Courthouse Wedding Looks: Chic, Minimal Outfits for Intimate Ceremonies

Getting married at the courthouse doesn’t mean you have to dress like you’re running errands. In fact, some of the most memorable wedding looks come from couples who choose simplicity over spectacle. A courthouse wedding is intimate, fast, and personal-and your outfit should reflect that. No need for trains, veils, or tiaras. Just clean lines, quiet luxury, and clothes that make you feel like the best version of yourself.

Why Minimal Works Best for Courthouse Weddings

Courthouse weddings happen quickly. You might walk in at 9 a.m. after a quick coffee, sign papers by noon, and be done by 1 p.m. There’s no time to fuss with layers, petticoats, or heels that blister after five minutes. You want to move, breathe, and feel comfortable. That’s where minimalism shines.

Think about it: a white linen shirt, tailored trousers, and bare feet in the courthouse lobby? That’s not just stylish-it’s real. Real people, real moments. No one’s judging your dress length. No one’s counting the number of guests. You’re there because you chose each other. Your outfit should say that, not scream it.

A 2024 survey by The Knot found that 68% of couples who married at city halls opted for outfits under $300. And 82% of them said they felt more themselves in simple clothes than in traditional wedding gear. That’s not a trend. That’s a shift.

What to Wear: Women’s Courthouse Wedding Outfits

You don’t need a gown. You need something that fits your body, your rhythm, and your vibe. Here’s what works:

• High-waisted wide-leg pants in ivory, oat, or soft gray. Pair them with a tucked-in silk camisole or a cropped knit top. Add delicate gold hoops and a single pendant necklace.
• A-line midi dress in lightweight cotton or TENCEL™. Look for subtle details: a single ruffle at the shoulder, a hidden side slit, or a back button detail. Avoid lace-it reads too bridal, too formal.
• Separates: A tailored blazer over a slip dress. The blazer can be the same color as the dress or a neutral like camel or charcoal. It’s polished, easy to remove after, and perfect for a quick photo walk outside.
• White sneakers or minimalist leather sandals. Yes, really. If you’re walking from the parking lot to the clerk’s office, your feet will thank you.

Color? Stick to neutrals. Cream, stone, taupe, dove gray. White is fine-but not the kind you’d wear to a church wedding. Think linen, not tulle. If you want color, try a muted blush or sage. Not red. Not neon. Just soft, quiet tones that look like sunlight on skin.

What to Wear: Men’s Courthouse Wedding Outfits

Men’s courthouse wedding style is even simpler-and often more overlooked. A suit isn’t required. A button-down shirt and slacks are more than enough.

• Lightweight wool or cotton suit in navy, charcoal, or beige. Skip the tie. Roll the sleeves slightly. The jacket can be unbuttoned. Let it look lived-in, not staged.
• Button-down shirt in white or pale blue. Cotton poplin works best. Tuck it in neatly. No need for a vest or pocket square.
• Dark denim with a crisp shirt and leather loafers. Yes, denim. As long as it’s clean, dark, and well-fitted, it’s wedding-appropriate. Many judges have seen worse.
• Minimalist watch and clean-shaven or neatly trimmed beard. No cologne. Too much scent in a small room? Bad idea.

Shoes matter. Avoid athletic shoes unless they’re all-white and sleek. Loafers, desert boots, or even clean white sneakers (like Common Projects or Axel Arigato) are ideal. They’re quiet. They’re modern. They don’t look like you just came from the gym.

Accessories That Matter

Less is more. But a few thoughtful touches can turn an outfit from “nice” to “meaningful.”

• Wedding bands: Choose simple metals-platinum, titanium, or brushed gold. No diamonds. No engravings unless they’re tiny and personal. The ring is the only jewelry that needs to be there.
• Small bouquet: One stem. A single eucalyptus branch. A sprig of lavender. A tiny rose. Tie it with twine. Hold it loosely. No flowers in a bucket. No floral crowns.
• Reading glasses: If you wear them, wear them. If you’re reading vows, you’ll be nervous. Glasses help. No shame.
• A scarf: Drape a thin cashmere wrap over your shoulders if it’s chilly. It adds texture without bulk.

Leave the jewelry box at home. No chokers. No layered necklaces. No statement earrings. Save those for the reception-if there is one.

What Not to Wear

Some things scream “I tried too hard.” Avoid these:

• White dresses with lace overlays or long trains
• High heels taller than two inches
• Full makeup with contouring and glitter
• Matching outfits with your partner (unless it’s intentional and subtle)
• Costume jewelry or novelty accessories
• Anything with “Bride” or “Groom” printed on it

And please-no superhero capes, no flower crowns, no oversized hats. You’re not at a festival. You’re at the courthouse. This isn’t a costume party. It’s a legal moment. Let your clothes honor that.

Real Examples from Real Courthouse Weddings

In Chicago, a couple got married at the Daley Center last spring. She wore a cream linen jumpsuit with a deep V-back and flat sandals. He wore navy chinos, a white oxford, and a vintage Timex. No one knew they were married until they showed the license. Then, they walked to a nearby café and ordered coffee. That’s it. No photoshoot. No DJ. Just them.

A couple in Portland did the same. She wore a vintage 1970s brown suede jacket over a slip dress. He wore a corduroy blazer and jeans. They took one photo-on a phone, in front of a brick wall. It’s now their profile picture.

These aren’t fashion statements. They’re life statements.

How to Plan Your Courthouse Wedding Look

1. Check the weather. Courthouses are cold in winter, hot in summer. Layer smartly.

2. Wear what you already own. You don’t need to buy anything new. Raid your closet. That silk blouse? That blazer? That pair of dark jeans? They’re wedding-ready.

3. Test your outfit the day before. Walk around your apartment. Sit down. Bend over. Make sure everything moves with you. If it feels stiff, it’s not the right choice.

4. Keep shoes on hand. If you’re wearing heels, bring flats. Change after the ceremony. You’ll thank yourself.

5. Don’t overthink it. Your partner won’t care if your shirt is perfectly pressed. They’ll care if you’re smiling.

What Comes After

Some couples have a small dinner. Others have a picnic. Some just go home. Whatever you do, don’t feel pressure to match the wedding look with the after-party look. If you want to change into something cozy, do it. If you want to keep your courthouse outfit on all day, that’s fine too.

The only rule? Be you. Not the version of you that Instagram thinks you should be. Not the version your aunt expects. Not the version you saw on a Pinterest board. Just you.

That’s the point of a courthouse wedding. It’s not about the dress. It’s about the decision. And the outfit? It’s just the quiet wrapper around something loud: love.

If you’re planning a courthouse wedding, remember: the day isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. Your outfit doesn’t need to be expensive. It doesn’t need to be trendy. It just needs to be yours.