Civil weddings and elopements are great for the intimate and romantic part they play within your bridal journey. More and more brides are getting married internationally, so they want to celebrate their legal wedding day with the same amount of fanfare. That is why we’ve created this guide to modern elopement and civil ceremony bridal looksThese are our favorite looks – perfect for the occasion.
MIDIS AND TEA LENGTH
A tea-length gown is the perfect gown for one looking for formal and romantic styling. Great for outdoor elopements, mid-length styles provide a clean and breezy look (while giving the opportunity to choose a fun shoe style).
While the length of this gown is classic, almost every other part is customizable! An overall lace or floral applique is perfect for the daytime, while a sleek satin blends perfectly from day to night. You could also create your fashion-forward moment by adding a drop waist or dramatic sleeve.
There are so many ways to style a tea-length gown, so we think it is the perfect silhouette for a bride looking for something traditional and undeniably sweet (with plenty of room for personality)!
MINIS
On the other hand, who can say no to a fun mini? There are so many directions to take with a mini!
Our personal favorite is the Sofia mini by Prea James Bridal – a strapless dress with a bell-shaped overlay and a straight skirt. The impactful silhouette of this dress plus the classic twill fabrication makes it a fantastic combination for the bride seeking understated elegance.
If you want to take it in the opposite direction, a sparkly fun mini is the look for you. After all, it is your special day and you should have all the glitz and glam you want! Not to mention, a sparkly mini will look stunning at the afterparty celebration.
To view all of our minis, click here!
CAPES AND ACCESSORIES
A cape or chapel-length veil can give the formality of a full-length gown while keeping the dress simple. Capes and veils are perfect for both pictures at the courthouse steps or your outdoor elopement. Capes can also replace your veil for a more nontraditional elegant look. The great thing is that these accessories are interchangeable and create versatility.
Another great accessory is a scarf. This look is trending heavily this year, and we predict it will keep going strong into 2026! Elegant and sophisticated, a scarf allows you to show some skin while adding a high-neck silhouette. Pair it with a veil for an editorial, high-fashion look. Don’t forget to dress up with cute jewelry and headpieces! Our designers Jennifer Behr and Chan Luu have premier quality jewelry and accessories, plus we offer complimentary accessories appointments so you can find your best match!
Enjoy these modern Elopement and Civil Ceremony Bridal Looks? Ready to Find Your Dream Dress?
Civil weddings and elopements may be small-scale, but they are the perfect opportunity for the bride and groom to focus on each other and curate the perfect day. They are both impactful and meaningful while being intimate and romantic. A small ceremony doesn’t mean you can’t go all out on your wedding look!
Find your unique look and aesthetic at your next appointment and become a CB bride!
Looking to find your perfect silhouette? Check out our extensive guide to all different gown styles here.
