The 24 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits for A Chic City Hall Celebration (2024)

  • Wedding Dresses

By

Madison Barber

The 24 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits for A Chic City Hall Celebration (1)

Madison Barber

Madison Barber is a shopping writer for Brides. She has two years of experience writing commerce roundups, highlighting trending products and great buys in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle spaces. She previously wrote for Bustle Digital Group, with bylines at Bustle and Elite Daily.

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Updated on 03/29/24 12:59PM

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The 24 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits for A Chic City Hall Celebration (2)

Easy and unfussy, courthouse weddings are perfect for couples looking to make it official in an intimate setting. Opting for a small civil ceremony is special in many ways, and we at Brides especially love how this occasion allows you to play with silhouettes and styles more than a bride typically does for a conventional ceremony. From traditional lace-adorned dresses to modern jumpsuits, nothing is off-limits for courthouse nuptials, allowing you to further tune into your personal style and indulge in the bridal elements that most speak to you. To help narrow down your search for the best courthouse wedding outfit, we researched the best dresses, jumpsuits, and sets and determined which are worth investing in for your big day.

Our Top Picks

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Always a no-fuss, classically gorgeous option, an A-line silhouette is ideal for a courthouse wedding. The simple design of this dress allows for accessories to shine—consider glitzy stilettos and bold earrings to pair with this.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: 100% deadstock polyester

Simplistic and elegant, this ivory silk gown is perfect for a polished bride during her courthouse ceremony. It even has adjustable straps to ensure the perfect fit.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 100% silk

Best Vintage-Inspired

Reformation Buchanan Dress

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A Peter pan-style collar, black bow detail, and flowy, midi-length hemline make this dress a vintage lover’s dream for courthouse nuptials.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: 100% viscose

Most Romantic

Area Crystal Heart Back Dress

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Sophisticated and simple in the front and fun and flirty in the back, this crystal heart-adorned mini dress is optimal for a romantic courthouse wedding dress.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 67% rayon, 28% nylon, 5% elastane (shell); 100% polyester (lining)

Best Details

Farm Rio White Lace Mini Dress

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Lace, eyelets, ruching, and ruffles on this mini dress add playfulness to an otherwise ordinary civil ceremony.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 100% cotton (shell), 100% viscose (lining)

Best Formal

Significant Other Lana Cowl-Neck Satin Gown

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While courthouse weddings are seemingly less formal than traditional ceremonies, that doesn’t mean you can’t dress to the nines. The high, cowl-neckline, open back, and adjustable, exaggerated bow detail in the back makes this gown anything but casual.

Size Range: US 2-US 12 | Materials: Viscose, polyester

Best Slip Dress

Brandon Maxwell Off The Shoulder Slip Dress with Silver Hardware

The 24 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits for A Chic City Hall Celebration (9)

This option takes the term “elevated basic” to a whole new level. The silver hardware detailing on these off-the-shoulder straps makes an otherwise simple slip dress more fashion-forward.

Size Range: 0-8 | Materials: 70% viscose, 26% acetate, 4% elastane (shell); 93% silk, 7% elastane (lining)

Best for a Summer Wedding

Cult Gaia Brylie Dress

The 24 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits for A Chic City Hall Celebration (10)

Halter straps and fringe trim on this midi dress are summery details we can’t get enough of. The elaborate tie at the bust and button closures all down the front are other elements that give it a bridal feel, making this option ideal for a summer courthouse ceremony.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: 92% TENCEL, 8% polyester

Best for a Winter Wedding

Lioness Hollywood Dress

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For cold-weather nuptials, long sleeves are a must. We love how this dress also provides glamorous bridal elements like sequins, a deep scoop neckline, and a dainty tie detail at the bust.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: 92% TENCEL, 8% polyester

Best Jumpsuit

Self-Portrait Crêpê Sleeveless Peplum Jumpsuit

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If you’d rather sport a polished jumpsuit over a dress for your courthouse wedding, we’re partial to this sleek, sleeveless, straight-leg option. This jumpsuit boasts a crisp collar, embellished buttons down the front, and a peplum waist.

Size Range: 2-12 | Materials: 100% polyester

Khaite is championed for its elevated, luxurious pieces, and this mini dress is no exception. Made of silk and fashioned with a contrasting bra-style bodice and adjustable, medium-thick straps, we love this for courthouse nuptials.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: 100% silk

Most Fashion-Forward

Bottega Veneta Viscose And Linen Midi Dress

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The details on this dress won’t get past any fashion-forward bride. From the cinched waist adorned with gold embellishments to the halter neckline equipped with a scarf-like tie, we love this choice for a stylish bride during her civil ceremony.

Size Range: IT40-IT48 | Materials: 55% viscose, 45% linen

Best Modern

Another Tomorrow Mock Neck Buttoned Top

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For a modern courthouse look, we suggest a luxe top and pants combination like these silky separates. The mock-neck, button-up top and relaxed, straight-leg trousers would pair perfectly with dainty strappy heels and bold jewelry.

