At their core, weddings are about celebrating the love shared between two humans. For some, the event comes by way of a blowout party or a trip somewhere tropical. But, for other couples, the ideal way to say “I do” is in a small, unfussy ceremony that’s over and done in under an hour — a courthouse wedding to make things official. Especially amidst the glut of post-pandemic weddings clogging up calendars this year, there’s a certain romantic appeal to skipping the months of planning and slipping out midweek to make things official.

In this case, a princess wedding dress or a sweeping dress with a long train would prove to be a bit cumbersome as you navigate the halls of a government building. The best courthouse wedding dresses are elegant, but keep practicality and ease in mind. They tend to be ankle length or shorter and are often tailored in a way akin to suiting, made of materials that feel fitting for the civil ceremony. There are plenty of minimalist options that fit the bill, but just because your nuptials are straightforward doesn’t mean your dress has to be. You can go for a more party-ready look with a mini hemline or strapless upper; the most important thing is channeling your personal style into a bridal look that can take you straight from the ceremony, to a quick photo outside, to whatever occasion comes next—celebratory drinks, or perhaps even a return to the office.

Find courthouse wedding dresses that can work for your sweet and simple civil wedding. However spur of the moment your nuptials may be, there’s an option that you’ll be able to slip into and feel ready to walk down the courthouse aisle.