Finding “The One” for Your Courthouse Moment
So, you’re saying your vows at city hall — and honestly? I think that’s the chicest move a modern bride can make. But here’s the thing about shopping for a civil wedding dress: you want something that feels special without being over-the-top, something that photographs beautifully, and ideally, something you’ll actually wear again. I’ve been there, scrolling through endless options at midnight, wondering if a slip dress is “enough” or if a midi hem looks too casual. Trust me, it’s not — and I’ve rounded up 10 gorgeous civil wedding dresses at every price point to prove it.
Whether you’re planning an intimate courthouse ceremony, a garden elopement, or a low-key registry office celebration, these picks balance elegance with ease. Let’s find your perfect dress.
How I Chose and Ranked These Dresses
Every dress on this list was evaluated on fabric quality, silhouette and cut, size inclusivity (bonus points for extended sizing), comfort and real-bride feedback, versatility for rewearing, value for money, and retailer availability. I prioritized dresses you can actually order right now from trusted retailers, and I verified every price myself. Dresses offering sustainable fabrics or inclusive sizing earned a higher spot.
The 10 Best Civil Wedding Dresses for 2026
1. Reformation Ciana Satin Dress — The Minimalist’s Dream
Price: $448 USD at Reformation — checked 20 Feb 2026. Sizes 0–12 and 14–24 available.
This boat-neckline satin gown is everything a civil ceremony calls for: clean lines, luxurious fabric, and zero fuss. Reformation uses their Eco Silk, so you’re making a sustainable choice too. The A-line skirt moves beautifully and the fitted bodice gives that “I didn’t even try” kind of elegance.
Why it ranks: Top marks for sustainability, quality satin fabric, extended sizing, and rewearability. You can genuinely dye this after the wedding and wear it for years.
Styling ideas: Pointed-toe satin mules, a single pearl drop earring, and a chiffon bridal scarf draped over the shoulders.
Where to buy: Reformation website.
2. Lulus Awaken My Love White Lace Maxi — The Crowd Favorite
Price: $88–$120 USD at Lulus — checked 20 Feb 2026. Sizes XS–XL in stock.
There’s a reason this dress has a genuine cult following. The crochet lace bodice with sheer long sleeves and an open back gives you that romantic bridal look without the bridal price tag. It fits true to size and the full-length skirt photographs like a dream.
Why it ranks: Unbeatable value, thousands of positive reviews, romantic silhouette. One of the most recommended affordable civil ceremony dresses online.
Styling ideas: Strappy heeled sandals, a delicate flower crown, and a fitted belt to define the waist.
Where to buy: Lulus website.
3. BHLDN Satin Column Dress — Elevated and Effortless
Price: $300–$500 USD at Anthropologie Weddings — checked 20 Feb 2026. Sizes 0–26 typically available (varies by style).
Anthropologie’s bridal line delivers that understated luxury feel civil brides crave. Their satin column silhouettes are sleek, figure-skimming, and sophisticated enough for city hall but relaxed enough for dinner afterward. The fabrics feel genuinely expensive.
Why it ranks: High-quality fabrics, wide size range up to 26, and the brand frequently runs sales of up to 50% off.
Styling ideas: Pointed kitten heels, a structured clutch, and a pearl hairpin.
Where to buy: Anthropologie Weddings (BHLDN) online and in select stores.
4. David’s Bridal Satin V-Neck Mini Dress — The Little White Dress
Price: Starting at $99–$299 USD at David’s Bridal — checked 20 Feb 2026. Sizes 0–30 available across styles.
David’s Bridal has fully leaned into the courthouse trend with their dedicated city hall collection. Their mini and midi options are modern, fun, and surprisingly well-made at this price point. The V-neck satin mini is a standout — flirty, clean, and perfect for the bride who wants legs on display.
Why it ranks: Most inclusive sizing (up to 30), affordable entry price, in-store try-on available, and in-house alteration services.
Styling ideas: Statement heels in a bold color, sheer opera-length gloves, and a birdcage veil.
Where to buy: David’s Bridal online and in 190+ stores.
5. ASOS DESIGN Satin Cowl-Neck Maxi — Budget Bridal Done Right
Price: $100–$200 USD at ASOS — checked 20 Feb 2026. Sizes US 4–30 available.
ASOS has quietly become one of the best places for affordable bridal wear. Their satin cowl-neck maxi dresses drape beautifully, the fabric has a nice weight to it, and the size range is genuinely impressive. For a civil ceremony on a budget, you simply cannot beat the variety here.
Why it ranks: Exceptional size range, free returns, constant new styles, and prices that make you do a double-take.
Styling ideas: Barely-there block heels, simple gold hoops, and a cropped faux-fur stole for cooler weather.
Where to buy: ASOS website.
