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What to wear to a courthouse wedding as a guest

Wear what you'd wear to a nice lunch with the couple: a midi dress, a polished knee-length dress or smart separates, in a color, not white. A courthouse wedding is small and usually in the daytime, so aim for dressed up but not formal unless the couple says otherwise. You're one of a handful of people they chose to stand there with them, so wear an outfit that looks like you came on purpose.

Updated November 5, 2026

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Courthouse wedding outfits in the shops right now

  1. Nadine Merabi, Laura Dress: Bright pink with a shirt collar and a full midi skirt: polished for a city hall morning.
  2. Guendolina, Martina Dress: Textured yellow with a full skirt that swings, for a spring or summer ceremony.
  3. RIXO, Corrine Dress: Cornflower-blue florals in soft chiffon with puff sleeves: the ceremony, then lunch.
  4. Guendolina, Fiona Dress: Emerald off the shoulder with long sleeves and a ruffled hem. Dressed up without a gown.
  5. Herve Leger, Bethany Dress: A cabernet sheath with cap sleeves and a draped skirt, for a winter ceremony and dinner after.
  6. Miss Circle, Ailani Midi Dress: Navy taffeta with thin straps and a full skirt with pockets, at an easy price.
  7. Lavish Alice, Amabella Midi Dress: Green florals with tie shoulders and a fluted hem: garden-party color for a city wedding.
  8. Theia, Helen Dress: Gold organza with a knotted neckline and a full midi skirt. A little shine for an evening ceremony.
  9. RIXO, Izzy Dress: Navy polka dots with a scarf belt. Boots in winter, sandals in spring.
  10. Guendolina, Camille Dress: Petrol blue with puff sleeves and a wide belt, long enough to feel special at a daytime ceremony.

The rules

The short answer

A dressy midi or knee-length dress, a jumpsuit, or a tailored suit in a color. Wear comfortable heels or polished flats, since you may stand on stone steps and walk between the ceremony and lunch. Skip white, ivory and anything that reads bridal.

How dressed up to be

Match the plan after the ceremony. Just the ceremony and photos on the steps: smart daytime, like a nice brunch. A lunch or dinner after: a step dressier, the same as cocktail attire. If the couple is in a gown and a suit, lean up. If they're in something simple, lean down.

Colors

Bright and mid tones look best against stone and in daylight photos: cobalt, emerald, pink, yellow, red and florals. Black is fine for an evening ceremony. Skip white, ivory, cream and pale champagne, which can read bridal next to a couple in simple clothes.

What to skip

Floor-length gowns, sequins and anything you'd wear to a club. Courthouses often have a security line, so skip anything fussy to walk through or sit in.

By season

In winter: long sleeves, wool or crepe, tights, and a coat you're happy to keep on in photos. In summer: breathable cotton, crepe or linen blends, and sunglasses for photos outside.

How to search for one

Say the season, whether there's a meal after, and one color you love.

Common questions

Can I wear white to a courthouse wedding?

No. The same rule applies as at any wedding, and a small ceremony makes it more noticeable, not less. Choose a color.

Can I wear black to a courthouse wedding?

Yes, especially in the evening or in winter. In daylight, a color usually looks warmer in photos with the couple.

Can I wear jeans to a courthouse wedding?

Only if the couple says so. Otherwise dress one step up: smart trousers or a dress.

Can I wear pants to a courthouse wedding?

Yes. A tailored trouser suit or a jumpsuit in a dressy fabric is as right as a dress.

What should a courthouse wedding guest wear in winter?

A long-sleeve midi or a suit in wool or crepe, tights, and a coat that works in photos on the steps.

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