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Updated Oct 14, 2024What To Wear To A Courthouse Wedding
Here are the deets on what to wear if you're having a civil ceremony or attending one as a guest.
Opting for a courthouse wedding can certainly take a lot of the stress out of wedding planning, but it doesn't make choosing an outfit any easier. Luckily, we're here to help. Whether you're making it official with a civil ceremony or attending one as a guest, you may be wondering what, exactly, "courthouse wedding attire" entails. But don't fret —there's no shortage of super-chic outfit options out there, no matter your role in the festivities. Read up on the particulars of a courthouse wedding dress code, then check out some of our favorite attire options you can shop right now.
In this article:
- What is Courthouse Wedding Attire?
- What to Wear to a Courthouse Wedding as the Couple
- What to Wear to a Courthouse Wedding as a Guest
What is Courthouse Wedding Attire?
While there are no strict rules when it comes to a courthouse wedding dress code, there are some small details to keep in mind when choosing your attire for a wedding at city hall or your local county clerk's office. Depending on your location, space could be tight—meaning a narrow aisle or crowded waiting area—so take that into consideration when choosing your outfit and accessories. Couples should keep in mind that cathedral-length veils and trains, voluminous ball gowns and mermaid styles may not work in more confined spaces. It's also important to think about who will be helping you get dressed the morning of your wedding. If you're getting ready alone, it's probably best to avoid styles with lots of complicated corsets or elaborate button-down backs.
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As a guest attending a courthouse wedding, you should dress for the occasion. Odds are you don't have to show up in black tie (unless specifically requested by the couple), but you should aim to look put together. Translation: Leave the jeans, t-shirts and club attire at home.
What to Wear to a Courthouse Wedding as the Couple
A simple ceremony doesn't have to mean a simple outfit. In fact, there are plenty of ways to show up in style to your next courthouse wedding. Given its less formal nature, a civil ceremony is your chance to have some fun and break the bridal fashion rules. You can't go wrong with a little white ensemble like a chic wrap dress, tailored bridal pantsuit or a sports coat in more laid-back blue, green or gray. That said, if you're looking to bring the drama to your courthouse wedding and are feeling a grand ball gown or a full-on tuxedo, go for it. All kinds of wedding attire—boho, glam, modern and vintage-inspired—can be seen coming down the steps of city hall. Another thought: Don't feel limited to traditional white dresses or solid color suiting if patterns, prints or bold colors feel more like you. Shop our picks for courthouse wedding looks for couples, then check out our roundups of elopement wedding dresses and courthouse wedding dresses for even more inspo.
Katie May Boss Lady Dress
Photo: REVOLVE
Brides: If you're planning a courthouse ceremony, you seriously can't go wrong with a blazer dress or pant suit. This option, in particular, strikes the perfect balance between pretty and poised thanks to the plunge neckline, padded shoulders and chic cape sleeves.
Indochino Farhill Herringbone Charcoal Suit
Photo: Indochino
Grooms, you can't go wrong with a classic gray suit. This one features a classic herringbone weave and heavier-weight wool that's perfect for courthouse weddings in the cooler months. The best part? You can rewear it for special occasions long after the big day.
BHLDN High-Neck 3D Floral Poplin Swing Mini Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Featuring a high neckline, swingy silhouette and 3D floral detailing, this poplin mini dress is equal parts playful and sophisticated. Dress it down with flat sandals or amp it up with a white pointed-toe pump—there are plenty of styling options here.
The Black Tux Tan Suit
Photo: The Black Tux
Whether you're going for a slightly laidback look or want a color that's suited for warm-weather ceremonies, a tan suit is a classic choice. Opting for a rental is a great way to save a little money, and you can easily add your own dress shirt and shoes to top off the look.
Lulus Casual Enchantment White Linen Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress
Photo: Lulus
This streamlined white midi dress offers an unfussy style that's perfect for a laidback courthouse ceremony. With its off-the-shoulder silhouette and breezy linen fabric, it's ideal for a civil wedding in the spring and summer months.
Tommy Hilfiger Men's Solid White Sport Coat
Photo: Macy's
Just because you're getting married at a courthouse doesn't mean you can't dress up—this is your wedding after all. If you're looking for a fun, formal look, this elegant white coat with shawl lapels is a stunning choice. Crafted with wool, it'll keep you warm if cold weather's in the forecast.
What to Wear to a Courthouse Wedding as a Guest
While a casual dress code can be tricky to decipher (you may find yourself asking what's too casual and what's too dressy), there are some safe bets where courthouse wedding attire is concerned. A courthouse is a public official's office, so it's a good idea to err on the side of business casual, versus a laid-back look you might wear to run errands. Read: A sports coat and slacks, a dressier sundress or a nice blouse plus slacks or a skirt are all great options.
Looking for an outfit to wear to a civil ceremony but not sure where to begin? Not to worry. We've searched the internet high and low so you don't have to. Shop some of our favorite courthouse wedding outfits for guests below.
Reformation Raine Knit Dress
Photo: Reformation
This knit midi dress is guaranteed to become your new go-to throughout wedding season and beyond. Its timeless silhouette can easily be dressed up or down depending on the formality of the event you're attending.
Bonobos Jetsetter Knit Blazer
Photo: Bonobos
Good news: You can coordinate a stylish courthouse wedding fit with pieces you already have in your closet. If you have a crisp button down and slacks handy, just throw on a snazzy sports coat to complete the look.
Nina Ricci Polka-Dot Mini Dress
Photo: Rent the Runway
A black mini dress with elevated touches is a great choice for a courthouse wedding guest look. This one has long puff sleeves and polka dots for a sophisticated touch, and since it's a rental, you can simply return it after the event.
Suitsupply Light Taupe Buttonless Polo
Photo: Suitsupply
Suits and blazers aren't the only suitable options when it comes to courthouse wedding guest attire for men. Made with a luxurious blend of cotton and silk, this elevated knit polo is a great alternative—just add a pair of slacks and dressy sneakers to top off the look.
ASTR The Label Square Neck Midi Dress
Photo: Nordstrom
With a square neckline, flattering flared skirt and functional pockets, this pretty midi dress is the perfect thing to throw on for your loved one's chic civil ceremony. Available in Green, Black and Red, it's a classic you'll wear way after the celebration ends.
Everlane The Performance Chino
Photo: Everlane
Classic khaki chinos will never steer you wrong, especially when they're as comfortable, versatile and sharp as these. Made with sweat-wicking, quick-drying technology and four-way stretch, the straight-leg style looks great with a dress shirt or polo (and feels great, too).
Additional reporting by Shelley Brown; Additional market work by Kate Boswell
