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!
1: The Famous Mini Caspian Dress
photo: Halle Morgan | dress: Mini Caspian by Odylyne The Ceremony, from this romantic city elopement
This dress kicked off a whole new wave of trends when we shared this elopement on GWS. It was a year into the pandemic and couples were ready to shake things up after all the heartache and changing of plans.
Enter: this cute white mini dress. It’s fun and flirty without apology. No wonder brides are rocking the Mini Caspian all over IG — it might just be the perfect courthouse wedding dress!
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.
3: This Classy Courthouse Wedding Dress With a Trendy Twist
You contain multitudes. In other words, you can wear that classy a-line dress AND rock some of 2024’s hottest wedding trends. And this courthouse wedding dress is here to give you the best of both worlds!
With a sheer beaded top layered over a classy white gown, this understated dress is anything but boring. Style it with these matching pearlcore earrings to complete the trendy look, and you’re pretty much golden!
4: This Chic Long Sleeve Courthouse Wedding Dress
The simplicity of that perfect V in the back wins this one for us. That, in addition to the elegant long sleeves, the high-low hemline, and the way the crepe falls just so, makes this the perfect city hall wedding dress for your classy courthouse ceremony.
And as if that wasn’t enough, this dress can also be fully custom-made to your exact measurements. Because who doesn’t want to wear a custom dress on the big day?!
5: This Elegant Silky Courthouse Wedding Dress
There’s something so effortless about this white courthouse wedding dress. It has an uncomplicated silhouette that would suit any bridal style, while also featuring special details that make it pop. From the elegant twisted neckline to the long flowy train, it’s a total show-stopper.
And don’t even get us started on the alluring open back! Paired with these dangly earrings, this floor-sweeping dress is a no-brainer for a courthouse ceremony or city hall wedding.
6: The Selkie Queen of Angels Gown
Selkie’s famous Puff Dress gets a bridal makeover with this stunning white gown — perfect for adding a dose of whimsy to your courthouse wedding! Aptly named the “Queen of Angels Gown,” it truly looks like a slice of heaven.
While the voluminous organza skirt and floaty sleeves may not be for everyone (read: minimalists), it’s a must-have for couples who love to stand out. One word: dreamy.
7: This Classy Organza Courthouse Wedding Dress
Layers of pure silk organza make this courthouse wedding dress absolutely ethereal! Complete with a flattering V neckline, sultry open back, and nondescript high slit, it’ll ensure that allll eyes are on you as say your “I do”s.
And also peep the dainty embellished belt along the waistline — the perfect sparkly finishing touch!
Got the dress but still need to plan your courthouse wedding or civil ceremony?
8: This Ronda Silky Courthouse Wedding Dress
What is it about long, silky maxi dresses? They never fail to make us swoon…and this courthouse wedding dress from Reformation is the perfect example!
The Ronda is a one-shoulder, 100% silk charmeuse dress with a floor-sweeping hemline and the perfect asymmetrical cowl neck. It’s the epitome of elegance, and SO stunning for your elevated courthouse ceremony.
9: This Sleek Courthouse Wedding Dress With Organza Bow Straps
This courthouse wedding dress is here to help you do what you came to do: get married! (And look really good while you do it). It’s sleek and straightforward, with a fitted silhouette that’ll never go out of style. And for under $100, it’s a total steal!
Style this beauty with a leather jacket and a cute lil’ birdcage veil for a bit of edge, or keep it classy with white satin pumps and sparkly earrings. There are no wrong answers here!
10: The Selkie Ballerina Moonlight Dress
If you love the coquette trend as much as we do, then this is the courthouse wedding dress for you. It’s another one of our favorite flirty and floaty gowns from Selkie, with the brand’s signature puffy organza skirt and whimsical sheer sleeves.
And how dreamy is that pretty pastel hue?! It gives new meaning to the term blushing bride!
