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Jessica Booth is a journalist with over 10 years of experience and a freelance writer whose work has appeared on sites such as Bustle, Insider, and Refinery29.

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As fun as a big, glamorous wedding is, a marriage is really about the love between two people—and you don't need an expensive venue and large crowd to make things official. A civil ceremony, often done at a courthouse, city hall, or a local county clerk's office, can be as romantic (or as casual) as you want it to be. And since this is obviously a more laid-back option, you have a lot more room to play around with your look. Selecting a wedding dress for a civil ceremony can allow you to get creative and really have fun with your outfit.

There are really no fashion rules or etiquette tips to follow when opting for a civil ceremony. Some brides choose to go more casual and low-maintenance and wear a mini dress or a matching set. While others don't want to skimp on the glamour and go all out in a gown or a nice maxi dress. There are even some who skip the dress altogether and opt for a jumpsuit or a chic blazer and pants set.

You can wear traditional white or ivory, or you can go completely out-of-the-box and wear a pattern or a bright color. Florals can be fun and a jewel-toned dress can be beautiful. It's all about your personal style here, and it's nice to be able to select the look you love without having to worry about expectations.

The world is your oyster when it comes to civil ceremony bridalwear, and to help start your search, here are some of our favorite options.

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Dense cotton | Length: Mini

This refined mini dress, made with compact Italian cotton that feels and looks luxe, is a great casual option. The scoop neck silhouette features bust darts and a nice Basque waistline, and a back tie can be made into an elaborate and adorable bow detail.

Sizes: 6-22 UK | Material: Sequined chiffon | Length: Knee-length

This dress is whimsical and fun with a classic feel to it. The sequined chiffon material makes it glitter with a lightweight feel, and the cape-effect look makes it perfect for cooler weather. This is a great way to do something glamorous without feeling over the top.  

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Cotton, nylon | Length: Mini

This is a great casual, laid-back option that is also super versatile and can work for almost any season. Sheer cap sleeves and a rounded top make this ideal for a bride who doesn't want anything too revealing.

Sizes: 0-12 | Material: Linen | Length: Midi

Made of lightweight linen, this halter dress is a great option for a summer civil ceremony. It's casual on its own, but could easily be dressed up, especially with the front slit. And if you don't want white, it comes in three other color options.

Courtesy of Show Me Your Mumu

Sizes: XXS-XXL | Material: Organza | Length: High-low

Light and frothy, this organza confection would show up beautifully in photos. The ruffled off-the-shoulder neckline and long train make this the best dress for the bride who wants to do something different and fun.

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, spandex | Length: Floor-length 

A jumpsuit is a sleek and chic option if you don't want to wear a dress. This one features an unexpected cut-out and a one-shoulder detail that makes it feel extra glam.

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Linen | Length: Mini

A blazer dress feels effortlessly stylish and cool and seems like such a good fit for a civil ceremony. This one features lightly padded shoulders and is made of lightweight linen. It also comes in blush and a green color if you don't want white.

Sizes: 6-18 UK | Material: Crepe | Length: Mini

Whimsical but with a traditional feel, this mini dress features feather detailing on the sleeves that make it so much fun. The back cinches with a small bow detail and it's made of a stretchy crepe material.

Sizes: 0-18 | Material: Polyester | Length: Mini

If you want something more dramatic that isn't a gown, opt for this fun mini dress. The removable skirt acts like a long, billowing train, and when you're ready to let loose, you can take it off so you're just wearing a classic off-the-shoulder dress.

Sizes: XS-3X | Material: Nylon, cotton | Length: Floor-length 

For a more traditional bridal look, opt for this lace maxi dress. It features a slit in the front and a subtle mermaid flare at the bottom. The long sleeves are great for fall, winter, or even spring ceremonies, and the square neckline is so pretty.

Sizes: XS-XXL | Material: Nylon, rayon | Length: Mini

Matching sets have never been more trendy, so why not wear one for your civil ceremony? This one is made up of a romantic scalloped lace blazer and matching skirt, and is such a special option. Plus, after your big day, you can always wear the pieces separately if you want.

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Stretch matte viscose | Length: Midi

Perfect for the more casual winter bride, this knit midi dress is a versatile option because it doesn't look traditionally bridal. Made of a luxe Italian knit for a close fit, this is a fairly low-key option that is also so elegant.

Sizes: 0-16 | Material: Crepe | Length: Floor-length 

Some brides want to go more casual for a civil ceremony, while others want to be just as formal as they would for a large celebration. Luckily, there's no right or wrong way to do it. If you want to be more dressed up, this BCBG gown is a beautiful choice, in a sleek crepe with off-the-shoulder tulle sleeves.

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Nylon, spandex | Length: Mini

Reminiscent of Kendall Jenner's iconic Giambattista Valli hot pink tulle gown—that she wore to Cannes in 2019—this dress is fun and unique. It would look adorable in photos and just as cute at an after-party.

