25 Best Registry Office Wedding Dresses for Chic Celebrations
Planning a chic civil ceremony? Browse our favourite dresses for a registry office wedding to inspire your big-day look
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Whether your registry office ceremony is very much the main event or the legal precursor to your destination wedding, you’ll want to look the part in a chic registry office wedding dress when you finally say your vows.
It can be difficult to know what to wear for a registry office wedding – though there are no hard and fast rules, a town hall civil ceremony is often a great opportunity to embrace a less traditional bridal look with a tailored blazer dress, jumpsuit or cute midi, especially if you’re planning a second ceremony with a wedding dress that’s typically more voluminous and romantic.
But that’s not to say you can’t go for a more traditional wedding dress if that’s what you want. Much like any other ceremony style, when it comes to registry office bridal wear, pretty much anything goes as long as you feel like the best version of yourself in it.
To help you in your search, we’ve scoured the bridal rails to bring you the best registry office wedding dresses of the moment.
From modern minis to ankle-skimming maxis, we’ve taken the often-intimate nature of registry office weddings into consideration with a few shorter silhouettes and some sharp tailoring – and while you won’t find any oversized ballgowns or sweeping trains here, these styles are just as statement, celebratory and elegant as their more traditional counterparts.
25 Registry Office Wedding Dresses For Every Kind of Nearlywed
From minis and midis to tailored coat dresses and everything in between, these wedding dresses for registry office weddings are made for modern brides looking for a twist on a classic.
1. Piper Dress – Ellis Bridals
From dramatic full skirts to body-con fishtails, season after season Ellis Bridals creates timeless, sophisticated silhouettes with modern twists. Crafted from stretch Mikado fabric, the sweet Piper dress is perfect for a registry office wedding – it even features a detachable train to allow you to change up your look effortlessly from aisle to evening drinks.
- Sizing: 6-28
- Expert take: Impeccable corsetry like this means you can go strap-free with confidence. This style is long enough in the body to ensure you’ll be able to enjoy the after-party (and the dancefloor) all night long!
2. Rosy Dress – Reformation
With its fitted satin bodice and full, tulle-lined skirt, this flirty number from Reformation takes registry office wedding elegance to the next level – and all for less than £700. The ankle-grazing length is also perfect for showing off those shoes.
- Sizing: 4-16
- Expert take: Accessorise with fresh flowers in lightly tousled hair or a dramatic headpiece, plus a slightly smoky eye, for maximum wow factor.
3. Halfpenny London Sophie Coat Dress – Net-a-Porter
Nothing says civil ceremony chic quite like a tailored coat dress – and with her background in celebrity styling and obsession with beautiful fabrics, Kate Halfpenny is the designer we’d head to every single time. Her capsule collection with Net-a-Porter includes this stunning Mikado, double-breasted midi dress for an of-the-moment yet timeless feel.
- Sizing: 8-16
- Expert take: The beautiful buttons, the voluminous folding skirt and sharp, tailored shoulders… the devil is in the detail with this design. Pair with pretty pumps for sleek city nuptials.
4. Friday Dress – Ines Di Santo
Flirting with the idea of a mini for your civil wedding gown? How about Friday by Ines Di Santo. This gorgeous, flared cocktail style features an arched strapless neckline and sexy off-the-shoulder sleeve drape.
- Sizing: Made to order
- Expert take: Give your look an extra special bridal edge with a specially commissioned tulle veil or headpiece to complement the criss-cross detail on the dress. Plus, of course, a fabulous pair of shoes.
5. White Crepe Tailored Maxi Dress – Self Portrait
Cut from a buttery smooth white crepe fabric, this slinky and stylish 1930s-inspired registry office wedding dress from Self Portrait is perfect for showing off your shape. The contrast of the suiting-inspired bodice and the fluid-like skirt makes it a great option for brides who are undecided between a tailored two-piece or a gown.
