Your Guide to Courthouse Wedding Attire: Find the Perfect Civil Marriage Outfit

Opting for courthouse nuptials can take away some wedding planning stress, but it doesn't mean choosing outfits will be easier. And if you're a guest attending a civil ceremony, you might be lost when it comes to courthouse wedding attire and what constitutes a good civil marriage outfit. 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 covering 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. The question of what to wear to a courthouse wedding? Consider it answered.

In this article: What's Courthouse Wedding Attire? | What to Wear: Couples | Outfit Ideas: Brides and Femme Folks | Outfit Ideas: Grooms and Masc Folk | What to Wear: Guests | Outfit Ideas: Ladies and Femme Folks | Outfit Ideas: Men and Masc Folks

What's Considered 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. Space could be tight (meaning: a narrow aisle or crowded waiting area), so take that into consideration when choosing your civil marriage outfit and accessories. Couples should keep in mind that cathedral-length veils and trains, voluminous ball gowns and mermaid styles may not work in these 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 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 attire (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 'fits at home.

What to Wear to a Courthouse Wedding as the Couple

A simple ceremony doesn't have to mean a simple court-wedding outfit. In fact, there are plenty of ways to show up in style. (And you might want to, especially if you're getting hitched at one of the most beautiful courthouses in the US). Given its less-formal nature, a civil ceremony is your chance to have some fun, so feel free to break the bridal-fashion rules when it comes to your civil-marriage outfit. You can't go wrong with a little-white ensemble like a chic wrap dress, tailored bridal pantsuit or a sport coat in a more laid-back blue, green or gray hue. (Pro tip: You can likely find tons of cool short wedding dresses at your local bridal salon—find a shop near you on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.) 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. Short wedding veils can help tip more-casual looks into the bridal realm too.

All styles 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 suits 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 Brides and Femme Folks

Wondering what to wear to get married at the courthouse? If you're a bride or femme-leaning person 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, and you can take even casual courthouse wedding attire into a special space with the right shoes or a courthouse wedding veil. See some of our favorite options for outfits for civil weddings for brides below.

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 are breathtaking. Use code: THEKNOT25 for 25% off (new customers only; select categories; terms apply; US only).

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.

Silky Trousers and Matching Blazer

Photo: Anthropologie

Two-piece sets and women's suits make for chic and versatile court wedding outfits. This one comes with a sleek double-breasted blazer and silky wide-leg trousers (or a mini skirt or long 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.

Sleeveless Cotton Midi Dress

Photo: Meshki

This darling courthouse wedding dress has a retro, summer-in-Italy feel. It's slightly structured, with pleats and a Basque waist, and has delicate covered buttons down the bodice. It's the answer to what to wear to get married at the courthouse for summer nuptials.

Mock-Neck Midi Dress

Photo: Reformation

This classy courthouse wedding dress feels simple, yet a little unique. The waistline dips deeply in the front to give the skirt extra swish, and the cap sleeves and mock neck keep the top simple so the silhouette can shine. The off-white hue and the sleek, jacket-friendly shape makes it a wonderful choice for a winter courthouse wedding dress too.

Puff-Sleeve Fitted Midi Dress

Photo: Lulus

Dramatic puff sleeves are the defining moment of this elegant courthouse wedding outfit. They're balanced with a sleek column skirt that hits a little above the ankle. A modest neckline finishes the look.

Retro Two-Piece Jacket-and-Short Set

Photo: Reformation

If you're aiming for a more casual courthouse wedding attire look, may we suggest this sweet, retro two-piece set from Reformation? Featuring silky shorts and a matching top with a rounded collar and covered buttons, it has a vintage-inspired, party-ready look perfect for civil ceremonies.

Lace-Trimmed, Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress

Photo: Lulus

Delicate lace trim outlines the bodice of this sweet midi. Puff sleeves add a soft, feminine touch, while the satin material keeps this look somewhat formal. How lovely would this be for a spring ceremony?

High-Neck Silk Midi Dress

Photo: Reformation

This stunning frock is just as comfortable as it is elegant, made with liquid-like silk material that will feel swishy and soft on your body while you await your appointment with the clerk. A high neckline makes a statement. And a French-vanilla color allows the fabric's texture to shine through.

Cotton Halter Dress

Photo: Meshki

This semi-fitted halter number feels like an interesting take on a classic courthouse suit. The raised detail that frames the neckline recalls lapels, while the lower part of the bodice gives a waistcoat effect. Its silhouette is Goldilocks for a courthouse wedding: the perfect balance of fitted and comfy.