Sizes: 0-12 | Material: Linen | Length: Midi

Looking to keep things simple? This linen dress with thin sleeves and an A-line skirt is a minimalist's dream. Ideal for warmer weather, this can easily be dressed up or down and is a very versatile pick.

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Polyester | Length: Shorts

A romper is casual and unexpected, and makes for a great summer ceremony ensemble. This one has a bridal vibe thanks to the ruffled neckline and delicate jacquard fabric.

Sizes: 34-42 FR | Material: Crocheted cotton-blend | Length: Mini

It's hard to resist this delightful crochet mini dress, which features a boned bodice and feathers along the hem. It might feel more casual, but it's still the kind of dress you wear for a special occasion.

Sizes: 0-16 | Material: Polyester | Length: Mini

The playful bubble hem of this dress is what makes it so adorable. Spaghetti straps and a lace-up back are two other details we love here.

Sizes: 4-8 | Material: Tulle | Length: Mini

Made with Ossetra beading, this mini dress sparkles in all the right ways. Soft netting makes up the unique sleeves and the corset bodice is another romantic touch.

Sizes: 0-12 | Material: Cotton sateen | Length: Midi

We love this low-maintenance white midi dress that feels versatile and chic. The fitted bodice, pleated detail, and notched neckline are all lovely details.

Sizes: 0-12 | Material: Polyester, spandex | Length: Midi

This silhouette is timeless for a beautiful and elegant look that anyone could love. Details like sparkling beaded straps, a V-neck, and a large bow on the front make it feel extra special.

Sizes: 0-12 | Material: Linen | Length: Mini

Go for easy elegance with this button-up linen dress that is versatile and easy to dress up or down. A tie at the back waist cinches things in and there's even a pocket in the front.

Courtesy of Astr The Label

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Cotton | Length: Midi

For the bride who doesn't want to put too much thought into their look, but still wants to look good, there's this beautiful ankle-length dress. A tiered midi skirt, short puff sleeves, and a smocked bodice make this feel romantic and it doesn't require much else.

Sizes: 0-26W | Material: Polyester | Length: Floor-length 

This gown has a boho feel to it, but it was actually inspired by an early Victorian bridal gown found on Portobello Road in London. It features delicate tulle, cotton embroidery, and an allover floral pattern for the perfect texture.

Courtesy of For Love and Lemons

Sizes: XXS-2XL | Material: Lace | Length: Mini

Las Vegas is known for its civil ceremonies, and this mini dress, reminiscent of lingerie, is a perfect choice. Made with sheer lace, dotted ruffle tulle, and the cutest tutu skirt, this is a bold, but appropriate, choice.

Sizes: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester, spandex | Length: Mini

Make an entrance with this curve-hugging white mini dress thanks to its asymmetrical hem and billowing long sleeve. It's fun, it's different, and it's definitely a statement maker.

Courtesy of For Love and Lemons

Sizes: XXS-XL | Material: Lace | Length: Mini

This vintage-inspired dress is a little bit dramatic and definitely bridal. It features an intricate corset top with a scalloped hemline, and a billowing train-like skirt.

Sizes: 0-14 | Material: Polyester | Length: Mini

Exclusive to BHLDN, this beautiful strapless mini dress is made up of a pearl-encrusted, corset-style bodice and a flouncy tulle skirt. The two very different fabrics make for a fun texture experience.

Sizes: 0-12 | Material: Polyester | Length: Mini

This lace mini dress has a big surprise in the back: a huge bow detail that hangs almost to the ground for a train-like effect. This is a great mix of casual and dramatic.

Sizes: 0-12 | Material: Viscose, cellulose | Length: Midi

You don't have to wear white to a civil ceremony. This cream-colored midi dress is sophisticated and effortlessly cool, with fabric-covered buttons down the front and flared sleeves.

Since civil ceremonies don't follow many of the same traditions as a big wedding event, you're really able to play around with your look a bit more. You can opt for something casual, like a mini dress, or go for something more formal, like a regular bridal gown. However, what's most important is that you find a dress you're most comfortable in. Also, something versatile could be a great option, especially if you're going from a civil ceremony to some sort of party to celebrate your union.

There is no dress code to follow, so you really can wear whatever you want. Many brides opt for a casual, traditional white ensemble, but you can feel free to do whatever you please.

You can wear any color you choose. White or ivory are obviously two classics, but if you want to get more creative with your look, go for a bold color or a cool pattern. You could also stick with neutrals like cream, blush, or even a light gray.

Wear something that expresses your personal style and makes you feel good inside and out. You can add personal accessories, like a "something old" piece, or play around with jewelry and shoes. Additionally, consider bold dresses with feather details and/or elaborate bows, or skip white and opt for a loud pattern. There are so many ways to make your outfit more fun and exciting.

Contributing writer Jessica Booth is a freelance writer and formerly served as an editor for seven years. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Insider, Redbook, and Refinery29.

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