indicator of what we truly want!
Ultimately, it’s important to consider both the practical and the wish-fulfillment sides when choosing a dress for a courthouse wedding. Most city hall or courthouse wedding dresses are going to err on the casual side, with many (though not all!) featuring a shorter hemline. They generally mirror the entire reason you’ve decided to opt for a civil ceremony — to keep it simple. However, should you want to waltz up those courthouse steps with a 10-foot train behind you, we say go for it!
Do you have to wear a white dress for a courthouse wedding?
While many brides follow the tradition of wearing white to a courthouse wedding, this definitely isn’t a hard and fast rule. As with all weddings, you have the freedom to make it your own — so choose something that reflects your rad personal style! Maybe you want to rock a white mini dress for a modern twist on a classic bridal look, or switch things up entirely with a pastel green gown (we’ve included a gorgeous one below!).
Whatever you wear, don’t be afraid to have a little fun with it. After all, courthouse weddings tend to be more personal than grand celebrations, and the same applies to your outfit!
Our Favorite Boutiques for Courthouse Wedding Dresses and City Hall Bridal Outfits
Since there are SO many outfit options for what to wear to a courthouse or city hall wedding, it can be tricky to narrow down your perfect dress. To help you find your dress soulmate, here are our top three retailers that stock chic and classy courthouse wedding outfits!
- Anthropologie: With a swoon-worthy wedding collection, Anthropologie has mastered the art of iconic bridal fashion. Their dresses run the gamut from party-ready minis to traditional ball gowns — and they would all stun for a courthouse ceremony or city hall wedding. Plus, Anthropologie also has the best accessories to complete your courthouse wedding outfit. Consider this your one-stop wedding shop!
- Lulus: If you’re on a budget, Lulus has no shortage of courthouse wedding dresses that won’t break the bank — including several gorgeous options for under $100. And with hundreds of raving reviews for their gowns, you can feel confident that these outfits will stun for your courthouse wedding…and beyond.
- Etsy: Have you dreamed about rocking a custom-made, one-of-a-kind dress for your courthouse wedding? Then look no further than Etsy. All of their dresses are made by independent designers and small businesses, and many of their designs can be customized and made-to-order to your exact measurements. Because you deserve a courthouse wedding outfit that’s as original as your love story!
What type of shoes should you wear to the courthouse?
When it comes to courthouse bridal shoes, you can either go big or go casual — and either is welcome. Since city hall wedding dresses are typically on the shorter and simpler side, we love styling them with truly iconic footwear. Listen, we are not above advising you to spend all that would-be catering budget on a pair of once-in-a-lifetime heels. If not now, then when?!
In all seriousness, the best shoes complete your courthouse wedding outfit and showcase your personal style. From classic wedding heels to bridal sneakers, you truly can’t go wrong.
With that in mind, it’s time to look at some of our favorite dresses and outfit ideas for a courthouse or city hall wedding!
Our Favorite Courthouse Wedding Dresses and City Hall Outfits
Tying the knot at the courthouse checks many of the typical wedding planning boxes in and of itself. Cross “furiously analyzing Pinterest for wedding decor ideas” off your list. The same goes for hiring a caterer, memorizing the first dance moves, and drafting up a seating chart that makes everyone happy. With all that mental space open, there is one thing that rises to the top: what will you wear?!
Let’s skip to the good part, shall we? Keep scrolling for the best courthouse and city hall wedding dresses for every style, from drool-worthy minis to pretty pastel outfits!
2: This Courthouse Wedding Dress With a Statement Bow
AKA, the dress with the bow! This is another chic courthouse wedding dress that’s been making the rounds on our social media, and we are fully obsessed. With an understated silhouette, it keeps all the attention on that show-stopping bow detail. Talk about business in the front, party in the back!
And as a bonus, that oversized bow is actually removable, so you can wear this white mini two different ways. Keep it on for your city hall ceremony (and photoshoot), then remove it for your romantic dinner afterward.
The best way to elevate your courthouse wedding dress? A dramatic bridal cape! Check out this list of our favorite show-stopping styles.
GWS Pro Tip: A courthouse wedding is the perfect opportunity to play with color and wear something fun and unexpected as you say your “I do’s”. So to finish this list, we’ve rounded up more of our favorite non-white dresses that would stun for a city hall wedding!
37: This Cute + Edgy Courthouse Wedding Dress
Introducing: another Selkie dress for your courthouse or city hall wedding, this time in an edgy dark hue! When you want a dress that’s just as cool and unconventional as you are, this beauty delivers. It takes a romantic organza silhouette and gives it a bit of edge. SO rad.
Pro tip: This cutie of a dress comes in multiple colors and sells out fast, so if you like it (and your size isn’t available) bookmark it to keep tabs!
Complete Your Courthouse Wedding Outfit With Our Favorite Fashion Guides
Now that you’ve said “yes” to a gorgeous courthouse wedding dress, let’s complete your wedding day outfit!
First and foremost, don’t miss our ultimate wedding shoes guide, including tips for choosing your perfect pair. They’re the most important part of the outfit if you ask us!
And speaking of bridal accessories, we’ve also rounded up the best wedding veils and bridal capes to complete your iconic look.
Last but not least, finish your look with one of these gorgeous bridal nail ideas, and you’re pretty much golden!
Which of these city hall wedding dresses are you planning to wear on the big day? Let us know in the comments below!