- Wedding Dresses
By
Madison Barber
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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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 Best Classic: Most Sophisticated: Best Vintage-Inspired: Best Slip Dress: Brandon Maxwell Off The Shoulder Slip Dress with Silver Hardware at Shopbop.com ($2,995) Best for a Summer Wedding: Best for a Winter Wedding: 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 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 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) 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) 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 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) 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 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 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 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 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) 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 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) 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) 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) 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 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) 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 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 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 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 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. 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.Best Classic
Reformation Zenni Dress
Best Slip Dress
Brandon Maxwell Off The Shoulder Slip Dress with Silver Hardware
Best for a Summer Wedding
Cult Gaia Brylie Dress
Best Jumpsuit
Self-Portrait Crêpê Sleeveless Peplum Jumpsuit
Best Mini Dress
Khaite The Eli Dress
Best Lace
SIMKHAI Callan Bustier Midi Dress
Best Embellished
A.L.C. Alana Embellished Mini Dress
Best Belted
Self-Portrait Pleated Bouclé Minidress
Best Floral
Ramy Brook Elora Embroidered Satin Midi-Dress
Best Strapless
Alessandra Rich Ruffled Silk-Cady Midi Dress
Best Casual
Proenza Schouler Sidney Ruched Jersey Maxi T-Shirt Dress
Best Open Back
JACQUEMUS White Les Sculptures 'La robe Capa' Maxi Dress
What to Look for in a Courthouse Wedding Outfit
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