30 of Our Favourite Registry Office Wedding Dresses
Planning a registry office wedding? Take a look at our favourite registry office wedding dresses to inspire your on-the-day look
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Whether your registry office wedding is your main event or it’s an add-on to your destination wedding, you’ll want to look fabulous in a registry office wedding dress when you say your vows.
It can be pretty difficult to know what to wear for a registry office wedding, especially since there aren’t really any hard and fast rules.
In short, pretty much anything goes! Those who are just having a registry office wedding might want to wear a traditional wedding dress, while others might opt for a suit, jumpsuit, or something shorter. Alternatively, you could go totally off-piste and wear an entirely different style or colour. Who said you have to choose white?
The 30 Best Registry Office Wedding Dresses
We’ve scoured the web for the best registry office wedding dresses of the moment, but before you get shopping, take a look at our top tips from North London bridal boutique Evelie for dressing for a registry office wedding. Follow them and there’s no way you won’t look fabulous.
1. Burr Square Neckline Wedding Dress - £1,700, Justin Alexander
If your idea of the perfect registry office wedding dress is minimalist-meets-luxury, the Burr gown, part of Justin Alexander's Signature collection could be the perfect pick for you.
Style 99241 has a beautifully structured square neckline which is held up by sparkling spaghetti straps that lead to an illusion sheer panel under the arms. The silhouette is fitted at the top and just skims the hips and thighs before hitting the floor.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 26
- Expert Take: The back of this dress is what we call a mid-low back - it scoops low enough to show some of your back, but not so low that it feels backless.
2. Cream Lace Midi Dress With Bow Detail - £420, Self Portrait
Love combining vintage fabric with modern details? If so, prepare to swoon over this cream cord midi from Self Portrait.
The fabric and silhouette have a retro vintage feel to them, but are brought into modern times with the sparkly detail around the waist and around the neckline.
The collar, bow, buttons and waistline are all adorned with sparkling diamantes to add a touch of glamour to a classic registry office wedding dress.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 16
- Expert Take: Though modest in its silhouette, the illusion hem, neckline and sleeves allow you to show a bit more skin than other vintage dresses.
3. Sofia Boucle Mini Registry Office Wedding Dress - £650, Reiss
If you're after a short registry office wedding dress that feels retro and modern at the same time, the Sofia mini from Reiss could be just the ticket.
The boucle fabric and button-down front gives this design a 60s Twiggy feel that we're totally obsessed with.
Pair with long gloves and some vintage sunglasses for a seriously fun finish.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 14
- Expert Take: If you're getting married in winter, pair with a wedding coat or wear a sheer or lace top underneath to layer this outfit.
4. Selene Feather Slip Wedding Dress - £545, Rixo
Love the feather wedding dress trend but want something a little less busy? The Selene slip dress from Rixo is the perfect registry office wedding dress for those who want a simple gown with one bit of stand-out detail. Can you guess what the stand-out bit is on this dress?
Of course, we're talking about that gorgeous feather detail across the neckline. It adds some drama to a simple slip dress and could work for a wedding in any season, as the feathers feel quite wintery, but the silhouette lends itself to a warmer day.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 20
- Expert Take: The dress is designed to fall just below the shin, but taller nearlyweds can enjoy it as a midi, and petite shoppers can wear it as a maxi.
5. Santorini Halterneck Slip Dress With Knot Detail - £895, Galvan
We love halterneck wedding dresses and reckon they're perfect for registry office weddings. The silhouette on the Santorini dress by Galvan is so simple and stylish, but there are a few details that really set it apart from the rest.
The knot on the halter neckline is a unique detail we rarely see in bridalwear, and the triangular panels around the bust help to create a really flattering shape for whoever wears this dress.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 16
- Expert Take: Though we love the Santorini in white satin, it's also available in a shiny platinum which is equally as gorgeous. There's also an open-back featuring yet another knot that we just adore.
6. Cowl Neck Ophelia Wedding Dress - £215, Rat & Boa
For a sexy look on your wedding day, consider a registry office wedding dress like Ophelia from Rat and Boa.