11: This One-Shoulder Beaded Mini Courthouse Wedding Dress
With a wraparound front and a cinched waist, this courthouse wedding dress is über flattering. But it’s that dramatic neckline that really steals the show! It takes the bow trend to the next level with a dramatic oversized bow adorning the one-shoulder silhouette.
Finished with ethereal embellishments, this mini is the dreamiest look for all the trendsetters out there (we’re looking at you!).
12: This Tulle Embellished Courthouse Wedding Dress
This courthouse wedding dress is so adorable that you’ll want to wear it right away! It’s another one of our favorite pearlcore designs, with all-over beading that gives it that enchanting, mermaid-inspired look. And with layers of floaty tulle, it’ll make you feel like you’re floating down the courthouse steps.
Now all that’s missing are some matching embellished accessories to tie the dreamy look together — like this cute beaded hair bow!
13: This Vintage Style Courthouse Wedding Dress
If you haven’t noticed by now, we love a bridal mini dress, especially for a courthouse ceremony or city hall wedding — and this is one of our fave outfit ideas! It’s the perfect vintage meets modern look, with delicate lacy fabric, chic bell sleeves, and that micro-mini hemline.
And just wait until you see the gorgeous open back! It’s the type of dress you’ll totally wear again after the big day.
Want to show off a little leg on the big day? Don’t miss our list of short and midi length wedding gowns — perfect for a courthouse wedding!
14: This White Long Sleeve Courthouse Wedding Dress
Stretchy crepe fabric makes this chic courthouse wedding dress one of the most comfortable outfits on this list. And one of the most elegant, too! With a fitted bodice, square neckline, and sheer mesh long sleeves, it’s a gorgeous and modern look for your gorgeous and modern ceremony.
Pair this flattering gown with a statement necklace and you’re ready to say “I do”!
15: This Cute Mini Courthouse Wedding Dress
The hundreds of raving reviews don’t lie — this city hall wedding dress is really THAT good! It’s a cute mini version of Show Me Your Mumu’s best-selling halter maxi dress, with the same twisted neckline and ultra-flattering silhouette.
Dress it up with a dramatic long veil, or tone it down with trendy western boots. With a sexy open back, you’ll be a show-stopper either way.
16: This Classy + Casual Mini Courthouse Wedding Dress
This white mini dress is the perfect cute and casual outfit for your city hall or courthouse wedding. You can’t go wrong with the square neckline and fitted bodice (which features a smocked back for extra comfort!), especially paired with the flirty and flowy skirt.
And for that extra somethin’ somethin’, we love the feminine straps, which are detachable for a sleek second look. They’re the perfect ~bow~ on top of this timeless design!
17: These Luxe Cowl Neck Courthouse Wedding Dresses
Add a dose of luxury to your city hall wedding with these glamorous courthouse wedding dresses! There’s something so elegant and flattering about a cowl neckline, and that long pillar silhouette creates the most beautiful drape.
Complete with a lavish silky fabric, this gown is proof that you don’t need a bunch of pomp and circumstance for a jaw-dropping look. It’s quiet luxury in the best way!
18: This Flattering Stretch-Knit Courthouse Wedding Dress
We could explain everything we love about this city hall wedding dress from Lulus, or we could just give you the stats. It has over two thousand reviews and lands at nearly 5 stars. It comes in several gorgeous colors and extended sizes. And it costs only $99.
Need we go on?
19: This Champagne-Hued Courthouse Wedding Dress
Pop the bubbly, because this champagne-hued courthouse wedding dress is worth celebrating! In addition to the luxurious off-white color, it wows with a curve-hugging column silhouette and eye-catching low back.
We’re also obsessed with the mini train in the back of this city hall wedding dress — perfect for those courthouse steps.
20: This Flirty + Fun White Courthouse Wedding Dress
We have major heart eyes for this cute city hall wedding dress!
Wear your heart on your sleeve — or should we say, your dress — with this romantic and playful design. Framed with glimmering embellishments, that heart cut-out in the back brings such a fun and feminine energy to this sweet mini dress. Best paired with these matching heart-shaped earrings!
