Planning
Our Favourite Registry Office Wedding Dresses for a Chic Bride
Photography by
Joan Jellett Photography
Photography by
Joan Jellett Photography
Our editors independently research, review, and recommend the best products. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
Registry office weddings are more popular than ever. Whether you’re after a chic and contemporary alternative to a traditional ceremony, a more budget-friendly option for cost-conscious brides, or a more intimate affair before your main event abroad - a registry office wedding should be on your radar.
If you’re wondering what to wear to your upcoming registry office wedding, we’ve compiled a roundup of our favourite looks to help you tie the knot in style.
What does the bride wear at a registry office wedding?
The best thing about a registry office wedding is that there are no rules regarding what brides can or can’t wear on their wedding day. While some brides might gravitate towards a traditional wedding dress regardless, others might want to explore something shorter or even some colour, for example. We've seen everything from pantsuits to jumpsuits, high-street wedding dresses, and designer frocks - proof that anything goes for your registry office wedding.
For those wondering whether to splurge the cash and go designer or see what the high street has to offer instead, we’ve included high-end and affordable registry office wedding dresses in our edit to help you say yes to the perfect dress.
The world of high-street bridal has taken off over the last few years. With some brands creating specific bridal lines and others catering to a more relaxed and casual approach in their more high-end garments, you could find yourself spoilt for choice when turning to the high street for your registry office wedding dress.
For the brides who are officially tying the knot before jetting off to a sunnier climate for the real fun, you might be considering two dresses for both occasions, which means exploring a high-street option for at least one of your outfits is a necessity with a budget in mind.
However, just because you may have a smaller ceremony than some - that doesn't mean you can't go big with your outfit. Many bridal designers have a lot of chic, understated dresses that could be the perfect choice for your registry office wedding dress. But there's also the big ones. The super flouncy ones. The ones with the gorgeous dramatic trains and oversized bows. Designer is absolutely worth considering too!
The best dresses for a registry office wedding
We’ve scoured the web for the best registry office wedding dresses available right now to help you make the all-important decision and find the perfect outfit to get you down the aisle in style. But before browsing, check out our article on everything you need to know about registry office weddings to help you with the planning process.
1. Eva White Bardot Bow Detail Maxi Dress With Thigh Split - £85, Club L London
If you’re after a showstopping maxi dress that feels bridal yet contemporary and chic, the Eva White Bardot Bow Detail Maxi Dress With Thigh Split from Club L London could be just the registry office wedding dress for you!
Why our editors love this pick: The bardot bow neckline detail makes this dress bang on trend, with bows entering bridal fashion trends for 2024.
2. Capri Bridal Dress - £895, Galvan London
The Capri Bridal Dress from Galvan London is laid-back yet elevated, ideal for a chic registry office wedding dress.
Why our editors love this pick: The glossy satin material and sophisticated high-neck design make this sleek choice the perfect option for a bride who wants to take her dress from day to night.
3. Toni Feathered Mini Dress - £395, RIXO
The Toni Feathered Mini Dress from RIXO is ideal for brides exploring the bounds of a short wedding dress for their registry office wedding.
Why our editors love this pick: The feather-trimmed style, flared sleeves, and mini length make this dress a popular option based on bridal trends this year. We think this option is perfect for a bride who enjoys classic silhouettes but wants to mix things up a bit for their registry office wedding.
4. Maisy White Dress - £365, Nadine Merabi
Another mini wedding dress we’re obsessed with is the Maisy White Dress from Nadine Merabi. With everything from an expertly crafted structure fit to useable pockets - this dress has everything needed for a bride who enjoys style and functionality.
Why our editors love this pick: The 3D floral embroidered white chiffon fabric gives this dress a unique texture and dimension guaranteed to make you stand out in style on your special day.
5. Mia Square Neck Wedding Dress - £499, Whistles
For the brides who enjoy the more traditional wedding dress silhouettes, you’ll love this Mia Square Neck Wedding Dress from Whistles. Offering the perfect combination of romantic, classic and modern - we think this is a must-have for registry office weddings.
Why our editors love this pick: The square neckline, subtle train and beautiful low back are key design details of this dress that take an otherwise simple silhouette and make it stand out!
6. Enrique off-shoulder bridal dress ivory - £300, Monsoon
Monsoon’s Enrique Off-Shoulder Bridal Dress in Ivory is another stunning chic mini, perfect for stylish brides on the hunt for a statement registry office wedding dress.
Why our editors love this pick: As we’ve mentioned, bows are a bit of a hit when it comes to 2024 bridal trends. The best thing about this dress from Monsoon is that the statement bow is detachable, making this dress the perfect option for a bride who wants a reveal moment without forking out on an outfit change. Detach your statement bow for your reception to let your guests know the party has arrived!
