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Updated Mar 06, 2025The Ultimate Guide to Courthouse Wedding Attire
All the deets on what to wear, whether you’re a guest or the guest of honor.
While opting for a courthouse wedding can certainly take a lot of the stress out of wedding planning, it doesn't necessarily mean choosing an outfit will be any easier. And if you're attending a civil ceremony as a guest, you might be just as lost when it comes to the ins and outs of courthouse wedding attire. Luckily, we're here to help. Whether you're tying the knot yourself or watching a loved one say "I do," we created a guide featuring everything you need to know about civil wedding attire etiquette. And good news: 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 city hall wedding attire ideas you can shop right now.
In this article:
- What Is Courthouse Wedding Attire?
- What to Wear to a Courthouse Wedding as the Couple
- Civil Marriage Outfit Ideas for Couples
- What to Wear to a Courthouse Wedding as a Guest
- Courthouse Wedding Outfit Ideas for Guests
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 civil wedding or ceremony at 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: For civil wedding clothes, 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 a courthouse for your 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.
Civil Marriage Outfit Ideas for Couples
Wondering what to wear to get married at the courthouse? If you're a bride or groom looking for civil wedding clothes, you're in luck. There are tons of wow-worthy options out there right now, whether you want something simple or statement-making. Retailers like REVOLVE and Reformation are brimming with chic dresses and two-piece sets, while Bonobos and Suitsupply have all your bases covered on the suit front. Scroll on to shop our favorite courthouse wedding attire ideas for brides and grooms alike.
Plunge-Neckline Blazer Dress With Cape
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.
Classic Navy Wool Suit
Photo: Bonobos
Grooms, you can't go wrong with a classic navy suit. This one's tailored with a hint of stretch for extra comfort, plus wool fabric 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.
Sophisticated A-Line Mini Dress With Scarf
Photo: Reformation
With its classic A-line silhouette, mini length and boat neckline, this silky white dress screams courthouse wedding outfit. It also comes with a floaty detachable scarf, which feels very au courant and doubles as a chic, of-the-moment bridal accessory that's less fussy than a full-on veil.
Crisp White Dress Shirt
Photo: Charles Tyrwhitt
Every guy needs a crisp white dress shirt, and now's the perfect time to upgrade yours as you pull together your courthouse wedding outfit. Wear this wrinkle-resistant option with your go-to dress pants or paired with a brand new suit—you can't go wrong. Even better, you can customize this style to your heart's content, from the fabric and measurements to the collar and cuffs.
Simple Cowl-Back Maxi Dress
Photo: Lulus
Nothing says civil marriage outfit like a minimal white maxi dress. Understated as it may be, this one has so many details that make it stand out. The boat neckline, daring slit and low cowl back add a breathtaking touch. Use code THEKNOT20 to take 20% off your first Lulus purchase.
Light Tan Suit
Photo: SuitShop
If you're looking for a court wedding outfit that feels elevated but still laidback, meet somewhere in the middle with a polished suit in a lighter hue. This tan option from SuitShop (one of the go-to affordable places to buy suits, btw) rings up at just $224, which is impressive considering its quality.
Long Silky Slip Skirt and Matching Blazer
Photo: Anthropologie
Two-piece sets and women's suits make for a chic and versatile court wedding outfit. This one comes with a sleek double-breasted blazer and silky maxi-length slip skirt, so both of the pieces can easily be styled separately later—whether that's the day of your courthouse wedding or long after.
Blue Linen Dress Shirt
Photo: Suitsupply
Casual courthouse wedding attire can still be sophisticated, and this light blue linen dress shirt is proof. Pair it with chinos like Suitsupply did for a relaxed look, or kick things up a notch by layering it underneath a full suit.
Draped Cowl-Neck Maxi Dress
Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch
With a selection of petite, tall and plus-size courthouse wedding dresses alike, the A&F Wedding Shop at Abercrombie & Fitch is not to be missed. With its draped cowl neckline, thigh-high slit and chic ruching, this maxi dress is a total standout from the collection and perfect for a court wedding outfit.
White Dinner Jacket Tuxedo
Photo: The Black Tux
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 tux rental with shawl lapels is a stunning choice. Crafted with wool, it'll keep you warm if cold weather's in the forecast.
Silk Two-Piece Top and Skirt Set
Photo: Reformation
If you're aiming for a more casual courthouse wedding attire look, may we suggest this laidback yet elegant two-piece set from Reformation? Featuring a silky mini skirt and matching top with puff sleeves and covered buttons, it has a vintage-inspired, party-ready look perfect for civil ceremonies.
