What to Wear to a Courthouse Wedding, Based on Brides Who Pulled It Off with Ease

      Jennifer Atilémile epitomizes the modern woman who excels in multiple arenas. A genuine multi-hyphenate, she is a model, writer, creative, activist, and intellectual. Serving as an editor in residence, she provides insights into the fashion industry's inner workings. The courthouse wedding, once seen as a less traditional choice compared to the conventional religious ceremony, has now become one of the most stylish ways to tie the knot. There are two approaches to courthouse weddings: some couples treat it as their full wedding, while others use it as a private moment before throwing a larger celebration with friends (including trendy personalities and celebrities). Dua Lipa had her intimate ceremony in a custom Schiaparelli before her Italian wedding celebration. Charli XCX wed George Daniel at Hackney Town Hall wearing a Vivienne Westwood mini, with plans for a Sicilian celebration ahead. We'll explore Sicily as a wedding-party destination for trendy musicians in a separate discussion.

      Personally, I'm deeply invested in these events. Even during a date night with my fiancé, I'm eagerly on the lookout for any hints about Lipa's wedding dress. Why? Because I'm planning to get married at the end of this year, starting with a courthouse ceremony, followed by a larger celebration with our friends. A lot of what I envision for my 2026 bridal experience has already made its way onto my Pinterest board, and I’m observing—not to replicate, but to appreciate and then decide on what resonates most with my vision for the day.

      For the Bride

      The Suit

      The most iconic look for courthouse weddings throughout fashion history is the suit, and the classic example belongs to Bianca Jagger… at least according to my research and Pinterest findings. She tied the knot with Mick Jagger in Saint-Tropez in 1971, wearing an Yves Saint Laurent bias-cut column skirt paired with the legendary Le Smoking single-buttoned jacket, accented by a hat that resembled a veil. This look has been pinned to my board for months, and I’m certainly not alone in finding it beautifully chic. It’s making a major comeback, and there's a reason it has remained iconic since 1971, especially as it gains attention from current pop stars.

      Who What Wear’s Ana Escalante celebrated her wedding in a vintage Dior suit sourced from Studio Dorothy.

      What I admire most about the wedding suit is its versatility; it's not just a one-time wear. It can be donned repeatedly, unlike a grand, show-stopping gown, which—don't get me wrong—I also adore!

      Bernadette Antwerp

      Shirt York

      This Bernadette two-piece is a beautiful option for a rewearable wedding suit.

      Bernadette Antwerp

      Midi Skirt Kennedy

      Eloquii

      Longline Cape Top

      For plus-sized individuals, this 11 Honoré set would be a stylish alternative to the traditional suit.

      Saint Laurent

      F/W 1969 Fringed Satin Silk Evening Ensemble

      There is an abundance of vintage suits available online, and one of my favorite spots to shop is 1stDibs.

      The Hat

      A recurring detail in my bridal-look considerations is whether I’ll opt for a veil or a hat. The hat presents a more urban feel, steering away from traditional bridal norms, reminiscent of a favorite movie montage from The Parent Trap. After Lipa’s hat choice, I anticipate seeing many more hats in final bridal styles, particularly for courthouse ceremonies.

      The Unexpected Mini

      Not everyone prefers the suit, and I did until my designer commented, “I’m not making you a suit.” I’m still undecided about my courthouse attire, but if it’s not a suit, I might lean towards a chic mini. You can’t go wrong with that choice. Charli XCX’s Hackney Town Hall dress was a Vivienne Westwood mini, off-the-shoulder with a corseted bodice, which I had admired even before dating my fiancé. I also think a slip dress is a fantastic choice.

      DÔEN

      Nellcote Anniversary Dress

      GIA/irl

      Emma Corset Top & Scarf

      For the Guest

      Courthouse weddings can put guests in a unique situation as they differ from the traditional wedding format we’re accustomed to. To be honest, I’ve yet to receive an invitation to one, as they seem mainly reserved for the couple and their immediate circle of friends and family. I’m unsure if invitations come with a specific dress code since I’m navigating this uncertainty, but for my preferences, there certainly is a dress code. It’s not casual. This isn’t a brunch with friends nor is it business casual, and it’s definitely not a cocktail garden party unless it’s a mimosa brunch for the after-party.

      One thing about me is that I’m always ready to share a Pinterest board showcasing my dress code ideas. This would be included in it.

      L'idée

      York Dress in Iris Garden

      I would break my usual