7. Zada Rose-Embellished Woven Mini Dress - £230, Reformation
The Zada Rose-Embellished Woven Mini Dress from Reformation, available at Selfridges, is an amazing option for refined and stylish brides shopping for registry office wedding dresses.
Why our editors love this pick: While this isn’t a traditional wedding dress, we’re obsessed with this option for registry office weddings. The cap sleeves and scoop neck make this a trendy pick, and when paired with some sleek heels and a bridal bag - this makes for a dress to impress on the steps of your registry office.
8. Delphine sleeveless satin maxi dress - £649, House of CB
Next up: the Delphine Sleeveless Satin Maxi Dress from House of CB, also available at Selfridges. I mean, who wouldn’t be in love with this dress? Providing the perfect amount of bridal drama, tied together with a sleek and sophisticated form - this is a must to consider for a registry office wedding.
Why our editors love this pick: The corseted bodice, draped skirt and train at the back give this dress a beautiful structure to make for a bride, guaranteed to turn heads. The gathers and cowl overlay will ensure this dress is flattering for all body types.
9. Asymmetric Cowl Front Satin Maxi Dress - £120, Six Stories
Continuing on the satin train, the Asymmetric Cowl Front Satin Maxi Dress from Six Stories is the perfect gown for your legal ceremony. Boasting a luxurious look with an affordable price tag, it’s ideal for a registry office wedding.
Why our editors love this pick: The asymmetric draped cowl front neckline takes this dress from a conventional white satin maxi dress and elevates it to a beautiful bridal gown with a unique shape. Satin is a material we love time and time again for weddings, sure to give you a stunning glow on your wedding day.
10. The Ultimate Muse Satin Straight Neck Mini Dress - £145, Odd Muse
Having recently taken social media by storm, Odd Muse has also captured our hearts. While the entire bridal collection is worth a browse for those planning a registry office wedding or searching for a second dress, we’re in love with The Ultimate Muse Satin Straight Neck Mini Dress. This signature white dress is a part of their core collection, making this a timeless style - sure to be loved for a lifetime!
Why our editors love this pick: The classic Odd Muse silhouette - a cinched waist, mini length and high neck - is guaranteed to suit brides of all shapes and sizes.
11. Tie Back Bridal Jumpsuit - £339, Whistles
Remember, dresses aren’t your only option for a registry office wedding; bridal jumpsuits are becoming increasingly popular. The Tie Back Bridal Jumpsuit from Whistles is a beautiful choice for contemporary registry office weddings.
Why our editors love this pick: The wide leg and tie-back detail make this the perfect style for a bride who wants to prioritise both fashion and comfort. Offering the combination of being expertly tailored and effortless in its fit - this jumpsuit is something you’ll be glad to wear for the entire wedding.
12. Tana Sequin Boucle Blazer Mini Dress In Cream - £198, Lavish Alice
For the brides who want to use their wedding day as the ultimate occasion to bring their glitz & glamour fantasies to life, you’ll love the Tana Sequin Boucle Blazer Mini Dress In Cream from Lavish Alice for your registry office wedding.
Why our editors love this pick: What’s not to love about this bridal dress? The mini blazer style, sparkles and feather trim make this dress an avid trend follower’s dream!
13. Organza Bow Bridal Blazer - £95.20, Coast
Let’s stray from dresses once again to appreciate the Organza Bow Bridal Blazer from Coast. Who said a wedding dress was essential for looking your best on your big day?
Why our editors love this pick: A theme for this edit so far - bows - we’re loving the dramatic bow-embellished belt at the waist of this blazer that commands attention and makes the outfit! If you’re looking for a simple bridal outfit for your registry office wedding that still makes a statement - bag this blazer.
14. Pearl Dress Ecru - £225, Wolf and Badger
Our final selection is NANA’s Pearl Dress Ecru - a mini satin dress with statement puff sleeves and a plunge neckline - available at Wolf and Badger.
Why our editors love this pick: We’re obsessed with the vintage feel this dress provides! The puff sleeves are another popular bridal trend we’ve got our eye on this year. Paired with a warm ivory tone, this is the perfect mini to help you tie the knot at your registry office wedding.
Choosing the best registry office wedding dress for you
If you’re getting married in a registry office, remember, almost anything goes when choosing your perfect dress! From short wedding dresses to jumpsuits, bridal suits or even more traditional styles.
We hope our favourite registry office wedding dresses have provided the Sophie Haboo-esque inspo you needed!
Written by Shona Ezimogho-Moran
Featured suppliers
Elena Popa Photography
Leah Marie Photography
