If you’re opting for a courthouse wedding or planning to elope, part of the reason is likely because you want the execution to be low key and stress free. Whether you’re looking to save a few bucks or you want to avoid the headache of planning a big wedding, you should look and feel your absolute best during your nuptials with one of these courthouse wedding dresses.
Part of the fun of skipping the big traditional wedding ceremony is that you also get to skip out on the big expensive wedding dress. You know, the one you’ll never wear again. Instead, you have the benefit of choosing something that’s classic, practical, timeless, and that still keeps you looking like a blushing bride.
We’ve put together a list of 20 wedding dresses for any bride tying the knot at City Hall or planning a destination wedding. On this list you’ll find dresses of varying style and length, and for those brides who want to forgo the traditional white gown, we have an entire section of wedding dress options just for you.
Made with soft and comfortable lace fabric, you can wear this curve hugging dress all day long. It’s a great transitional dress from day to night and can be dressed up or down depending on what your day entails.
The back of the dress has a thick ivory ribbon that can be tied at the neckline into a bow – a sweet detail that we love. We recommend that this dress be worn with matching open toe pumps like these from Badgley Mischka. They run small so order a half of a size up.
It’s no surprise that this dress has high ratings. It hits on all of the key factors were looking for in a courthouse or elopement dress. It’s simplicity allows it to be dressed up or down, it’s extremely figure flattering, and the fabric is high quality so you’ll be comfortable exchanging vows and celebrating afterwards.
There’s no doubt that you’ll look like a blushing bride wearing this gorgeously cut cocktail dress. With classic lines and a subtle stripe, the skirt has just the right amount of flare. For shoes, we suggest a strappy gold sandal. Aldo makes a great version with an ankle strap which you can view here. If you prefer a flatter shoe, check out these Kate Spade dress sandals.
The halter design of this dress is a fresh and sexy option, designed with delicate lace details will keep you feeling feminine, without being too exposed. Since this dress has quite a bit of textural interest already, the footwear choice can be a simple nude dress shoe.
The choice of a nude heel will also help to further elongate the legs, making it the most flattering option. Steve Madden and Charles David both make a great classic nude pump.
Parker has so many amazing white dress options that it was difficult to pick a favorite. There are a number of shorter dress options, making the full length skirt more unique. It’s a silk with a structured sweetheart bodice and pleated skirt, which can be dressed up with heels and statement jewelry, or dressed down with some sandals and minimal makeup.
You might have a hard time deciding between the above Parker dress and this Vera Wang gown, especially if textural detail is your thing. The gorgeous lace overlay begins at the neck and covers the entire dress, making it visually interesting.
You can avoid spending a fortune and also look like a bridal goddess with this white maxi. The flowy skirt has a shorter underlining, which subtly peeks through. It’s a great choice if your wedding date is set in the summertime or if you’re headed to a beach to exchange vows.
While sleek and simple from the front, the back of this dress is unexpected. The racerback cutouts are angular in shape and a large break of skin between the two zippers keeps this look sexy and sleek. There’s no question choosing this dress makes a fashion forward statement.
Black and white is a classic color combination that will never go out of style. Color blocking keeps this look fresh and sophisticated. If you prefer a more fitted top, Jill Stuart has a great option that also has a white structured skirt and a black bodice.
You can add color subtly to a wedding dress by choosing one with metallic undertones. Metallics serve as a neutral in many situations and here’s a perfect example. The muted peaches and grays make this dress an appropriate choice for a City Hall wedding in every season. We can also picture brides parading around Europe in this dress. If that bride is you, we’re jealous.
For something a bit more formal, consider a taffeta gown. This structured silk fabric lends itself to a sophisticated look and is one of the more formal options on our list. It is a traditional bridal gown fabric, so if that’s not the look you’re going for, keep some color in the mix.
This dress has so many special details. The big belted bow at the waistband, the high low skirt, and the lace embroidered bodice are all unforgettable. Choosing a taffeta dress with a shorter hemline is one way to play down the formality. For a unique option – check out this below the knee taffeta jumpsuit with the illusion of being a dress.
Lilly Pulitzer is known for her collection of short white daytime appropriate dresses, all of which would be great for a courthouse or destination wedding. The long lace sleeves add a special touch and make this option stand out.
We recommend a classic white pump to keep the bridal look prominent. BCBG makes a great pair that you can purchase here.
Not only can you wear this dress all day long, but it’s a classic option that you can wear again and again. The sweetheart neckline will stay in place with a shelf bra with fasteners built in. The high waistline successfully elongates the torso, making the dress an extremely flattering option. The simplicity of the dress calls for some accessorizing and a bit of boldness with your lipstick choice.
This dress has a lot of personality and is a fun and flirty option for any bride to be. It’s no surprise that quite a few reviewers have chosen this same dress for their own wedding ceremonies. We recommend some simple pearl studs to complete the look. You can find a top rated pair of simple studs here.
We love the look of an illusion neckline. You’ll notice this is a similar illusion style neckline as one of our full length picks above. The sheer nature of the overlay fabric adds an interesting element to an otherwise simple white sheath dress.
This dress does run a little large, so remember to size down when ordering. Consider pulling your hair up to expose the gorgeous neckline and popping in a pearl hair brooch to complete the look. You can check out some top rated options here.
This form fitting dress is perfect for a courthouse wedding ceremony. The hemline is short, without being too revealing. This cut makes a great choice for warmer months where you’d still like to remain appropriate for a courthouse. It transitions well from day to night if you plan on celebrating after among family and friends.
While many of the dresses featured on our list are available in a few plus size options, this dress can be ordered in up to a size 24 plus. We recommend this look for a slightly older bride, it’s sophisticated and age appropriate.
If you’ve chosen a wedding dress that doesn’t come with a jacket but you like the look and practicality of one, you can browse top rated white shrugs here and choose one that matches best.
This two piece set has so many special details. The dress has delicate scalloped and laced edges along the skirt hemline, and while it’s not a true bright white, the white lace overlay compliments the champagne tones of the lining and the jacket. The jacket itself drapes open with cascading folds of light fabric. This wedding dress is also available here in plus sizing.
This jacquard suit set should stand out to courthouse brides to be. The beautiful and unique buttons add a little bridal flare. Betsey Johnson has an entire line of bridal footwear called Blue which you can browse here. For this particular dress, we recommend the gray or white version of this shoe.
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Opting for a courthouse wedding? You can skip out on the big expensive dress and instead choose a courthouse wedding dress that's timeless and practical.