- Sizing: 4-16
- Expert take: As with many of Self Portrait’s pieces, this fabric has minimal stretch so size up if you’re between sizes.
6. Katherine Dress – Savannah Miller
If your idea of the perfect registry office wedding dress is minimalist meets luxury, the Katherine dress from Savannah Miller’s latest collection could be the perfect pick. The satin bias-cut gown has a puddle train that works for an intimate civil ceremony setting but still feels undeniably elegant and bridal.
- Sizing: Made to order
- Expert take: The squared neckline on this dress gives way to a beautiful low back embellished with two pearl and bead straps and a detachable cowl detail – be sure to pair this dress with a sweeping up do to show off the beautiful design.
7. Becca Dress – Catherine Deane
The combination of clean lines, a classic heavy satin fabric and statement shoulder tie detail makes this dress from Catherine Deane both modern and chic – and the ankle-grazing length is perfect for showing off a great pair of shoes. It also features a scooped, open back with pretty satin-covered buttons. An exquisite outfit for a registry office wedding.
- Sizing: 4-18
- Expert take: The hidden bodice in this dress is fully boned with concealed bust cups, which means you can forgo a bra and still feel supported.
8. Smith Corset & Baker Skirt – Halfpenny London
Struggling to find the perfect dress? Don’t dismiss the idea of separates. This duo from Halfpenny London includes the statement Baker midi skirt with its tiers of frothy tulle and Mikado waistband, and the perfectly constructed Smith corset that delivers a wonderful combination of structure and softness.
- Sizing: Made to order
- Expert take: “The embroidered frills on this skirt give it a really unique texture,” says designer Kate Halfpenny. “Plus, you’ll be able to wear both pieces again and again after the big day.”
9. Dolly Feather Sleeve Dress – Rewritten
For a look that commands attention – and feels especially celebratory – feathers are the embellishment du jour, so imagine our delight when Rewritten unveiled the Dolly design within its latest bridal collection. This floor-length style with ostrich-feather trim will take you effortlessly from ceremony to cocktails, undoubtedly to a series of excited gasps as you go.
- Sizing: 8-18
- Expert take: This design is made to order and therefore returns aren’t possible. You can order a fabric swatch beforehand, however, to make sure it works for you.
10. Jamila Sequin Overlay Maxi Dress – Phase Eight
For many brides, this sequinned style from Phase Eight would make the perfect after-party dress, but there’s absolutely no reason why you couldn’t wear this down the aisle of your registry office wedding too. It also couldn’t be easier to change up your look for the evening; the dress comes with an overlay that can be removed to reveal the short, fluttery sleeves underneath. You’ll be glittering under those disco lights!
- Sizing: 6-20
- Expert take: This dress comes in a delicate oyster shade – a perfect hue for brides wanting to steer away from a white palette but who still want something distinctly bridal.
11. Curve Mila Floral Embellished Dress – ASOS Design
Who says you can’t still swish down the aisle at a registry office wedding? Not us. Light and airy, but not too voluminous that it’ll overwhelm the space, this romantic dress from ASOS features the prettiest beaded and sequin embellishment with a sweetheart neck and statement tie shoulder straps.
- Sizing: 16-30
- Expert take: Note the subtly sexy skirt split – perfect for showing off a fabulous pair of shoes.
12. Stella McCartney Draped Satin Midi Dress – Net-a-Porter
Elegant yet modern, this gorgeously glossy satin dress from Stella McCartney will have you feeling like a film star as you pose on the steps of your town hall venue. The draped asymmetric sleeves are underpinned by detachable shoulder pads (should you want to add a little more structure to your top half), while the diagonal seam highlights a nipped-in waist. The skirt moves beautifully, too.
- Sizing: 4-16
- Expert take: Sustainable, recyclable and eco-friendly, Stella’s bridal designs often feel less about specific trends and more about making a difference. This dress is part of Net-a-Porter’s curated Net Sustain range which promises lower-impact materials and responsible craftsmanship and is designed to be re-worn.