This cowl neck gown has wonderful movement and the adjustable straps mean you can decide how low or high the neckline sits.
- Sizing: XXS - XXL
- Expert Take: Cowl necklines are so simple yet bring so much drama to a dress, and the cowl neck on this dress is mirrored on the back as well.
7. Cape Mini Registry Office Wedding Dress - £259, Ralph Lauren
Considering how many celebrity brides wear Ralph Lauren wedding dresses, you'd expect any wedding-worthy design by them to cost a fortune, but their Lauren collection is an affordable alternative to their Ralph Lauren and bespoke designs.
Take the Georgette cocktail dress for example - for less than £260, you can wear a Ralph Lauren wedding dress to your registry office do.
- Sizing: UK 2 - UK 22
- Expert Take: The cape detail on this dress is so chic and means you don't have to fork out for a wedding coat or jacket on the day.
8. Valencia Mini Lace Dress With Open Back - £498, Reformation
How cute is the Valencia mini from Reformation? If you love lace but want a more informal registry office wedding dress, this is a great alternative.
The back of the dress featured an oval cut-out, giving it a modern twist.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 16
- Expert Take: This is a modern-meets-classic registry office wedding dress that'll pair well with stiletto pumps and a lace veil.
9. Evangeline Silk Midi Wedding Dress - £298, Reformation
Another registry office wedding dress from Reformation we're obsessed with is the Evangeline silk gown.
The almond colour is rich and warm, giving nearlyweds an elegant alternative to white and ivory. The leg slit gives the dress additional movement and the drop waist makes for a unique silhouette.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 16
- Expert Take: Pair with pearls for a truly classic look.
10. Toni Feathered Mini Dress - £395, Rixo
Minis are perfect picks for registry office wedding dresses, and none are more ideal than the Toni dress from Rixo.
The fluted sleeves and V-neckline create a flattering silhouette and we just love the feathered hem.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 24
- Expert Take: With a deep V-neckline and such a simple silk fabric, this dress is just asking for a statement necklace to complete the look.
11. Chiffon Long Sleeve Registry Office Wedding Dress - £1,050, Sincerity Bridal
Nearlyweds who want a simple, classic registry office wedding dress that feels pretty and traditional will love Style 44264 from Sincerity Bridal.
This plus size wedding dress features a flattering wrap bodice, flowy chiffon skirt and bishop sleeves - a dreamy combination if you ask us.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 26
- Expert Take: Though this dress is simple and minimalist in its design, there is a low V-back too to match the front.
12. Off the Shoulder Boucle Mini Dress - £400, Self-Portrait
How cute is this boucle dress from Self-Portrait? The mini cinches in at the waist creating a super flattering silhouette, as does the off the shoulder neckline.
The boucle fabric is such a chic choice and adds gorgeous texture to the design.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 16
- Expert Take: If you're someone who loves tailoring, this is a great alternative to a traditional registry office wedding dress. Blazer dresses are the perfect meet-in-the-middle.
13. Cropped Ushuaia Halterneck Wedding Dress - £995, Galvan
Want a halterneck wedding dress with a difference? If so, look to the cropped Ushuaia dress from Galvan. The asymmetric halter neckline which leads to a one shoulder detail at the back sets this apart from other slip dresses.
The midi length is stylish and perfect when choosing a registry office wedding dress.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 16
- Expert Take: We love a midi wedding dress, but if you prefer a full-length gown, this design is also available in a longer length in emerald green, sage green, nude pink and lilac.
14. Plisse Halterneck Registry Office Wedding Dress - £1,695, Galvan
Another Galvan halterneck dress we love is the Panarea gown in pearl white. The pleated fabric adds depth and causes the pearl white sheen to reflect as you walk down the aisle.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 16
- Expert Take: While the sheen adds glamour, the raw edge hemline adds a contemporary feel.
15. Issa Ivory Silk Slip Wedding Dress – £340, Olivia Von Halle
We think we may have just found our favourite ever satin slip dress with this Olivia Von Halle beauty. Sleek, simple and elegant, it's a beautiful choice for a relaxed registry office wedding dress.