21: The Manhattan One-Shoulder Dress
Okay, how utterly chic is this one-shoulder courthouse wedding dress? The way it wraps around all the way to the wrist — so good. And with a name like the Manhattan Dress, it’s practically MADE for a city hall wedding.
Plus, this dress also comes in a few different colors if white isn’t your style. (Loving the black mesh for an edgy and unexpected look!)
22: This Flowy Off-the-Shoulder City Hall Gown
This white city hall wedding dress is PURE romance. Made with floaty chiffon, it’ll give you the dreamiest movement for your city hall ceremony. Plus, those elasticized ruffle sleeves can be worn on or off the shoulders for a chic customizable look.
It’s such amazing versatility for an Amazon dress that’s under $100 — no wonder it has such rave reviews!
23: This Romantic Gown With a Chic Corset Bodice
The corset style is in! We’re loving the structured corset bodice on this classy courthouse wedding dress — such a dreamy vintage style look. Paired with sheer off-the-shoulder sleeves and whimsical organza fabric, it’s giving us major regencycore vibes. Obsessed!
24: This Casual White Courthouse Wedding Dress
This is another one of the best Amazon courthouse wedding dresses for brides on a budget! It’s super sweet for a casual ceremony, with a romantic botanical pattern and a classy knee-length silhouette.
And for under $50 (yes, you heard that right!), it’s the perfect dress if you love to accessorize. Have some fun with a cute flower crown, a statement bridal cape, or sparkly embellished heels. The options are truly endless!
The best way to elevate your courthouse wedding dress? A dramatic bridal cape! Check out this list of our favorite show-stopping styles.
25: This Whimsical Mini Courthouse Wedding Dress
There needed to be some whimsical flower details on this list, and this little stunner got it done! It features a chic textured mini skirt, with a white ruffle design that reminds us of beautiful blossoming roses. Such a swoon-worthy moment!
Complete with a strapless corset bodice and a feminine bow tie waist, this is the romantic city hall wedding dress you’ve been looking for.
26: This Cute Crochet Courthouse Wedding Dress
Show off your one-of-a-kind style with this cute and casual courthouse wedding dress! We love the textured look of the white crochet overlay on top of the cream knit lining. And that flirty fringe detail on the hemline?! So stunning!
If you want to give your city hall wedding a rad bohemian vibe, this is the perfect dress for the job.
27: This Vintage Style Crepe Courthouse Wedding Dress
Can we just take a moment to appreciate all the stunning details on this vintage style courthouse wedding dress?! The fluttery ruffles! The beaded neckline! The dreamy beige hue! And made with layers of silk crepe fabric, it’ll look AND feel like luxury on the big day.
And as a bonus, this rustic gown features made-to-measure sizing and is completely handmade. So special!
28: This Sparkly Long Sleeve Courthouse Wedding Dress
All-over sequins make this white dress the perfect celebratory look for your courthouse wedding or city hall ceremony! Prepare to make the whole room ~shimmer~ with the embellished curve-hugging design, which also features classy long sleeves and a flattering low back.
Pair it with equally sparkly earrings for a fun and party-ready courthouse wedding outfit that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
29: This Cute Laid-Back Courthouse Wedding Dress
This courthouse wedding dress definitely leans casual, but it’s just so cute — it would definitely work for a laid-back city hall ceremony. (And then later when you celebrate on the beach!) Made with easy breezy cotton and featuring a pull-over design, it’s the definition of effortlessly chic….and ultra comfy!
30: This Fairytale Tulle Courthouse Wedding Dress
You can feel like royalty on your wedding day — and it doesn’t have to cost all your savings! This “princess” courthouse wedding dress lives up to its name, with plenty of magic in those long tulle sleeves, a whimsical sheer skirt, and an intricate corset bodice.
And for under $100, this fairytale dress is a great option if you’re planning a budget-friendly courthouse ceremony or city hall wedding. That’s what we call happily ever after!
