Everybody has a dream wedding that seems to live within the folds of our minds. It can be a beach wedding, a grand affair with velvet carpets and swinging chandeliers, or a woodsy fairyland wedding in the middle of nowhere. However, if there is one thing that recent years have taught us, it is that we don't always get what we wish for. With COVID, thousands of weddings were postponed and many couples had to get married in the courthouse or their living room, as their loved ones witnessed the event from afar virtually. A courthouse wedding is an excellent choice if you want to get married amidst difficult situations such as a pandemic, or you don't want to deal with the high cost and trouble of planning a traditional ceremony.
A courthouse wedding, also known as a civil wedding or civil ceremony, necessitates some planning ahead of time. The specifics will vary depending on where your ceremony takes place, but there are a few crucial items to remember — as well as some insider suggestions to make your big day go as smoothly as possible. Micro-weddings, elopements, and courthouse weddings are here to stay for the foreseeable future, according to experts. A small or unplanned ceremony, on the other hand, can be just as memorable as a large wedding with hundreds of guests—and that includes finding the appropriate courthouse wedding dress to complete your ensemble for the big day. We've got you covered if you're getting married and don't know what to wear to a courthouse wedding.
You may buy these civil wedding gowns and courthouse wedding costumes online right now, whether you want a traditional white ball gown, a modest white dress, or something more distinctive and versatile for your nuptials. Furthermore, among young, modern brides, the courthouse wedding style has grown in popularity. One advantage is that it allows brides to make a very stylish fashion statement. Additionally, because courthouse weddings are typically less expensive, brides may be able to spend a little more on their big day look.
There is a plethora of fashionable clothing to pick from when it comes to dressing for an intimate courthouse wedding. Nothing is, for the most part, off-limits. Tea-length gowns or mod styles are sure to please brides who prefer a vintage-inspired aesthetic. Jumpsuits, sleek pieces, and fitted suits will appeal to modern courtroom brides, while flamboyant shapes with asymmetrical bodices and exaggerated frills will appeal to statement-making brides. A simple satin or lace gown is perennially timeless and exquisite for the bride-to-be with a classic style. Read on to learn everything you need to know about courthouse wedding dress, whether your bridal style is clean and classic or edgy and alternative.
What is a courthouse wedding?
A courthouse wedding is a non-religious ceremony that legally marries you and your partner. Courthouse weddings, unlike religious ceremonies, are presided over by a legal official, such as a judge or court clerk.
A courthouse wedding is an option if you wish to apply for a marriage-based visa or green card because it generates an official record of your marriage- a marriage certificate.
What does a bride wear to a courthouse wedding?
Before we get into the specifics of what to dress for a courthouse wedding, the most essential thing to remember is that it's your wedding, therefore anything goes! However, if you've decided to marry in city hall, the county clerk's office, or a courthouse, there are a few details to keep in mind for the perfect courthouse wedding dress. For courthouse weddings, casual wedding dresses with shorter hemlines are popular, especially for couples who decide to get married at the last minute—these types of dresses are easier to acquire online or in stores at a moment's notice. Pantsuits and jumpsuits are two popular city hall wedding dress choices, and the component pieces are easily re-wearable even after the big day. While white is always appropriate for a courthouse wedding, feel free to break the rules and wear something other than white or ivory if those colors aren't your taste.
Can you wear a wedding dress to city hall?
You are welcome to come to city hall dressed in a traditional bridal gown. However, depending on the specific site, you may be restricted in terms of space—for example, a very short or non-existent aisle, a little area to stand at the altar, So keep this in mind when shopping for your courthouse or city hall wedding gown. In confined settings, styles with a lot of fabric, like a tulle ball gown skirt, may be difficult to handle. If you'll be getting ready by yourself, avoid styles with complicated corsets or button-up backs that are difficult to put on.
Do you wear a veil to a courthouse wedding?
Do you recall what we mentioned earlier? If you want to wear a veil to your courthouse wedding, go for it! When it comes to the style of veil you should or shouldn't wear for a courthouse ceremony, there are no guidelines, however, larger wedding veil lengths may be more difficult to navigate. Short to medium-length veils, including birdcage, blusher, and fingertip types, are recommended.
If you are attending a courthouse wedding!
While determining a casual dress code can be difficult, as you may find yourself wondering what is too casual and what is too dressy, there are some sure bets when it comes to courthouse wedding clothes. Because a courthouse is a public official's office, it's best to dress professionally rather than casually like you might for running errands. A sports coat and pants, a dressier sundress, or a lovely shirt with slacks or a skirt are all excellent choices.
Courthouse Wedding Dresses Ideas
These ready-to-wear options will help you feel beautiful on your special day if you can't shop for a wedding dress in person or need to figure out your wedding clothes quickly. Here are a few courthouse wedding gowns we'd consider purchasing right now.
Self-Portrait Off-the-Shoulder Guipure Lace Mini Dress: Look no farther than this Self-Portrait dress for a courthouse wedding costume you'll want to wear again and again. This romantic lace gown is perfect for a summer wedding and may be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and we love the delicate off-the-shoulder details which offer oodles of more romance to the look.
