For a courthouse wedding, most brides wear a simple white or ivory midi or tea-length dress, or a light, easy gown that is comfortable to stand, walk and sit in. For an elopement, pick a dress that suits the location: a flowing maxi for an outdoor view, or a shorter dress for hiking or travel. You don't have to wear white; soft colors like blue, blush or a floral print look just as bridal in photos.
What does a bride wear to a courthouse wedding?
Courthouse ceremonies are short and the spaces are small, so most brides skip the big ballgown and train. Popular choices:
- A white or ivory midi: the most classic courthouse look. Easy to walk in, works with flats or heels, and you can wear it again.
- A lace or embroidered dress: texture makes a simple shape look like a wedding dress.
- A light floor-length gown: a good choice if you're heading to a dinner or photo session after, as long as the skirt isn't so full it's hard to manage on stairs.
- A colored or floral dress: great if you want something you'll wear to every anniversary dinner after.
What should you consider before choosing a courthouse wedding dress?
- Stairs, security and hallways: courthouses often mean security lines, long hallways and steps outside for photos. A skirt that clears the ground and shoes you can walk in matter more than usual.
- Seating and waiting: you may wait for your turn. Choose a fabric that doesn't wrinkle badly when you sit.
- Photos outside: most couples take pictures on the courthouse steps or nearby. White and ivory stand out against stone and brick.
- Weather: bring a jacket or wrap for a cold-weather date, or pick a dress with sleeves.
What should you wear to an elopement?
| Elopement setting | Best dress choice |
|---|---|
| Mountain overlook or field | A flowing maxi that moves in the wind; bring boots for the walk in |
| Hiking trail | A midi or tea-length dress, or change at the top |
| Beach or lake | A lightweight dress without a train, flat sandals |
| City or restaurant | A lace or embroidered midi with heels |
| Cold weather | Sleeves, a velvet or heavier fabric, and a coat for between photos |
Do you have to wear white to a courthouse wedding?
No. White and ivory are traditional, but plenty of brides choose blue, blush, champagne or a floral print, especially for a small courthouse ceremony. If you want something that still reads bridal, look for a white or cream background with a soft floral, or a gown silhouette in a solid color. If you're having a bigger celebration later, you can save the full wedding dress for that day.
Which dresses work for a courthouse wedding or elopement?
Harlow Dress in White. A white floral lace midi with a halter V neckline, bust seaming, built-in bust cups, a dropped waist with soft shirring at the hips and vintage-inspired button details. Sizes 00 to 34. The lace looks bridal up close, and the midi length keeps the hem off the courthouse steps.
Phiona Dress in Snowdrop. A graceful, feminine dress made for formal events and evening celebrations, with an understated, refined look. Sizes 00 to 34. A good pick if you want something elegant and simple for the ceremony and the dinner after.
Margaret Dress in White Floral. A white midi with floral embroidery, a V-neckline, fixed straps with adjustable shoulder bows, a ruched empire waist, a tiered skirt and a back zipper. Sizes XXS to 6X, true to size. The midi length is easy to walk in, which makes it a good pick for an outdoor or hiking elopement.
Jeanne Dress in Ivory Tulle. Soft layers of ivory dotted tulle in a tiered silhouette, with delicate shoulder bows, a deep V-neckline, a smocked empire waist and a back zipper. Sizes XXS to 6X, true to size. Light and romantic, it reads bridal in photos without feeling like a formal gown.
Bianca Dress in Flushed Floral. A floral dress in muted red and orange with sparkling sequins, a sweetheart neckline, a corset bodice, adjustable tulle tie sleeves, a fitted waistline, a back zipper and full lining. Sizes 00 to 34. Our pick if you want color: it is not white, so choose it if you'd rather have a warm, colorful bridal look that still feels special.
See all of our bridal styles in the Wedding Dresses collection.
What shoes and accessories go with a courthouse wedding dress?
- Block heels, low heels or dressy flats for hallways and steps.
- A small bouquet or a single stem. A big bouquet can feel out of scale in a small room.
- A short veil, hair bow or flower clip if you want a bridal detail without a full veil.
- A cardigan, jacket or wrap in a matching tone for cold weather.
FAQ
Is it okay to wear a long wedding dress to the courthouse?
Yes. Choose one without a long train or a very full skirt so you can manage stairs, security and small rooms easily.
What color should I wear to elope if not white?
Soft blue, blush, champagne and florals on a cream background all read as bridal in photos. Pick a color that contrasts with your location so you stand out.
Can I wear my courthouse wedding dress again?
A midi or a colored dress is easy to rewear for anniversaries, showers and dinners. A full gown is harder to rewear but makes the photos feel more formal.
Should I buy a dress for a courthouse wedding or wear one I own?
Either is fine. Many brides buy a new dress so the day feels special, but choose something you'll be comfortable in for a few hours, not just a few minutes.