You’re taking the intimate route with your nuptials. We love that! Courthouse weddings have become popular in recent years and we’re big supporters of it. There’s nothing quite like sealing the deal with the two most important people in the marriage — you and your partner. 

Just because it’s simple doesn’t mean you don’t have to make it personal and special. A courthouse wedding outfit should definitely be part of your priority list. Feeling like your best self on your most special day is just a must.

We’re used to seeing people plan for grand celebrations. How do you do it for something intimate? Here are things to remember.

Civil ceremony attire for brides

Perhaps you never dreamt of having a ball gown or a metre-length train. Or perhaps you did, but you realised you like simpler better. There’s something fresh and rebellious about going against the norm. This is the norm for you though, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

While it’s completely fine to still wear a formal gown at a civil ceremony, many brides opt for silhouettes that are shorter and chicer. Think mini and midi dresses. Maybe options that can be reworn at another special occasion too.

We’ve seen the rise of mini and cocktail dresses, but there’s also the choice to wear a pantsuit or a jumpsuit if that fits your personal style better. 

Note too that if you’re having your wedding at your local clerk’s office or judge, the space will be limited. So you’d want to wear something you’re happy with style-wise and comfort-wise. 

If you have a mini wedding party to help you with your dress before your ceremony, you have a little liberty to choose a dress or jumpsuit that’s a bit more complicated to put on (corsets or something that has lots of buttons). If you’re doing it by yourself though, remember to keep it simple and straightforward so you’re not panicked or stressed before saying “I do.”

The piece that will make your look distinctly bridal though? A bridal hair accessory. It instantly turns any formal or semi-formal look into a wedding look.

You don’t have to do a wedding veil either. Options for modern bridal accessories are aplenty. And you can find one that fits your style best, whether that’s glamorous, rustic or classic.

Colours for a courthouse wedding

There are no rules about this. You can definitely go with your heart’s desire. The most popular options are still in the white colour family, of course. Think ivories, stark whites, creams, and more. If your heart so asks though, heed the call to wear green or pink or red! It’s your wedding day, after all. Do what works for you.

Attire for the groom

You can opt to match with the bride! Or you can let your personality shine through. You are coming in to unite as two individuals. It’s great to have your personal style shine when you come together. More actionable and concrete ideas: a laid-back suit and tie, a shirt inspired by your culture, or a simple white shirt.

A courthouse wedding strips everything down to the essentials — and that’s where the magic is. You, your person, a few vows, a couple of witnesses and courthouse wedding outfits that you’ll love to look back on in years to come.