If your bridal look is all about simplicity, the best courthouse wedding dresses and sets should speak your sartorial language. Traditionally, these bridal gowns and separates are clean and minimal in aesthetic, focusing on sharp tailoring and fluid. But a courthouse wedding doesn’t mean all whimsy and fanfare goes out the window. For some, the event comes ahead of a blowout after-party or destination “I do’s,” with family and friends by your side. Others consider it an ideal way to embark upon marriage—executed in one hour or less. In any scenario, there’s a certain romantic appeal to the civil ceremony, something intimate and sacred… whether you’re skipping the months of planning and slipping out midweek to make things official or turning the legal act into something of a chicer affair.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Courthouse Wedding Dresses & Sets:
Featured in this articleThe Dainty Lace
Dôen Valeria dress
See MoreThe Tailored Set
J.Crew essential cutaway vest top
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Because courthouse weddings are uncomplicated by nature, a voluminous princess dress or a sweeping gown with a train might feel too over-the-top as you navigate the halls of a government building. Instead, lean into timelessness and practicality with ankle-length or shorter silhouettes tailored from crepe and wool or draped from more fluid materials like silk. You can go for a more celebratory look with an ultra-mini hem, off-the-shoulder neckline, or some sort of glitzy element. And when in doubt, channeling Bianca Jagger with a timeless pantsuit (or vest-and-trouser combo, or matching top and skirt set) is always a good idea.
Ahead, find a range of the courthouse wedding dresses and sets that work for your sweet and simple civil ceremony. However spur-of-the-moment your nuptials may be, there’s an option you’ll be able to slip into sans theatrics and feel ready to walk down the courthouse aisle.
Dreamy Dresses
Finding the best courthouse-appropriate bridal dress for your wedding day has nothing to do with a dress code and everything to do with personal style. Look for details that speak to your individual style in subtle ways—whether it’s boho details like romantic lace and a flowy silhouette or something sleek and simple that channels to your minimalist side.
Self-Portrait
embellished crepe mini dress
The sleek lines and short hem of this embellished pick makes it a dream party dress for the mod bride.
A.L.C.
Juliet pleated blazer minidress
A.L.C. elevates the classic blazer dress with a contemporary twist, by way of an asymmetrical hem and crisp pleats.
Khaite
Khaite’s sculptural design is a great short wedding dress if you’re on the hunt for something without a lot of embellishment that still looks unique.
Tom Ford
halter silk cocktail dress
Tom Ford’s clingy halter cocktail dress is ideal for a nighttime city soirée.
Oscar de la Renta
fringe sequin tweed minidress
Oscar de la Renta leaned into inspiration from the Roaring Twenties when designing this mini dress, which features a fun fringe hem.
Rodarte
lace-trimmed silk-satin gown
Go with a lace-trimmed short sleeve white dress for an ultra-feminine look.
Toteme
overlapped scarf sheer maxi dress
If romantic draping and a sultry semi-sheer fabric sounds like your style, you’ll love this Toteme pick.
Halfpenny London
double-breasted mini dress
Made from smooth satin-mikado, this double breasted blazer dress is sharp and luxurious.
Danielle Frankel
Lucy cold-shoulder mini dress
Danielle Frankel is known for designing heirloom-worthy gowns for her brides and the Lucy dress is one to hold onto forever. It features corded lace that give it a 3D “flutter” effect while in motion.
Brandon Maxwell
The Violet long sleeve twill gown
Brandon Maxwell’s fluid draped maxi dress is ideal if you’re after something with long sleeves for a winter fête.
Alex Perry
strapless sequined crepe midi dress
It’ll be pretty hard to not feel instantly festive in this sequin midi dress, courtesy of Australian brand Alex Perry.
The beauty of this simple short-sleeve option is that it’s basically a blank canvas: Dress it up or down a million different ways.
Self-Portrait
embellished appliquéd mini dress
Complete with appliqué tulle and a massive bow on the back, this mini is proof that you can still go big for a court wedding.
Simkhai
Imogen fil coupé jacquard dress
For a daytime affair, a tea-length gown is a timeless pick.
Reformation
Simple and sweet, this a-line style is ideal for the minimalist bride.
Dôen
Think of this as the mini version of a dramatic lace wedding dress.
Perfect Pairings
Whether your vision includes a classic white suit, a fanciful blouse, or a matching skirt set that’s fall wedding-ready, these coordinated sets ahead are all perfect pairings for the wedding gown-averse bride.
Khaite
Textured faille elevates this collarless jacket—pair it with fun jewelry to keep it from veering into corporate territory.
Khaite
Opt for a long, flowy skirt set for an unexpected twist on the wedding suit.
LaPointe
There’s something so sophisticated about a drapey silk short sleeve top in lieu of something more structured.
LaPointe
satin relaxed pleated pants
Style it out with matching pleated trousers, of course.
Veronica Beard
Veronica Beard’s Art Deco-inspired vest weaves metallic gold thread into a scalloped pattern to make this set feel a little more special.
Veronica Beard
If your courthouse ceremony takes place in the summer, you won’t regret going the short suit route.
Attersee
If you’re getting married during the spring or summer, a tailored vest and trouser set is no fuss and frills, and one you can easily wear all season long.
Attersee
Attersee is known for designing easy wardrobe essentials you’ll want to wear everyday. Wear this for the wedding, honeymoon, and beyond.
J.Crew
essential cutaway vest top
Textured satin brings an elegant touch to this otherwise simple cutaway vest.
J.Crew
Traveling for your civil wedding? The crinkled texture of the matching trousers is designed to be worn straight out of a suitcase.
Staud
Skip the jacket and opt for a cream-colored shell for a set that’s a little more laid-back.
Staud
Psst: These trousers have a covered elastic waistband so you’ll be extra comfortable on your big day.
Posse
For a summer wedding outfit, pick something in non-stretch linen to get both structure and breathability.
Posse
These straight-leg trousers are minimalist-friendly, too.
Destree
Amoako cropped faille jacket
An updated ’50s silhouette gives this jacket a unique spin.
Destree
Yoshitomo pleated faille wide-leg pants
The cropped hem on these silk pants gives them the perfect length to pair with strappy heels.