6. Pronovias Civil Wedding Collection — For the Fashion-Forward Bride
Price: $800–$1,800 USD at Pronovias — checked 20 Feb 2026. Sizes vary by design.
If you want a designer name without full couture prices, Pronovias delivers beautifully. Their civil wedding range includes everything from column gowns to chic short dresses, all cut with impeccable European tailoring. The crepe fabrics they use balance structure and fluidity perfectly.
Why it ranks: Superior craftsmanship, diverse silhouettes (short, midi, and floor-length), and fabrics that hold up beautifully over time.
Styling ideas: Strappy stiletto sandals, a slim sparkly belt at the waist, and statement drop earrings.
Where to buy: Pronovias website and authorized boutiques.
7. Rosa Clará Minimalist Midi Dress — Understated European Elegance
Price: $600–$1,200 USD at Rosa Clará — checked 20 Feb 2026. Sizes vary.
Rosa Clará’s civil collection is a love letter to refined simplicity. Their midi-length options with puffed sleeves, square necklines, or open backs manage to be contemporary and timeless simultaneously. The fabrics — especially their sienna-textured crepe — feel absolutely gorgeous.
Why it ranks: Exceptional European tailoring, innovative fabric choices, and designs that genuinely transition between seasons.
Styling ideas: Pointed-toe slingback heels, a leather clutch, and a single oversized bloom as your bouquet.
Where to buy: Rosa Clará website and bridal boutiques.
8. Olivia Bottega Courthouse Dress Collection — Customization Queen
Price: $200–$600 USD at Olivia Bottega — checked 20 Feb 2026. Custom sizing available.
What makes Olivia Bottega special is their made-to-measure approach at genuinely accessible prices. Whether you want long sleeves for a winter city hall wedding or a short hemline for summer, they customize each dress to your measurements at no extra cost. The lace and crepe options are especially beautiful.
Why it ranks: Custom sizing included in the price, wide style variety, and strong customer reviews for fit and quality.
Styling ideas: Classic pearl studs, an embellished headband, and nude heels.
Where to buy: Olivia Bottega website.
9. Needle & Thread Embroidered Tulle Gown — For the Romantic Soul
Price: $250–$500 USD at Needle & Thread — checked 20 Feb 2026. Sizes UK 4–22 available.
If your heart wants some embellishment but you don’t want a full-on traditional gown, Needle & Thread hits that sweet spot perfectly. Their embroidered tulle pieces feel whimsical and special, like something out of a storybook. The craftsmanship on the beadwork is stunning for this price point.
Why it ranks: Unique embroidered designs, mid-range pricing, and a dreamy aesthetic you won’t find anywhere else.
Styling ideas: Ballet flats or block-heeled Mary Janes, a floral hair comb, and a cozy cashmere wrap for outdoor photos.
Where to buy: Needle & Thread website, ASOS, and select department stores.
10. Lulus Destined Romance Spaghetti Strap Satin Maxi — The Sleeper Hit
Price: $79–$98 USD at Lulus — checked 20 Feb 2026. Sizes XS–XL.
At under $100, this spaghetti-strap satin dress gives you serious slip-dress-bride energy. The backless design is subtly sexy, the fabric has a gorgeous sheen, and the simplicity makes it incredibly versatile. It’s the dress that looks like it costs five times more than it does.
Why it ranks: Lowest price on the list with a designer-look silhouette, overwhelmingly positive reviews, and perfect for warm-weather ceremonies.
Styling ideas: Strappy gold sandals, a bridal scarf tied at the neck, and delicate layered necklaces.
Where to buy: Lulus website.
Quick Buying Tips Before You Click “Add to Cart”
Sizing: Bridal sizing runs differently from regular clothing — many brands recommend ordering 2–3 sizes up from your everyday size. Always check the specific brand’s size chart and read reviews for fit guidance.
Fabric matters: For civil ceremonies, lightweight fabrics like crepe, satin, silk, and chiffon work best. They move well, photograph beautifully, and won’t feel heavy during a shorter ceremony.
Budget for alterations: Even a $100 dress can look custom with a $50–$80 hem adjustment. Factor this into your budget, especially for maxi lengths.
Spotting quality: At any price tier, look for French seams or finished edges inside the dress, fabric that doesn’t snag when you run a fingernail across it, and structured linings in the bodice.
Now Go Find Your Dress, Girl
There you have it — 10 civil wedding dresses that prove you don’t need a ball gown to have a bridal moment. Whether you’re a $88 Lulus bride or a $1,800 Pronovias queen, the right dress is the one that makes you feel incredible walking into that ceremony room.
Save this post to your Pinterest board for dress shopping later, and come follow me for more bridal styling ideas. I’d love to hear which one caught your eye — drop a comment and tell me your favorite!