Size Range: 0-14 (top and bottoms) | Materials: 100% viscose (top and bottoms)

A less formal, yet more unique, take on the typical lace wedding dress, this option features a bustier-style top and a one-part sheer lace and one-part cotton tiered skirt that’ll make a statement at your courthouse nuptials.

Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: 67% viscose, 33% cotton (shell); 100% polyester (lining)

Best Embellished

A.L.C. Alana Embellished Mini Dress

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Opt for subtle embellishments like these crystal details if you want a standout courthouse ceremony dress that’s not too dramatic. We love how the straps are adjustable, as well.

Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: 70% triacetate, 30% polyester

Best Belted

Self-Portrait Pleated Bouclé Minidress

The 24 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits for A Chic City Hall Celebration (18)

This mini dress is the epitome of courthouse chic with its boucle fabric, blazer-style bodice, and matching belt.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: 76% acrylic, 16% wool, 8% polyester (shell and belt)

Best Floral

Ramy Brook Elora Embroidered Satin Midi-Dress

The 24 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits for A Chic City Hall Celebration (19)

Floral embroidery and dainty, thin straps on this dress provide the perfect bridal details for a courthouse wedding, not to mention it’s still simple enough for bold accessorizing.

Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: 67% viscose, 33% cotton (shell); 100% polyester (lining)

Best Strapless

Alessandra Rich Ruffled Silk-Cady Midi Dress

The 24 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits for A Chic City Hall Celebration (20)

Rosette and ruffle detailing on this strapless number make it a beautiful bridal option, and we love the sleek, body-hugging silhouette and back slit for a classy courthouse feel.

Size Range: US 2-US 8 | Materials: 98% viscose, 2% elastane (shell); 100% silk (ruffles); 95% cupro, 5% elastane (lining)

Best Skirt Set

Reformation Moya Linen Two Piece

The 24 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits for A Chic City Hall Celebration (21)

Suitable for a more casual courthouse vibe in the spring or summertime, this linen set is simple bridal perfection. The classic boat neckline on the top and the A-line silhouette are timeless, so you can wear these pieces separately after your nuptials for any warm-weather excursion.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: 100% linen

Best Blazer

A.L.C. Juliet Pleated Blazer Minidress

The 24 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits for A Chic City Hall Celebration (22)

If you’re seeking a more distinctive blazer-style option for your courthouse wedding, this mini dress is it. A seemingly traditional blazer on the bodice morphs into a gorgeous pleated skirt on the bottom—a bridal look guaranteed to turn heads.

Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: 68% polyester, 29% viscose, 3% elastane (; 96% polyester, 4% elastane (lining)

Best Casual

Proenza Schouler Sidney Ruched Jersey Maxi T-Shirt Dress

The 24 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits for A Chic City Hall Celebration (23)

This option is the epitome of versatility. The slightly see-through body, the subtle V-neckline and short sleeves, the stretchy, body-hugging fabric, and the back bow detail make this dress both casual-cool and suitable for a bride.

Size Range: 0-8 | Materials: 50% viscose, 42% silk, 8% elastane

Best Open Back

JACQUEMUS White Les Sculptures 'La robe Capa' Maxi Dress

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Subtly sexy and ideal for brides wanting to leave an impression in the courthouse, this open-back dress is nothing short of stunning. We love the draping sleeve details in the back, as well.

Size Range: 34-42 | Materials: 95% cupro, 5% elastane

Best Sleeveless

Reformation Elvira Dress

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We’re fans of a drop-waist and a bubble hem dress here at Brides, and this Reformation dress checks both of those boxes. Not to mention it’s a pretty, playful option for a courthouse wedding.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: 98% organic cotton, 2% spandex

Best Long-Sleeve

Alessandra Rich Embellished Draped Silk-Satin Midi Dress

The 24 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits for A Chic City Hall Celebration (26)

This long-sleeve gown is one you’ll look back on and admire long after your big day. From the draping details to the embellished shoulder buttons to the leg of mutton sleeves, this silk dress is an elegant courthouse wedding option.

Size Range: IT36-IT46 | Materials: 100% silk

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 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.
  • 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 co*cktail 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

  • What does a bride wear to a courthouse wedding?

    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 true to your personal style.

  • 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?

    You can accessorize your courthouse wedding look with anything from a wedding veil to a tiara to a chic hat and bridal shawl.

  • What color does a bride wear to a courthouse wedding?

    For a courthouse wedding, there’s no reason to limit yourself to white if you're desiring a different hue. You can choose a dress, wedding suit, mini dress, or jumpsuit in off-white, floral patterns, or any other color that speaks to you.

Why Trust Brides

Madison Barber is a commerce writer at Brides, not to mention a fashion and shopping obsessive. She spent hours researching to find the best courthouse wedding outfit options, deciding on only the chicest options for Brides readers. Sophie Moore also contributed to this article. She is a former fashion editor at Brides and an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory.

The 24 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits for A Chic City Hall Celebration (2024)

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