Weddings come in all shapes and sizes, each one unique to the couple tying the knot. Some opt for grand church ceremonies, others prefer intimate beach vows, and then there are those who choose the simplicity and convenience of a courthouse/City Hall wedding. If you’re planning on saying “I do” at city hall, you might be wondering about what on EARTH to wear for such an occasion. This guide will help you navigate city hall wedding fashion and ensure that you look your best on your special day. Let’s get it.
Understanding City Hall Wedding Fashion
A city hall wedding doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or elegance. In fact, city hall wedding fashion can be just as chic and glamorous as any other wedding style. Maybe even more so, since some of the pressure is off and you can really wear *whatever* you want. The key is understanding the setting and choosing an outfit that matches the tone.
City hall weddings are typically more casual than traditional church weddings, but this doesn’t mean you should show up in jeans and a t-shirt. I mean you could, but let’s have fun with it, right?
Think understated elegance – stylish dresses, tailored suits, or chic jumpsuits are all excellent choices for a courthouse wedding. When the backdrop is New York City, it’s a pretty good excuse to go all out with accessories, fun material/silhouettes, and maybe even non-white attire. Gasp!
Choosing a Dress
The most common choice for brides at a city hall wedding is a short or midi length dress. These dresses offer a perfect balance between formal and casual, making them ideal for shorter city hall ceremonies. Opt for classic colors like white or cream to maintain that bridal feel or go bold with vibrant hues if that’s more your style. You can do both, too, depending on how you’d like to accessorize.
When it comes to style, consider something sleek and modern like a sheath dress or an A-line dress with clean lines. Lace detailing can add some romantic flair without being too over-the-top. Remember that less is often more when it comes to city hall wedding fashion.
Anthropologie City Hall Wedding Fashion
Anthropologie has a great selection of classic little-white-dresses, with a few fun, alternative styles in the mix. There’s even a section dedicated to city hall wedding outfits! Here are some favorites of mine from each category:
Separates
Cynthia Rowley Sheer Lace Buttondown Shirt
Little White Dress
V. Chapman Lily Ruched & Ruffled Stretch Midi Dress
V. Chapman Violet Corset Ruffled Tiered Hem Midi Dress
Gowns
Jenny Yoo Harlyn High-Neck Open-Back Wedding Gown
Reformation City Hall Wedding Fashion
Reformation is *the* place all the girlies, me included, love. Their social media presence is hard to ignore, and all of their clothing is gorgeous. They have a dedicated weddings section on their website, along with a white dresses category. Some favs of mine below. It was super hard to pick just a few, btw.
White Dresses
Woodson Dress
Moya Linen Two Piece
Joana Silk Dress
Pallavi Silk Dress
Retrofete Wedding Outfits
Retrofete’s dress selection is super fun, unique, and daring. If you don’t wear any of these to your ceremony, I would highly recommend choosing something of theirs for the afterparty. I mean, there’s a floor length disco ball patterned dress. What more could you want??
Retrofete Bridal
Aisha Midi Dress
Ilaria Blazer Dress
Marcella NYC City Hall Wedding Fashion
Marcella NYC has quickly become my favorite place to find minimalist clothing with an edge. Not only do they create beautiful clothing, but they also do great charity work. Each piece of clothing you buy funds three days of school for women and girls across the globe. Lots of great choices for a more casual bridal look, some favs below.
Marcella NYC White Dresses
Broadway Dress
Manhattan Sleeveless Dress
Roxanne Dress
Mercer Dress
Manhattan Mesh Sleeve Midi Dress
Alternative Outfit Choices
Not everyone wants to wear a dress on their big day, and that’s perfectly okay! There are plenty of stylish alternatives that work beautifully for a courthouse wedding. A chic jumpsuit or tailored pantsuit can be just as stunning and bridal as a traditional dress.
If you opt for a jumpsuit, look for one with elegant details like lace overlays or satin finishes. For a pantsuit, consider a fitted blazer and wide-leg trousers in a soft color like blush or cream. Pair with statement accessories to complete your city hall wedding fashion look.
Here are even more places for city hall wedding fashion
Accessorizing Your Outfit
Accessories are the finishing touch to your city hall wedding outfit. They can elevate your look and add that special bridal touch. Consider delicate jewelry pieces like pearl earrings or a dainty necklace. If you’re wearing a simple dress, you might want to add some sparkle with some statement jewelry.
Some great places for wedding accessories:
Don’t forget about shoes – while you might be tempted to go all out with sky-high heels, remember that comfort is essential too. You’ll likely be standing and walking around quite a bit on your wedding day, so choose shoes that are stylish but also comfortable. Bring a pair you’re comfortable walking in, just in case you want to change.
Embrace Your Personal Style
Ultimately, the most important thing about city hall wedding fashion is that it should reflect who you are. Whether you choose a classic white dress or an edgy jumpsuit, make sure it’s something that makes you feel beautiful and confident.
Remember, this is your special day – don’t be afraid to express yourself through your outfit choice. At the end of the day, you’re going to look your best if you’re feeling confident in what you’re wearing. Don’t force yourself out of a comfort zone, but don’t be afraid to break the rules.
So whether you’re planning an intimate city hall ceremony or just looking for some chic bridal inspiration, remember these tips when choosing your city hall wedding outfit. Happy shopping!
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