Getting married at city hall or having a courthouse wedding ceremony is one of the easiest, most low-key ways to get married. Civil weddings are simple, personal, and honestly kind of perfect if you’re skipping the work and drama of a big event. But just because you’re keeping things chill doesn’t mean your look has to be boring.
Whether you’re planning a quick city hall wedding service or heading to a government office wedding with your closest friends, your outfit still deserves a serious moment. The right bride’s outfit for a courthouse wedding can be anything from a sleek jumpsuit to a cute mini dress or something totally unexpected. What matters most is that it feels like you, your personality!
Need a little inspo? My nieces and I’ve pulled together some seriously stylish courthouse wedding attire ideas that work for all kinds of vibe. Yes, classic to edgy. If you’re figuring out your cityhall wedding outfit or getting ready for a civil marriage ceremony, these looks will have you feeling confident and camera-ready in no time.
Simple and Elegant Lace Dress
A lace dress is a classic choice for a courthouse wedding. It’s elegant, timeless, and appropriate for the occasion. Look for a dress with a simple silhouette and delicate lace details. A fitted bodice and flowy skirt will create a flattering shape, while a v-neckline or cap sleeves will add a romantic touch.
For a modern twist on the traditional lace dress, consider a style with a high-low hemline or a sheer lace overlay. These details will add some visual interest to your look without being too over-the-top. Pair your lace dress with simple accessories like a pair of stud earrings and a clutch purse.
Chic Jumpsuit
If you want to break away from the traditional dress, a chic jumpsuit is a great option for a courthouse wedding. Look for a jumpsuit with a tailored fit and elegant details like a belted waist or lace sleeves. A wide-leg silhouette will create a long and lean look, while a cropped style will show off your legs.
To accessorize your jumpsuit, consider adding a statement necklace or a pair of bold earrings. A pair of heels will dress up the look, while a pair of flats will keep you comfortable throughout the day. Don’t forget to add a pop of color with your accessories or a bold lip color.
Sleek and Modern Two-Piece Set
For a modern and fashionable take on courthouse wedding dress ideas, consider a two-piece set. Look for a set with a cropped top and high-waisted skirt or pants. A lace or satin top will add some romance to the look, while a sleek and simple bottom will keep it courthouse-appropriate.
To style your two-piece set, keep your accessories minimal and let the outfit do the talking. A pair of simple heels and some dainty jewelry will complete the look without overwhelming it. Consider adding a statement headpiece like a birdcage veil or a floral crown for a unique touch.
Vintage-Inspired Tea Length Dress
For a retro-inspired look, a tea length dress is a charming choice for a courthouse wedding. Look for a dress with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt that falls just below the knee. A lace or floral print will add some vintage flair, while a solid color will keep the look timeless.
To accessorize your tea length dress, consider adding a pair of retro-inspired shoes like t-strap heels or mary janes. A birdcage veil or a pillbox hat will complete the vintage vibe. Don’t forget to add some pearl jewelry for a classic touch.
Classic Little White Dress
If you want to keep things simple and classic, a little white dress is always a good choice for a courthouse wedding. Look for a dress with a fitted silhouette and minimal embellishments. A shift dress or a sheath dress will create a sleek and sophisticated look, while a fit-and-flare style will add some playfulness.
To style your little white dress, consider adding a pop of color with your accessories. A bright pair of shoes or a colorful clutch will add some personality to the simple dress. A statement necklace or a pair of bold earrings will also dress up the look.
Boho-Chic Lace Maxi Dress
For a laid-back and effortless vibe, a boho-chic lace maxi dress is a great choice for a courthouse wedding. Look for a dress with a flowy silhouette and delicate lace details. An off-the-shoulder neckline or bell sleeves will add some bohemian flair, while a simple silhouette will keep the look understated.
To style your boho-chic maxi dress, consider adding some earthy accessories like a pair of wooden heels or a suede fringe bag. A flower crown or a braided hairstyle will complete the bohemian look. Don’t forget to add some delicate jewelry like a pair of hoop earrings or a layered necklace.
Elegant Midi Dress
An elegant midi dress is a sophisticated choice for a courthouse wedding. Look for a dress with a fitted bodice and a flowy skirt that falls just below the knee. A lace or satin fabric will add some romance to the look, while a solid color will keep it timeless.
To style your midi dress, consider adding some classic accessories like a pair of nude heels and a clutch purse. A simple updo or a sleek blowout will complete the elegant look. Don’t forget to add some delicate jewelry like a pair of stud earrings or a tennis bracelet.
Romantic Off-the-Shoulder Dress
An off-the-shoulder dress is a romantic and feminine choice for a courthouse wedding. Look for a dress with a fitted bodice and a flowy skirt that falls just above the knee. A lace or chiffon fabric will add some romance to the look, while a solid color will keep it simple and elegant.
To style your off-the-shoulder dress, consider adding some delicate accessories like a pair of strappy heels and a clutch purse. A soft updo or loose waves will complete the romantic look. Don’t forget to add some dainty jewelry like a pair of drop earrings or a bracelet.
Chic and Simple Sheath Dress
A sheath dress is a chic and simple choice for a courthouse wedding. Look for a dress with a fitted silhouette and minimal embellishments. A solid color like white, ivory, or blush will keep the look timeless and elegant.
To style your sheath dress, consider adding some modern accessories like a pair of metallic heels and a geometric clutch. A sleek ponytail or a simple bun will complete the chic look. Don’t forget to add some statement jewelry like a pair of oversized earrings or a cuff bracelet.
Playful and Flirty Short Dress
A short dress is a playful and flirty choice for a courthouse wedding. Look for a dress with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt that falls above the knee. A lace or floral print will add some romance to the look, while a solid color will keep it simple and sweet.