Luxe Cotton and Silk Sweater Polo
Photo: Todd Snyder
Another casual courthouse wedding attire option is a luxe sweater polo, like this black cotton and silk style from the menswear experts at Todd Snyder. It's a bit more laidback (not to mention comfortable) than a crisp dress shirt, but it still looks elevated and cool. Layer it underneath a full suit or pair it with just dress pants—you've got plenty of styling options.
What to Wear to a Courthouse Wedding as a Guest
Wondering how to dress for 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.
Courthouse Wedding Outfit Ideas for Guests
Wondering what to wear for a court wedding as a guest? We've got you covered with plenty of examples ahead. From pretty Anthropologie and Petal & Pup dresses to sleek suits from Indochino and Brooks Brothers, find all the civil wedding clothes inspiration you're looking for in the list below.
Strapless Navy Midi Dress
Photo: Reformation
Court wedding outfits for guests don't have to be complicated. Take this simple navy midi dress from Reformation, for example. It'll work for a variety of dress codes, whether we're talking dressy casual or cocktail, depending on how you style it. You can also wear it with or without the included spaghetti straps.
Classic Navy Blazer
Photo: J.Crew Factory
Guys, you can almost never go wrong with a classic navy blazer as a civil wedding outfit. J.Crew Factory makes a beautiful option you can style in a variety of different ways. Pair it with a crisp cotton shirt and khaki dress pants for a fail-safe courthouse wedding look.
Linen Floral-Embellished Mini Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
The linen fabric, the 3D florals, the on-trend butter yellow shade—this mini dress is practically begging to be worn as a court wedding guest outfit in the spring or summer. Pair it with heeled sandals or flats for something that looks a little more laidback.
Light Blue Wool Linen Suit
Photo: Indochino
Not too light and not too dark, not too heavy and not too lightweight—this wool and linen suit is a great civil wedding outfit option for ceremonies of any season. Along with a unique fabric weave, it also features a unique geometric texture that makes it stand out from the rest.
Drop-Waist Blue Cotton Sundress
Photo: REVOLVE
This light blue drop-waist sundress is a great civil wedding guest outfit option if you're on the hunt for casual courthouse wedding attire. It'll look great with heels and flats alike, and the breezy cotton means it'll keep you cool if the ceremony is in the spring or summer.
Slim-Fit Black Wool Dress Pants
Photo: Brooks Brothers
If you're just looking for dress pants rather than full court wedding outfits, go all out with a high-quality pair you can wear for years to come. Available in traditional, classic and slim fits plus seven color options, this one comes in a variation for every personal preference.
Black Ruffled Halter Maxi Dress
Photo: Petal & Pup
You can never go wrong with a little black dress as courthouse wedding guest attire. It doesn't have to be basic or expensive, either. Take this Petal & Pup stunner, for example, which has a halter neckline, maxi length and dainty ruffles throughout—and rings up just over $100. Use code PETALXKNOT at checkout to take an additional 15% off.
Olive Green Suit
Photo: Banana Republic Factory
Looking to have a little fun with your civil wedding outfit? Add some personality with a suit in a unique color, like this olive green stunner. We love it styled with a black merino wool sweater and black loafers, but you could easily make it feel more warm weather-worthy with a white button-down instead.
3D Flower Blazer Dress
Photo: Rent the Runway
When you think of court wedding outfits, there's a good chance you think of sleek, tailored styles like blazers. Lean into the vibe with this ultra-fun take on a blazer dress, featuring 3D-embroidered flowers. It's available to rent from just $63 and one of the many appropriate options you'll find on Rent the Runway.
White Cotton Cable Sweater Polo
Photo: Bonobos
If you love the idea of replacing a classic white shirt with a sweater polo but don't want to overheat, consider this summery, short-sleeve take. It's made with a lightweight knit material and will look excellent with a pair of sleek dress pants as shown above.
Black Long-Sleeve Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress
Photo: Nordstrom
When it comes to courthouse wedding looks for guests, few things are more classic than a black mini dress. This one has cool, sculptural details like an hourglass shape and structured neckline. If you're shopping for a ceremony in the cooler months, the long sleeves will keep you warm.
Modern-Fit Black Suit
Photo: Macy's
No list of courthouse wedding looks would be complete without the most classic option of them all: a sleek back suit. This is just one example of the many (and often on sale) styles you'll find at Macy's and will work for a variety of dress codes depending on how you style it.
Additional reporting by Kate Boswell.
