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Shop September 20, 2023

What to wear to your courthouse wedding, according to a bridal stylist

PHOTO: Shop courthouse wedding dresses
ABC News Photo Illustration, Reformation, Eloquii
Shop courthouse wedding dresses

Struggling with what to wear to your courthouse wedding?

We've got you covered.

For many people, wedding day attire is a big deal. And whether you have a vision for your look or are starting from scratch, it can be hard to find a dress that's just right.

We tapped bridal stylist Hope LaVine to help brides decide what to wear to their courthouse weddings.

"I think one of the most exciting things about dressing for a courthouse wedding is that there are no rules or societal pressure," LaVine told "Good Morning America" in an e-mail. "The most beautiful thing to me about a courthouse wedding is that the love of a couple is truly the focus of the day. You can wear anything, and I encourage brides to keep it authentically them!"

To start, LaVine suggested considering how you want to feel in your dress, as well as any activities happening on the big day.

"I think how you feel is a big factor because if you want to be fun and flirty, maybe that's a minidress with some fun feather details. Or maybe you want to be chic and timeless, and to you, that’s a vintage Chanel tweed dress. Or maybe you want to be cool and effortless, so to you, that is a silky slip dress with stunning draping," LaVine says. "None are wrong for a courthouse wedding, but they're all going to make you feel differently. So, think about how you want to feel at your courthouse wedding and take it from there!"

If you're looking for a trendy wedding dress, LaVine suggested a minidress styled with a cathedral-length veil.

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"Minis have so much character packed into the short wedding dress silhouette! You can say a lot with a little dress," she said.

For something more classic, LaVine said to look out for a dress with buttons down the back, a halter or off-the-shoulder neckline, pleating, and silk or satin fabrics, among other styles.

"I also love seeing vintage gowns or vintage-inspired elements in a look!" she said. "There are so many gorgeous vintage wedding dresses and slips out there. How special to incorporate something borrowed or old into your bridal look."

However, there are a few things LaVine said she would avoid for the courthouse.

"Personally, I would never wear a ballgown wedding dress with a 10-foot train," she said. "You want to keep in mind your location, the setting, and your surroundings. I think the beauty of a courthouse wedding is the effortlessness ... [That] doesn’t mean you can’t wear something fabulous, but it takes away the pressure of wearing something loud."

Your courthouse wedding dress is one you can certainly re-wear. For example, if you opt for a minidress, LaVine suggested wearing it again to a birthday party or an anniversary.

"I think wearing something sentimental is always appropriate," LaVine said. "This is one of the reasons I encourage wearability to brides! Consider pieces you actually love in your wedding wardrobe and not just pieces you want to wear for a day."

MORE: Shop bridal shoes for both comfort and style

She added, "But if you don't re-wear that is totally acceptable as well. It's not a one-size or one-solution-fits-all."

No matter what you chose, LaVine said you can make your courthouse wedding bridal look feel special.

"Perhaps you style your wedding dress with family heirloom jewelry, or you borrow your best friend's veil," she said, adding, "Don't not dress up or make it super special, because it is!"

To help you start finding your dream dress, we've rounded up some picks below.

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SOLACE London Elina Mini Dress

Price: $645 · From Revolve

This SOLACE London mini dress has architectural off-shoulder sleeves for a dramatic look. 

Helsa Matte Jersey Off Shoulder Maxi Dress

Price: $238 · From Revolve

A jersey dress like this one is great for brides who want to keep things a little more casual. Dress it up with sparkly shoes or a statement earring.

Michael Costello x REVOLVE Kylen Midi Dress

Price: $268 · From Revolve

We love the draped neckline on this Michael Costello dress. It is double-lined with a hidden back zipper; you can wear it on another occasion, too.

L'IDEE Gatsby Gown

Price: $450 · From Revolve

This off-the-shoulder plisse dress features detachable sleeves, so you'll get two looks in one. It has a lettuce-cut hem as well as a hidden back zipper and would be perfect for a fall bride. 