31: This Chic Fit-and-Flare Courthouse Wedding Dress
There are so many fun things to love about this courthouse wedding dress: the U-shaped sweetheart neckline, the fit-and-flare silhouette, the ruffled skirt…we seriously can’t choose our favorite detail!
For fashion lovers, make this white dress even more eye-catching by pairing it with black accessories (like this rosette necklace or these statement heels). It’s super stylish but in a sweet and sophisticated way.
32: The Stunning Ophelia Skirt + Top
This city hall wedding dress (or more accurately, bustier top + bridal skirt combo) was inspired by the layers of petals on a rose. It doesn’t get much more romantic than that!
Bloom like the flower you are with the pretty pleated ruffles and tiers of dreamy taffeta — and please carry a bouquet of roses when you do.
33: This Modern Mini Blazer Dress
When it comes to courthouse wedding outfits, it doesn’t get much more classy or chic than a blazer dress! The ultimate mix of feminine details and modern vibes, it’s always a winner.
For an ultra-flattering take on the menswear look, we love this white dress from Anthropologie, which features a sexy plunging neckline and a micro-mini hem. If frills and ruffles aren’t your style, this is the perfect dress for you.
34: This Chic Mini With a Cute Bubble Hem
Bubble hems are back, baby, and we can’t think of a cuter look for your courthouse wedding dress! Fun and flirty, this mini truly speaks for itself. And don’t worry about that strapless neckline — it comes with hidden no-slip strips and supportive boning at each side for maximum comfort.
While you could totally rock this city hall wedding dress on its own, we’d style it with a few playful accessories, like a pair of sheer bridal gloves or a stylish bridal headband!
35: This Classy Bow-Tie Courthouse Wedding Dress
This city hall wedding dress walks the line between classy and refined, and fun and playful. Because you deserve a dress that can do it all! With a statement oversized bow, cute ruffle hem, and timeless ankle-length silhouette, this is THAT dress.
And yes, we found those exact white pumps with the cute heart-shaped heels! Ob-sessed.
36: This Pastel Tulle Courthouse Wedding Dress
Pastel. Tulle. Corset. Ball gown. OH YES. This cotton candy dress would be the MOST fun to wear for a courthouse wedding or city hall ceremony. And with a classy tea-length silhouette, it gives you fairytale vibes without looking too formal. Just add a bouquet and you’re good to go!
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!
38: This Garden-Inspired Courthouse Wedding Dress
Pastel green, whimsical ruffle sleeves, and a lace-up open back? Bet you never saw that coming. Embrace the unexpected with this garden-inspired courthouse wedding dress — which also comes in white, peach, and a few other gorgeous pastel hues!
Pair this flowy chiffon gown with these triple-flower earrings for the dreamiest springtime look.
39: This Ethereal Tulle Courthouse Wedding Dress
We’ve seen a few brides don the full-length version of this dress and it is a WONDER. For a courthouse wedding outfit that’s ethereal, magical, and totally one-of-a-kind, it doesn’t get better than this dreamy tulle dress.
And as a bonus, the illusion mesh neckline is hand-sewn for an ultra-luxurious touch. It’s a beautiful and well-made gown that you’ll never want to take off!
40: This Designer Tiered Tulle Ruffle Gown
Go full fairytale mode for your courthouse wedding with this designer tulle dress! Made by Marchesa Notte, it looks like something straight out of a storybook romance. Happy ever after, indeed.
We especially love the structured corset bodice paired with the tiered tulle skirt and contrasting black waistband. Perfect for maximalists and hopeless romantics alike!
41: The Selkie Ritz Ball Gown
You’ll be walking on cloud 9 in this fashion-forward city hall wedding dress! From the voluminous sleeves and bright pattern to the bustier-inspired bodice and ruffled hemline, it’s a fashion lover’s dream. With this gown, your something blue is also something very, very chic.
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!