To style your short dress, consider adding some fun accessories like a pair of colorful heels and a statement necklace. A messy updo or beachy waves will complete the playful look. Don’t forget to add some whimsical touches like a flower crown or a bold lip color.
Sleek and Sophisticated Jumpsuit
A jumpsuit is a sleek and sophisticated alternative to a traditional dress for a courthouse wedding. Look for a jumpsuit with a fitted silhouette and elegant details like a belted waist or lace sleeves. A wide-leg silhouette will create a long and lean look, while a cropped style will show off your legs.
To style your jumpsuit, consider adding some modern accessories like a pair of metallic heels and a geometric clutch. A sleek ponytail or a simple bun will complete the sophisticated look. Don’t forget to add some statement jewelry like a pair of oversized earrings or a cuff bracelet.
Bohemian-Inspired Lace Dress
A bohemian-inspired lace dress is a romantic and effortless choice for a courthouse wedding. Look for a dress with a flowy silhouette and delicate lace details. An off-the-shoulder neckline or bell sleeves will add some bohemian flair, while a simple silhouette will keep the look understated.
To style your bohemian-inspired dress, consider adding some earthy accessories like a pair of wooden heels or a suede fringe bag. A flower crown or a braided hairstyle will complete the bohemian look. Don’t forget to add some delicate jewelry like a pair of hoop earrings or a layered necklace.
Modern and Minimalist Slip Dress
A slip dress is a modern and minimalist choice for a courthouse wedding. Look for a dress with a simple silhouette and minimal embellishments. A satin or silk fabric will add some luxury to the look, while a solid color will keep it timeless and chic.
To style your slip dress, consider adding some modern accessories like a pair of barely-there heels and a sleek clutch. A messy updo or a simple blowout will complete the minimalist look. Don’t forget to add some delicate jewelry like a pair of stud earrings or a dainty necklace.
Retro-Inspired Fit-and-Flare Dress
A fit-and-flare dress is a retro-inspired choice for a courthouse wedding. Look for a dress with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt that falls just below the knee. A polka dot or floral print will add some vintage charm, while a solid color will keep the look classic.
To style your fit-and-flare dress, consider adding some retro accessories like a pair of cat-eye sunglasses and a vintage-inspired handbag. Victory rolls or a red lip will complete the retro look. Don’t forget to add some classic jewelry like a pair of pearl earrings or a delicate bracelet.
Romantic and Whimsical Tulle Skirt
A tulle skirt is a romantic and whimsical choice for a courthouse wedding. Pair a simple top with a full tulle skirt for a dreamy and ethereal look. A lace or silk top will add some elegance, while a t-shirt or sweater will keep the look casual and fun.
To style your tulle skirt, consider adding some playful accessories like a pair of glittery heels and a floral headpiece. Loose waves or a messy updo will complete the romantic look. Don’t forget to add some delicate jewelry like a pair of chandelier earrings or a charm bracelet.
Tips to Nailing your Courthouse Wedding Dress Ideas Look
1. Now that you have some inspiration for your courthouse wedding dress, here are some practical tips to help you nail your look:
2. Keep it simple and understated. A courthouse wedding is not the time to go over-the-top with your dress or accessories. Choose a dress with clean lines and minimal embellishments for a timeless and elegant look.
3. Choose a dress that fits well and makes you feel comfortable. You want to feel confident and at ease on your big day, so make sure your dress fits properly and allows you to move and breathe easily.
4. Consider the season and weather. If you’re getting married in the summer, opt for lightweight fabrics like chiffon or linen. If it’s a winter wedding, choose a dress with long sleeves or a warm wrap.
5. Don’t forget about your shoes. Your shoes should be comfortable enough to wear all day, but also stylish enough to complement your dress. Consider a pair of classic pumps or strappy sandals in a neutral color.
6. Keep your accessories simple and meaningful. A courthouse wedding is a perfect opportunity to wear a sentimental piece of jewelry or a family heirloom. Choose accessories that complement your dress without overwhelming it.
7. Consider your hairstyle and makeup. Your hair and makeup should be polished and elegant, but not too fussy. A simple updo or loose waves will look effortless and chic, while natural makeup will enhance your features without looking overdone.
8. Don’t be afraid to add a pop of color. While a white or ivory dress is traditional, you can also add some personality with a colorful accessory or a bold lip color. Just make sure it doesn’t clash with your dress or the overall vibe of the day.
9. Have fun with it! A courthouse wedding is a celebration of your love and commitment, so don’t take it too seriously. Choose a dress that makes you feel happy and confident, and enjoy every moment of your special day.
Actionable Advice
✓ Set a budget for your courthouse wedding dress and stick to it. There are plenty of affordable options out there that will still make you feel beautiful and special.
✓ Start shopping for your dress early to allow for any necessary alterations or shipping times. You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute to find the perfect outfit.
✓ Consider renting a dress instead of buying one. This can be a more affordable and sustainable option, especially if you don’t plan on wearing the dress again.
✓ Take your venue into account when choosing your dress. A simple city hall ceremony may call for a more casual dress, while a historic courthouse may require something more formal.
✓ Don’t forget about your partner’s attire. Coordinate your outfits so that you look cohesive and complementary in your wedding photos.
✓ Take care of any necessary grooming before the big day. Get a haircut, manicure, and pedicure to ensure that you look and feel your best.
✓ Pack an emergency kit with safety pins, fashion tape, and a stain remover pen in case of any wardrobe malfunctions.
✓ Most importantly, remember that your courthouse wedding is about you and your partner’s love for each other. Don’t get too caught up in the details and enjoy every moment of this special day!