Rodarte White and Green Floral Printed Silk Satin Cape Dress

Price: $1,955 · From Amazon

This stunning Rodate maxi cape dress is an elegant, sophisticated option for brides. It features an abstract green print with a mock turtle neckline. 

Reformation Violet Dress

Price: $298 · From Reformation

Reformation's Violet dress features a red floral print and ruching details. It has a sweetheart neckline and would look perfect with on-trend burgundy heels for a fall courthouse wedding.

Reformation Valencia Dress

Price: $498 · From Reformation

This romantic lace dress has an open back and a crew neckline. We also love that it has long sleeves for the upcoming seasons. 

Reformation Annabelle Silk Dress

Price: $448 · From Reformation

For brides who don't want to wear a classic white dress. This pretty "Sable"-colored dress is made with a lightweight silk charmeuse fabric and features subtle floral details. 

Reformation Josefina Knit Dress

Price: $190 · From Reformation

This knit dress is a great option for fall brides. 

The Drop Women's Snow White Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

Price: $79.90 · From Amazon

A long-sleeve option for fall brides. This stretch satin dress has a front slit and ties at the back.

ELOQUII Bridal by ELOQUII Mesh Applique Jumpsuit

Price: $249 · From Eloquii

Eloquii's mesh applique jumpsuit features a sheer beaded bodice with slightly-stretchy crepe pants.

Watters Strapless Ballad Crepe Mini Dress

Price: $395 · From Anthropologie

This crepe mini dress is a super simple, modern option for brides. 

MISHA Pauline High-Neck Asymmetrical Ruched Slinky Side-Slit Dress

Price: $380 · From Anthropologie

An elegant option for brides. This dress features ruched detailing and a side slit. Wear it again on a bachelorette or for an anniversary celebration. 

Bridal by ELOQUII Floral Mini Dress

Price: $199 · From Eloquii

If you love lace, opt for this gorgeous mini by Eloquii.

Oscar de la Renta Unfinished Floral Cotton Poplin Shift Dress

Price: $1,690 · From Amazon

This Oscar de la Renta poplin shift dress makes a great option for a bride who wants to wear a print. We love these feminine botanical details and think this is a dress you could rewear for plenty of other events. 

Realtix Satin Silk Backless Tube Tops Maxi Dress for Women

Price: $48.99 · From Amazon

This simple strapless maxi dress is an effortless option for a courthouse wedding. Plus, it's under $50! 

ELLIATT Rays Dress

Price: $240 · From Revolve

We love the bow accent on the front of this ELLIATT mini dress. 

MISHA x REVOLVE Evianna Satin Gown

Price: $447 · From Revolve

This dress features a high halter neck with a bow and an open back.

Watters Ambrosia Bow-Strap Lace Midi Dress

Price: $725 · From Anthropologie

If you're looking for lace (and something blue!) this Watters midi dress may be the perfect fit. 

Sachin & Babi Gemma Strapless Back-Bow Pearl Midi Dress

Price: $598 · From Anthropologie

This pearl-embellish strapless dress features a back bow and a column silhouette.

Bridal by ELOQUII Dramatic Sleeve Dress

Price: $119 · From Eloquii

This Eloquii dress has a dramatic puff sleeve with a front slit at the skirt. Plus, it has pockets! 

Rodarte Off-White Silk Satin Mid Length Slip Dress with Silk Flower

Price: $966 · From Amazon

This classic, simple Rodarte silk slip dress features a silk flower detail -- perfect for a bride.

Amsale Draped Off-The-Shoulder Midi-Dress

Price: $495 · From Saks Fifth Avenue

This classic dress has an off-the-shoulder neckline and a concealed back zip. It's made with "lustrous satin" and complete with a draped bodice. 

Reformation Liliwen Dress

Price: $428 · From Reformation

This mini Reformation bridal dress has a removable train (!) as well as side pockets and smocking on the back bodice.