a woman in a casual white midi dress for a civil wedding ceremony
Image via @polethe.calix photo by @nathalie.triplett.photography

Amidst a pandemic, we all had to change our plans in 2020–and that’s especially true for couples who were meant to have weddings that year. Many pivoted to intimate backyard affairs, courthouse weddings, and Zoom nuptials, putting off their big bashes for later on. Because love won’t wait, right? Turns out, those smaller weddings are sticking around, so if you’re currently planning your own civil ceremony, you’ll need a cute civil wedding dress to wear, obv.

cream embroidered lace long sleeve mini dress
Shop the Look: Lust or Love Cream Embroidered Lace Long Sleeve Dress, Lullie Ivory Satin Rhinestone Ankle Strap Pointed-Toe Pumps, On The List Cream Marble Acrylic Box Clutch; Image via @iamstherfaned

Courthouse wedding dresses are typically a little more casual but of course, how fancy you want to go is completely up to you. This is your opportunity to choose something completely different than your original bridal dress, especially if you’re planning on wearing that one to a postponed reception! Whether you opt for a sleek midi dress, a lace fit-and-flare, or even a sparkly jumpsuit, the civil wedding dresses (and more) ahead will make the day stylish and special.

1. Lace Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress

white lace off the shoulder midi dress
Shop the Look: Absolutely Stunning White Lace Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress

With an off-the-shoulder neckline, delicate short sleeves, and tiered skirt, this romantic lace midi dress is one in which you won’t be able to resist twirling.

2. Lace Trumpet Hem Dress

white lace sleeveless tiered midi dress
Shop the Look: Garden Soirée White Lace Sleeveless Tiered Midi Dress

Want a sexy civil wedding style? Flaunt your shape in a tiered trumpet silhouette dress with a lace overlay.

3. Satin Cowl Neck Jumpsuit

champagne cowl neck satin jumpsuit
Shop the Look: Perfect Night Champagne Satin Cowl Neck Culotte Jumpsuit

Want to save the dress for the big day? A drapey satin jumpsuit is a bombshell-worthy bridal alternative.

4. One-Shoulder Midi Dress

white one shoulder ruffled tulip midi dress
Shop the Look: Love You Best White One-Shoulder Ruffled Tulip Midi Dress

A simple one-shoulder midi dress with a draped front accentuates your shape and shows off your legs–the perfect balance of minimalist chic and sexy.

5. Satin Asymmetrical Midi Dress

satin asymmetrical tiered midi dress
Shop the Look: Strictly Romance White Satin Asymmetrical Tiered Midi Dress

Want a minimalist courthouse wedding dress? An asymmetrical satin midi with a flouncy hem is utterly timeless.

6. Short Sleeve Lace Mini Dress

white lace courthouse wedding dress
Shop the Look: Remarkable White Lace Dress

Ultra bride-worthy and ultra-versatile! Wear an LWD (lacy white dress, in this case) for your civil ceremony and your bachelorette, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner if you’re planning a big event later on.

7. Sequin Mini Dress

white sequin mini dress
Shop the Look: Force of Fashion White Backless Sequin Mini Dress

Sequins for day? Why not? Opt for a glam, sparkly white mini dress as your courthouse wedding outfit.

8. Embossed Satin Midi Dress

white polka dot embossed satin backless midi dress
Shop the Look: Cabaret Queen White Polka Dot Embossed Satin Backless Midi Dress

Civil wedding, but make it playful. A pretty fluttery sleeve midi dress in polka dot-embossed satin channels both vibes beautifully.

9. Lace Bodycon Dress

white lace midi dress
Shop the Look: One Wish White Lace Midi Dress

Halter-neck dresses draw the eye up to show off your shoulders and frame your gorgeous face, of course. This one’s simple and sophisticated–and total matrimony material.

10. Cropped Blazer + High-Waisted Trouser Pants

ivory cropped blazer and trousers
Shop the Look: Posh Company Ivory Cropped Short Sleeve Blazer, Posh Company Ivory Pleated High-Waisted Trouser Pants

Who says wedding outfits have to be dresses? Spolier alert: They don’t! Celebrate your courthouse union with an iconic tailored blazer and trousers–aka: the other perfect match.

11. Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress

white offt he shoulder faux wrap midi dress
Shop the Look: Falling For Us White Lace Off-The-Shoulder Faux-Wrap Midi Dress

Calling all Bridgerton-loving brides: This off-the-shoulder corset-bodice stunner is romantic, sultry, and sleek–what more could you ask for when it comes to a civil wedding dress?

12. Satin Flutter Sleeve Jumpsuit

white satin flutter sleeve jumpsuit
Shop the Look: Forever Awaits White Satin Flutter Sleeve Jumpsuit

Not everyone’s into dresses, which is why gorgeous jumpsuits like this one exist. Wear it to your courthouse nuptials for a modern outfit you can wear again!

Did you wear Lulus to get hitched at the courthouse? Show us your civil wedding dresses on Instagram @Lulusweddings using #lulusweddings–and shop our entire Bridal collection for more big-day options!

This post was published in January 2021 and has been updated with new content.