Sleeveless Pleated Mini Dress

Photo: Meshki

This mini dress combines the sportiness of a tennis skirt with the classic front of a blazer. Sleeveless and with shiny gold buttons that curve unexpectedly, this fun little number is a great short court wedding dress option that still feels a little classic.

Satin-Trim Short Veil

Photo: BridalWeddingCustom

Do you wear a veil for a courthouse wedding? In short, it's up to you. While we wouldn't suggest going full cathedral, a mini option, like this one that just brushes the shoulders with a simple satin-ribbon trim.

Headband Birdcage Veil

Photo: Jennifer Behr

A birdcage veil is a classic veil for a courthouse wedding. It brings a vintage touch to any look, and it's practical enough to wear throughout the day, wherever your postwedding glow takes you.

Civil Marriage Outfit Ideas for Grooms and Masc Folks

Wondering what to wear for a court marriage as a groom? We've totally got you. While Bonobos and Suitsupply have all your bases covered on the suit front, we've also put together a curated collection of courthouse wedding attire ideas for you to look through. Scroll on to shop our favorite outfits for civil weddings for grooms.

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 your nuptials.

Light Tan Suit

Photo: SuitShop

If you're looking for a court wedding outfit that feels elevated but still laid-back, 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.

Blue Dress Shirt

Photo: Bonobos

Casual courthouse wedding attire can still be sophisticated, and this light blue dress shirt is proof. Pair it with chinos for a relaxed look, or kick things up a notch by layering it underneath a full suit.

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.

Luxe Cotton-Cashmere 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 laid-back (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.

Classic Tailored Black Suit Jacket

Photo: Suitsupply

You can never go wrong with a sophisticated black suit jacket. Made from four-ply wool, this one is also resistant to wrinkles, so it won't get rumpled if you have to take a seat while you wait for your appointment. Its mid-weight fabric makes it ideal for any season.

Charcoal-Gray Plaid Suit

Photo: Perry Ellis

A courthouse wedding is the perfect opportunity to wear a wedding outfit with a little flair. The perfect example: this charcoal-gray plaid suit. The tailored fit makes this suit super versatile, and you can most definitely mix and match the pieces for other occasions.

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.

What to Wear to a Courthouse Wedding as a Guest

Wondering what to wear 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 guest 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. A sport coat and slacks, a dressier sundress or a nice blouse plus slacks or a skirt are all great options.

Courthouse Wedding Outfit Ideas for Women and Femme-Leaning Guests

Wondering what to wear for a court wedding as a guest? We've got you covered with plenty of examples ahead. 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.

Ruffle Maxi Dress

Photo: Petal & Pup

This maxi strikes the perfect balance between casual and wedding appropriate, making it an ideal option for attending courthouse nuptials. Adjustable straps make for a perfect fit, while the ruffles add a playful touch. Available in myriad pretty hues, the dress also has a subtle shimmer to it.

Square-Neck, A-Line Midi Dress

Photo: Meshki

One of the most versatile options on this list, this jersey dress is as comfy as it is stunning. Depending on how you accessorize, it can skew more formal or more casual. The square neckline feels on trend, while the gathered skirt gives off an elegant energy.

Floral Slip Maxi Dress

Photo: Petal & Pup

Be the couple's something blue in this pretty slip dress. Its straps are adjustable, and its silhouette just skims the hips. Adorned with a pastel floral pattern, the frock is ideal for spring or summer weddings.

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 that's adorned with 3D-embroidered flowers. It's available to rent from just $34 and one of the many appropriate options you'll find on Rent the Runway.

Courthouse Wedding Outfit Ideas for Men and Masc-Leaning Guests

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. From sleek suits from Indochino to classic outfits from Brooks Brothers, shop some of our favorite courthouse wedding outfits for guests below.

Classic Black Slim Suit

Photo: Quince

No list of courthouse wedding looks would be complete without the most classic option of them all: a sleek back suit. This suit from cult-fave brand Quince is just one example of the many styles you can choose from. Though, we'll say: This one's slim fit will work for a variety of dress codes, depending on how you style it.

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.

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 has a unique geometric texture that makes it stand out from the rest.

Slim, Linen-Blend Suit

Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch

For a summer wedding, you can't go wrong with a linen suit. This one comes in a slew of elegant earth tones, but we're partial to the beige option with a subtle stripe.

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.

Additional reporting by Cathryn Haight.