So you’re going to the courthouse and you’re gonna get married. Congratulations! But what should a bride wear to a courthouse wedding? Fear not, I’m giving you all the courthouse wedding dress ideas to make sure you look and feel your best on your big day.
Traditionally, courthouse wedding outfits have leaned more conservatively, with pantsuits, blazers, and simple, shorter-hemmed dresses coming to mind. However, there are no rules you have to follow when deciding what to wear to your city hall wedding. The dress (or outfit) is entirely up to you, and if you’re anything like me, the only way you’ll feel comfortable is when you feel like you.
There are some considerations with your outfit choice that are specific to a courthouse wedding, including your photos. Because City Hall is essentially a blank slate in terms of decor, the way to really make your personality sing in your photos and videos is through your outfit.
So whether you’re looking for a vintage style courthouse wedding dress, a casual courthouse wedding outfit, or simply want to let your freak flag fly, here are some ideas to help you in your search.
The Best Courthouse Wedding Dress Ideas
A Fun Veil
If you want to keep your outfit on the simple side, an easy way to get a bit of personality in is through your veil! Business in the front, party in the back.
Bold Color
City Hall is a government building after all, which means the environment is pretty sterile. Why not bring in a pop of color? One of my favorite courthouse wedding ideas is to have a video taken of your commute to the courthouse and a bright color marching up those stone steps is nothing short of stunning.
Paint it Black
As a contrast to a bold color, a black dress or outfit can also be very striking and a bold choice for a non traditional bride.
Unexpected Shoes
I went fairly traditional with my own wedding, but I did use my footwear as the opportunity to let loose. Shoes are a great way to do something fun while still playing it somewhat “safe” with the rest of your ‘fit.
A Long Dress
It does seem like courthouse wedding dresses err on the shorter side, presumably because they take place during the daytime. But maxi dresses are pretty flexible when it comes to dressing up with a long train or dressing down with a fun print.
Fun Suit
I love a pantsuit moment. If you also love a pantsuit moment but want something that doesn’t feel too serious, look for a fun detail: a detachable skirt, an unexpected material, a loud color. Have fun with it and make it your own!
A Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits are inherently more playful than a separate suit set, so even if you want to stay in white, you’re still going to be making a unique, sartorial statement at City Hall.
Vintage Silhouettes
If you’re a vintage bride, a clean A-line shift dress is a super classic way to go and are an easy way to have a simple base if you want to go louder with some of your other details. For example, I love the idea of a simple shift dress with a crazy colorful/custom veil. You can also really transcend a number of decades depending on how you style it, so whether you’re more 60s or more 90s, this silhouette won’t do you wrong.
Separates
This is perfect if you’re looking for a casual courthouse wedding outfit. Separates give you the versatility to mix and match and also play with the silhouette: fitted, loose, cropped, etc.
A Cape
Capes are super versatile and can really be the statement piece if you can’t find a dress that you love. I know firsthand how hard it can be to find something off-the-rack that fits (hello large bust woes). If you’re having a courthouse wedding, you’re likely trying to keep it simple, which to me means avoid a bunch of alterations appointments if you can avoid it. Enter: the cape.
If you have a dress that fits great but maybe feels too casual for what you’re going for, put a cape on it! Capes are also a great accessory if you’re not a jewelry person (like me), and if you’re searching for something to wear to your winter wedding, maybe a faux fur cape is calling your name.
Bride Jacket
Another option if you’re having a winter wedding is to get a playful jacket. Why not live your best Pink Ladies fantasy? Whether you want to do something custom or pre-made and a leather jacket, a satin track jacket, or a letterman jacket, there are a number of ways you can go for whatever your vibe.
I hope this list gave you some ideas for what to wear to a courthouse wedding. And remember, you can do whatever you want, so just make sure you’re true to yourself and you will absolutely SHINE.
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