If you’re tying the knot at city hall, your bridal look doesn’t need an extravagant train or ballgown skirt to feel celebratory. The best courthouse wedding dresses are special occasion-worthy enough for the ceremony, timeless enough to be immortalized in photos, and versatile enough to go from paperwork signing and outdoor photos through dinner and whatever comes after. Envision party pieces you can actually move in (walking, hugging, and toasting included) without constantly adjusting straps, tugging hems, or stressing about wrinkles.
A little white dress—whether mini, midi, or tea-length—brings a romantic yet playful energy, fitting for a low-key nuptial. A chic suit or a sleek jumpsuit can be just as festive, especially if your style leans modern or minimal. What matters is that you prioritize fit, opting for a structured silhouette, good tailoring, and clean construction (think: seamless lining and a sharp hemline edge) that will hold up in close-up photos. Fabric is important, too; you want to choose high-quality, opaque materials like satin, silk, crepe, and lace that can elevate even the simplest of designs.
Bridal accessories can dress up a look further. A cape, tuxedo-inspired blazer, or a white maxi coat deliver on ceremony drama (and provide extra warmth in colder months); a veil, decorative hair bow, or a pillbox hat add a fashion-forward flair; and a statement shoe or handbag is an opportunity to express your personal style, incorporate a pop of color, or sneak in sparkle.
One of the biggest perks of dressing for City Hall is the freedom to shop beyond traditional bridal labels and still land on something that’s special and possibly even re-wearable. Below are the best courthouse wedding dresses to consider saying “I do” to, whether your aesthetic is modern minimalism, vintage romance, or timeless classic.
The Best Courthouse Wedding Dresses at a Glance
- Best Courthouse Wedding Dress Under $150: Sleeper Boheme Feather-Trimmed Midi Dress, $116
- Best Cool-Girl Courthouse Wedding Dress: Vivienne Westwood White Sunday Midi Dress, $816
- Best Size-Inclusive Courthouse Wedding Dress: Selkie The Ivory Angel Mini Gown, $399
- Best Vintage-Inspired Courthouse Wedding Dress: Rixo Dahlia Dress, $745
A cape delivers ceremony energy without a long train. The open back makes this dress feel instantly bridal-approved.
More casual courthouse weddings provide freedom for personal style expression. The feather trim on this otherwise classic slip dress adds a fun flourish while still maintaining a timeless feel.
Feel free to skip the bouquet—this mini dress comes with a built-in floral appliqué on the front, allowing you to go hands-free on the big day. With its slim straps, the halterneck neckline looks impossibly delicate.
Don’t be fooled by the under-$150 price tag: This on-sale dress has plenty to offer, from the side bows to the asymmetrical tailoring and crepe fabric. With its cut-out details, this one is for brides looking for a sexier look or a second dress for the celebration portion.
For brides who want a true maxi dress, this column gown brings length without feeling over-the-top for a courthouse wedding. The waist bow adds a playful finish, and the sleeves make it especially suited to cold-weather ceremonies.
From the sheer organza to the floaty sleeves, this dress is an ethereal dream. Bonus: It goes up to size 6X.
The tea-length hemline on this dress is unabashedly romantic, while the high neck heightens its retro appeal. The off-white colorway is a warm departure from traditional stark whites.
No extra accessories are required—the off-the-shoulder ruffled detailing really pulls its weight.
The slip silhouette feels ultra-elevated thanks to the textured taffeta and draped bodice. The sheer lower half adds a touch of unexpected.
The asymmetric neckline and thigh-high slit make this maxi a suitable choice for a courthouse wedding. The metal hardware detail at the neck doubles as jewelry.
A subtle print lends vintage charm to this silk dress. Meanwhile, the billowy sleeves will photograph beautifully.
Lace is a forever-classic choice for a wedding dress. A shorter hem keeps the fabric from feeling matronly, while a scalloped edge adds a romantic finish.
While Amsale is more known for its wedding gown selection, the brand’s more casual Little White Dress label deftly merges bridal fabrics and silhouettes with more modern cuts. With its asymmetric off-the-shoulder neckline, and dramatic back bow, this dress is a fresh alternative to a traditional strapless gown.
A strapless silhouette gets a modern update with a gathered bodice. The minimal A-line skirt will let the shoes have their spotlight moment.
With its high neck and bow-tie closure, this mini is business (ceremony) up front and party (celebration) in the back. The open scoop-back design prevents the dress from feeling too conservative.
Inspired by the 1930s, this draped cowl-neck dress is rendered in a swan- and floral-patterned jacquard. The 3-D flowers on the shoulder add to its bridal feel.
A timeless silhouette, this long-sleeve dress will carry you through the wedding day, and plenty of special occasions afterward. Add a faux-fur shrug or jacket for a statement.
This dress is equal parts ceremony-ready and dance-floor bound. Plus, the swaying fringe begs to be photographed.
The brand Vivienne Westwood remains a cool-bride mainstay for its nonconformist takes on wedding wear. (Charli XCX wore a mini from the brand on her wedding day.) This pleated cotton-poplin dress is perfect for casual courthouse nuptials, yet still feels unmistakably fashion-forward.
With its chainmail-effect bodice and pearl-crystal embellishments, this crepe midi will take you from the courthouse steps straight to the dance floor. Keep accessories simple to balance out the rich adornments; monochromatic or metallic heels and a tiny clutch are all this dress needs.
This silk dress is a study in balance and restraint. The longer length tempers the deep V-neck and open back, while slim straps sharpen the loose-fitting silhouette.
Another cool-girl label for nontraditional brides, Sandy Liang offers girly minimalism with an edge. This satin mini dress will look just as well with classic slingback kitten heels as sky-high platforms.
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