13. Genevieve Ruffle Gown – Needle & Thread
Needle & Thread is a regular go-to for maids and mums’ style, but its bridal collection is full of stunning dresses for registry office weddings, too. Your old Hollywood moment will be calling in the Genevieve – a 1930s-inspired, floor-length dress featuring frothy tulle ruffles and diamanté and tulle trims. Heaven!
- Sizing: 4-24
- Expert take: Considering something bolder? This dress is also available in red, coral, pink and even black! It’s your wedding – so anything goes!
14. Vanessa Jumpsuit – Nadine Merabi
If glitz and glam is more your style, head on over to Nadine Merabi whose penchant for quality fabrics and all things sparkly will undoubtedly win you over. A jumpsuit is a great alternative to a registry office wedding dress – and the Vanessa style would be our pick. The structured tuxedo-style bodice is even corseted for extra support.
- Sizing: XS-XXL
- Expert take: The jumpsuit is pictured here with the Hetty bodysuit, a delicate pearl-embellished bodysuit sold separately but which we think gives this already-gorgeous outfit an extra special edge.
15. Issa Silk-Satin Slip Dress – Olivia Von Halle
Super slinky satin slip dresses can make great bridal wear for a registry office wedding, and this elegant design reimagined in ivory from Olivia Von Halle might just be our favourite yet. Throw a black tux jacket over your shoulder for when the evening chill hits.
- Sizing: XS-XL
- Expert take: A flowing, slim-fitting gown is a show-stopping choice for an effortlessly sophisticated look, and the simplicity of the style allows you to experiment with statement jewellery and accessories, too.
16. Parker Jumpsuit – Victoria Jane
For a romantic look that blurs the lines between seductive and demure, say hello to the Parker jumpsuit from Victoria Jane, part of the Ronald Joyce brand. The gorgeous illusion bodice features the prettiest floral embroidery and open back detail, and those slinky trousers are crafted from buttery soft crepe.
- Sizing: 6-30
- Expert take: This registry office wedding-appropriate style comes with a detachable illusion lace train – wear down the aisle for that picture perfect A-line silhouette, then effortlessly change up your look from day to night.
17. Rodarte Silk-Satin Midi Dress – Net-a-Porter
Paint the town pretty in this exquisite silk-satin midi dress from Rodarte. The off-white style is cut on the bias and features lace trims along the neck and sleeves for an oh-so sumptuous vintage look, while the lightweight fabric creates a truly fluid silhouette.
- Sizing: 4-12
- Expert take: Sizing is limited on this style – and, due to the nature of the delicate fabric, the label advises sizing up if you’re between sizes.
18. Letty Silk Mini Dress – Rixo
Make the city your catwalk – and be prepared to stop traffic – in the gorgeously grown-up dresses from Rixo. The Letty silk mini, with its playful feathered hem and floaty silk chiffon skirt, is perfect for registry office nuptials and the epic party beyond.
- Sizing: 6-16
- Expert take: Long sleeves are a great way to balance a shorter hemline. Since the fabric is semi-sheer chiffon, this dress is lined for modesty.
19. Maddie Dress – Monsoon
While undeniably elegant and registry office wedding appropriate, the mix of exquisite lace on the sweetheart bodice and off the shoulder sleeves with the tulle-covered maxi skirt make this dress from Monsoon utterly timeless, too.
- Sizing: 6-18
- Expert take: Some reviews state that this dress comes up large, so consider sizing down if you’re between sizes. The skirt, however, is easy to alter since it doesn’t have a train.
20. Structured Satin Mini Dress – ASOS Design
Looking for a cute, structured style or the perfect party dress for your registry office wedding? This playful outfit is perfect for city celebrations and those who love a mini silhouette – we very much approve of the sheer white gloves and matching white jacket thrown nonchalantly over the shoulder.