- Sizing: XS - XL
- Expert Take: The beauty of a slip is that it can be dressed up with accessories and designer wedding heels, or down with wedding flats and minimal jewellery.
16. Scarlett Registry Office Wedding Dress – £649, Whistles
This intricately designed registry office wedding dress is nothing short of stunning, and would work brilliantly for a city wedding do.
Showcasing a vintage style top and high neckline, this dress has lace-effect detail, a fitted waist, and a body-skimming skirt with a graduated train.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 18
- Expert Take: This dress is a modern take on the traditional lace wedding dress - the laser cut fabric is contemporary and stylish.
17. Lui Lace-Trimmed Crepe Mini Wedding Dress – £990, Rime Arodaky
Rime Arodaky is inspired by the modern woman when she's creating her signature wedding looks with a twist, so they're pretty much perfect for a registry office wedding.
The Liu blazer dress has city chic written all over it.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 16
- Expert Take: Nearlyweds who love a blazer dress but don't like the fitted, cinched waist silhouette will adore this oversized design.
18. Nia Lace Registry Office Wedding Dress – £870, Grace Loves Lace
This Australian brand are the queens of gorgeous lace dresses with a boho twist and the Nia 2.0 dress is made for the effortless, undone nearlywed.
It features stretch French lace that moulds to your body and luxurious velvet straps that cross across the back. It’s simple but high impact and perfect for a relaxed but stylish wedding.
- Sizing: XS - XXXL
- Expert Take: The key to a perfect registry office wedding dress is to balance out the traditional features of a gown. The lace and silhouette are super elegant and traditional, but the lack of train make it perfect for a city do.
19. Ariane Lace Wedding Co-Ord – £599, Whistles
If wearing a dress isn’t really your cup of tea, why not opt for a wedding co-ord like this one by Whistles?
Its casual nature would make it perfect for a registry office wedding while still looking super glam.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 18
- Expert Take: Love versatility and getting more bang for your buck? With this two-piece, you could wear each piece over and over again, either together or separately.
20. Meghan Simple Registry Office Wedding Dress – £123, Chi Chi London
An open back maxi with a gorgeous satin bow waistband, this high street dress is sleek and simple.
It’s based on the design for Meghan Markle’s wedding dress so you know it’s fit for A-listers – but without the hefty price tag.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 16
- Expert Take: The back is adorned with a satin bow - a pretty detail that makes all the difference.
21. Meryl Button Midi Wedding Dress – £145, Ghost
This dress from Ghost is a perfect example of understated elegance, which is provided by the vintage-inspired cut and button-through style. It's also available in a range of muted colours such as lemon and mauve should you wish to not wear white.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 16
- Expert Take: The slit in the middle makes the fabric float as you walk.
22. Clementine Shoulder Strap Wedding Dress – £499, Whistles
The Clementine dress is a beautiful update on the traditional wedding dress which would be perfect for your registry office wedding.
With elegant off-the-shoulder straps, a knee-length pleated skirt and elliptical hem it is light and feminine and would be especially pretty in the spring or summer.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 16
- Expert Take: The pleats are so fun and give this registry office wedding dress a Marilyn Monroe vibe.
23. Beyza Twist Front Wedding Jumpsuit – £599, Rowley Hesselballe
This Rowley Hesselballe number is ideal for understated registry office nuptials, without being boring in any way. It has a tailored leg shape, form-fitting silhouette and a front twist detail for a touch of added drama.
- Sizing: XS - XL
- Expert Take: We love a wedding jumpsuit in lieu of a registry office wedding dress - it's stylish and perfect for a city-central wedding.
24. Darcie White Pyjama Style Wedding Suit – £180, Nadine Merabi
If glitz and glamour is your idea of heaven, we're predicting Nadine Merabi will be your dream wedding outfit designer. The Darcie pyjamas are seriously comfortable and when paired with killer heels ooze style.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 18
- Expert Take: A two-piece suit is another great alternative for a registry office wedding dress if you prefer a more tailored look.