Reformation Linen Top and Skirt: Bridal separates and light fabrics are ideal for summer weddings. This two-piece ensemble from Reformation could easily be worn to your bridal shower or on your honeymoon if it feels too casual for your courthouse nuptials. The cotton vibe is perfect for a summer wedding as well as a destination wedding in a warm tropical location!
Danielle Frankel Trench Coat: What do you put on top of your courthouse attire? Of course, a stylish trench coat! This translucent jacket, made of light organza and tulle, is a stunning finishing touch for the fashion-forward bride. This is an attire that is super chic, with all the vintage vibes but a bold modern flair. If you want to be memorable, you can't go wrong with this option.
ML Monique Lhuillier Doutzen V-Neck Jumpsuit: An option for a courthouse wedding gown is a bridal jumpsuit. Make a statement with a bold clutch or keep it simple with a monochromatic design. The simple design is pleasing to the eye and looks gorgeous styled minimally. It is bound to leave a lasting impression on your to-be spouse’s mind.
Halston Heritage Cold-Shoulder Draped Crepe Gown: You can wear a unique wedding day outfit at a courthouse wedding, but sometimes classic is the best way to go. Halston Heritage's draped crepe gown with chilly shoulders is stunning. This apparently plain gown is given a seductive twist by the front split. It is a long length which affirms the traditional wedding gown silhouette, and is gorgeous in every way, without being “too much”.
Lulus Absolutely Stunning White Lace Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress: For a bride with a playful side, this is the dress of your dreams! Lacey, romantic and perfect for twirling, this off-the-shoulder lace dress exudes whimsy. You'll love how the full-bodied midi skirt moves with you while maintaining an air of elegance. Plus, the pricing is fantastic at around $100. We love the shoulder detailing and the textures in this dress!
Jane Summers Isabella Backless Short White Wedding Dress: A slinky slip dress is definitely the most courthouse-appropriate outfit. For a more casual appearance, keep accessories simple, or amp up the glitz with embellished heels and dramatic earrings for a more formal event. Jane Summers' dress offers a tight bodice and a stylish fit-and-flare style skirt. The unexpected baby blue ribbon that binds them back together is our favorite part. It's the ideal way to inject a splash of color into your ensemble.
DB Studio One-Shoulder Crepe Bow Jumpsuit: You can't really go wrong with a formal jumpsuit, and this one seems to be made especially for the occasion. This DB Studio wide-legged jumpsuit with a drapey charmeuse one-shoulder top is perfect for a non-traditional bride. A detachable sash lets you customize the fit to your liking.
Sachin & Babi Rhinebeck Mini Dress: This tiny dress is simple yet gorgeous, and it seems absolutely timeless for courtroom nuptials. With a bridal headband or an elbow-length veil, it's perfect, and the long sleeves add to the elegance of the dress significantly!
Rime Arodaky "Poppy" Embroidered Tulle and Crepe Jumpsuit: This sultry and sheer jumpsuit is ideal for a city hall wedding. This all-in-one outfit, which has a nude illusion top and power trousers, can be worn everywhere from the courthouse to an intimate dinner. Irresistibly romantic and feminine, this is a jumpsuit that will stand out, no matter what!
Amsale Clear Sequin Sleeveless Sheath Dress: Amsale, a popular wedding gown designer, enhances a basic gown with a shower of glitter. This outfit is ideal for a morning wedding because of the knee-length hem and delicate V-neckline. We love the glitter and glimmer in his dress which is contrasted beautifully with its classy silhouette.
Self Portrait Double-Breasted Corded Lace-Trimmed Crepe Mini Dress: This mini dress is ideal for a wedding at City Hall. A double-breasted coat with a little buckle accent gives it that fashionable edge, while the lace trim along the hemline gives it a distinctively bridal air. We love how this dress is unapologetically chic and stunning and still perfect for bridal wear.
Cushnie "Charmeuse & Cady" One-Shoulder Asymmetric Dress: Confused about hemlines, this dress is here to end all debate! For city hall weddings, a one-shoulder, asymmetrical wedding gown is ideal. It has a unique combination of tiny and midi hemlines that adds to its charm, and the belted details are just another thing to love about this dress!
The Fold London "Northcote" Winter White Tweed Dress: With this First Lady-worthy wedding gown, channel your inner Jackie O. A demure, elevated wedding-day style is a tweed ensemble with three-quarter-length sleeves and an empire waist. Classy, timeless, and chic, this is a dress that claims attention without really asking for any!
River Island Bardot dress: Are you planning a backyard wedding or reception? The Swiss dot fabric and adjustable tie waist make this light off-the-shoulder dress a lovely option. The classic polka dot details make it adorably girl-next-door and approachable, while it is still dressy enough for a courthouse wedding and breakfasts after!
A courthouse wedding is just as much of a special occasion as any other wedding is, and there is no reason you should not dress up to the nines for the occasion. A courthouse wedding demands a somber yet celebrative vibe, but honestly, we are going to tell you how to dress up for your own wedding! If you want to turn up in that gorgeous tulle wedding dress which you never got to wear, wear it by all means! We sure hope this article gave you options and clarity on the topic regardless. Have a lovely wedding, and your wedding attire be divine!
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