- Sizing: 4-18
- Expert take: A short wedding dress like this is not only a chic option for modern nuptials and uncomplicated civil ceremonies, but we guarantee you’ll get plenty of wear out of it again.
21. Poppy Embroidered Dress – Phase Eight
The sheer sleeves, the hand-beaded belt, the delicate floral embroidery… Phase Eight has taken all the elements of a trad bridal dress and reimagined them for the modern-day bride with the Poppy gown. The style falls into a small train that’s perfect for even the most intimate of civil ceremony settings.
- Sizing: 6-20
- Expert take: The halter neckline and short sleeves give this classic registry office wedding dress a modern twist from the front, but the back – featuring illusion lace and a row of fabric-covered buttons – is equally beautiful. Wear your hair up to show it off during your vows.
22. Style 9005 – Ese Azenabor
Ese Azenabor’s magical touch combines dramatic, high-fashion designs and a love of all things twinkly – perfect for your moment to shine! Featuring a crystal and floral appliqué embellished tuxedo jacket and a skirt comprising oversized silk organza rosettes, this mini style is divine for a chic registry office wedding.
- Sizing: Made to order
- Expert take: We love the contrast of the heavily embellished jacket and the clean lapels. The emphasis on tailoring and fit here will have you feeling like a superstar on your wedding day.
23. The Ultimate Muse Halter Neck Dress – Odd Muse London
The designs from Odd Muse are every inch the perfect outfit if you’re looking for classic silhouettes and effortless sophistication for your registry office wedding dress – think cinched-in waists in both mini- and knee-length chic. The brand's signature halter neck dress reimagined in crisp white oozes elegance.
- Sizing: XXS-3XL
- Expert take: The bodice is structured for comfort and support, but reviews state that those with a smaller bust should consider sizing down.
24. Lorella Mini Dress – Rixo
We’re not-so-secretly obsessed with the Lorella mini from Rixo and we think you’ll agree it’s not hard to see why. If a mini silhouette is more your personality and you love the vintage look, this sweet, figure-hugging style has an off the shoulder neckline and adorable rosette detail that’s synonymous with a chic 60s vibe.
- Sizing: 6-16
- Expert take: This registry office wedding dress style means you can give more emphasis to jewellery and hair accessories, whether it’s a vintage-inspired headband or a sparkly necklace.
25. Cream Tinsel Boucle Bandeau Midi Dress – Self Portrait
Love the idea of combining vintage fabrics with modern details? If so, prepare to swoon over this bandeau midi dress from Self Portrait. The iconic boucle fabric has been given a sparkly upgrade, while diamanté and pearl buttons add extra shine. And yes, those pockets are functional.
- Sizing: 4-16
- Expert take: The cream hue makes a great alternative to white or ivory – wear with a chic fascinator or short veil and some cream-hued slingbacks for even more of a retro edge.
Can You Wear a Wedding Dress to a Registry Office?
You absolutely can wear a wedding dress of any kind to a registry office – and bridal designer Kate Halfpenny agrees.
“My biggest tip is to go for the outfit that makes you feel amazing,” she says. “Don’t worry about choosing an outfit to ‘fit’ the venue, just concentrate on yourself, how you feel and have fun with it.”
How to Dress For a Registry Office Wedding?
Since there are no hard and fast rules on what you should wear to a registry office wedding, what you choose to get married in will come down to your personal style. For some, the type of venue and its location is a consideration, for others, it’s less of a concern.
“Many brides choose a less formal look for a registry office do, particularly if it’s the legal precursor to a destination wedding, so sleeker and shorter looks are a popular choice, such as a mini dress or trouser suit,” says Kate.
“I love it when brides choose to wear an amazing statement veil with one of these looks!” she adds.
Dresses with detachable trains are also a good option as they’re generally easier to manage in a smaller setting and an easy way to change up your look from day to night.
After something a little more traditional? Check out our round-up of the best simple wedding dresses for modern brides.