25. Sara & Nicole Co-Ord Wedding Set – £345 / £85, Nadine Merabi
Do feathers tickle your fancy? The Sara skirt is crafted from individually hand embellished crystal waterfall beading and feather tips and pairs perfectly with the white Nicole top. Get ready to dance the night away in this baby.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 18
- Expert Take: The tassels on the skirt work well for a 1920s style wedding.
26. Margot Backless Fitted Wedding Dress – £1,300, Grace Loves Lace
Part of the Grace Loves Lace Coco Loco collection, Margot is designed to have fun in.
You don't often see a racer back wedding dress and it's a really unique style that we love. Oh, and there's nothing to say you can't wear matching sunnies to your registry office wedding as well!
- Sizing: XS - XXXL
- Expert Take: The beauty of such a simple wedding dress is that you can go as big or as small with the accessories as you like.
27. Ariana Lace Top Wedding Dress – £POA, Elbeth Gillis
If you're having a relaxed wedding day, that doesn't mean your dress has to be relaxed too. Ariana by Elbeth Gillis is a sumptuous, structured ballgown with a sultry deep V-neck, V-back and front slit.
- Sizing: Dependent on Stockists
- Expert Take: Though glamourous, this dress isn't lacking in practicalities - it has pockets for all your wedding day essentials!
28. Vivian Plunge Back Wedding Dress – £POA, Elbeth Gillis
Elbeth Gilis' curve collection is stunning and one of our top picks is the Vivian wedding dress.
Crafted from Mikado to create a sculpted look, you can add the delicate pearl sleeves and belt for a more classic look.
- Sizing: Dependent on Stockists
- Expert Take: You can wear the Vivian dress simply, or add a pearl sleeve, belt and kimono bow for the full look.
29. Star Mesh Midi Wedding Dress – £360, Self-Portrait
It's your wedding so anything goes - and that includes this dazzling starry ensemble from Self-Portrait. Perfect if you're planning on getting hitched in the festive period, this dress is truly magical.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 14
- Expert Take: The black accents mean black shoes and accessories will pair perfectly with this gown.
30. Silk-Faille Mini Registry Office Wedding Dress – £2,135, Brandon Maxwell
Brandon Maxwell is an expert when it comes to creating memorable and striking silhouettes and this silk-faille mini dress could be just what you're looking for.
The voluminous bubble skirt is fitted with internal padding so you won't have to worry about it losing shape, and the detachable sash makes it seriously wedding-worthy.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 18
- Expert Take: This dress is ideal for those who want a structured dress.
Expert Tips on What to Wear for a Registry Office Wedding
Think about whether your registry office wedding is the main event or whether it’s the precursor to your wedding abroad. Of course, you’ll want to look your best for either, but if it’s not the main event you might be more inclined to go for something a little less formal.
1. Think About the Silhouette
"To create a classic wedding look for your registry office ceremony that is less formal, I recommend that a bride should focus on wedding dress silhouettes that don't have a very wide skirt or long train - the wider the A-line silhouette, the more formal it will make your bridal look," says Caroline Black, owner of Evelie.
2. Consider the Location
Think about the location of the registry office. Are you dressing for a super-sleek city wedding? Or something in the countryside? The location of your registry office is likely to influence the style of outfit you go for.
Caroline points out that, "If you choose a fitted wedding dress, a detachable train or a short train is a better option as it'll be easier to manage in a smaller, less formal setting."
3. Think About Your Personal Style
Don’t go for something totally unique just because you feel you have to. You’re supposed to look like the best version of you on your wedding day… not someone else.
Modern nearlyweds might like separates.
"These will allow you to experiment and create your own personal modern bridal look by mixing and matching different tops, skirts and trousers. Everything from crop tops and suit jackets to lace over tops can be mixed with skirts with a split, suit trousers to mini or knee length skirts," suggests Caroline.
4. Make Sure You Love It
The most important rule? Wear something you really love. It goes without saying, but whether you fancy something bold, something subtle or even a power suit, remember that anything goes.
If you’re after something a little more traditional, why not check out our round-up of the best simple wedding dresses for modern brides?
