20 Best City Wedding Dresses of 2022

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Photo by Sylvie Rosokoff

While some couples choose to escape to the wide open spaces of the countryside for their nuptials, others are just as happy saying “I do” in a crowded concrete jungle. Those in the latter category are happy to have their wedding amongst all the hustle and bustle and honking cars, with skyscrapers as their backdrop. 

Getting married in the city definitely holds a certain allure, and like living there, it’s not for everyone. You might have to catch a cab from the ceremony to the reception, or if you’re getting married in a place like a public park, random people passing by might quickly become part of your unofficial audience. Nonetheless, it’s all part of the charm of city nuptials. 

For a courthouse ceremony, you might want to pick a chic two-piece bridal suit or slip dress for that ultra-modern and minimalist look. If you’re more of a fashion-forward bride, go big and bold with a mini-dress with statement sleeves or an oversized bow that will stop traffic whenever you cross the street. For the vintage-inspired city bride, a flowing A-line silhouette with delicate lace details is forever timeless and elegant.

Struggling to find the perfect city wedding dress? We’ve got you covered. From versatile sets to chic minis, we’ve found the best wedding dresses for a city wedding.

Courtesy of Revolve

Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days

Perfect for a courthouse wedding, this modern white blazer dress gets straight down to business. The deep V-neckline adds a sexy and sophisticated touch, while the cape detail and padded shoulders provide a dose of drama.

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Size Range: 0-12 | Length: High-low | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $200 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Is there anything sexier than a simple silk dress? This stunning high-low number is made from a blend of wool and silk-blend charmeuse, which allows it to drape beautifully over your curves. The asymmetric hem is finished with a sheer strip of lace, adding to the feminine feel.

Courtesy of BHLDN

Size Range: XS-XXL | Length: Mini | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Most bridal suits are sleek and sophisticated, but this one is decidedly more sweet than chic. Bohemian brides will love the lace fabric and scallop detail on the skirt, which gives a soft and romantic quality to this otherwise structured two-piece set. Wear with a bralette for added sexy flair.

Courtesy of Revolve

Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days

Ballgowns aren’t the most practical dress for a city wedding, which is why we’d suggest this tulle mini instead. It has the whimsical feeling of a ballgown but it can hold its own on the dirty city streets. We can picture it with a pair of strappy heels and dazzling diamond accessories.

Courtesy of Lulus

Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders over $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

For a lace wedding dress that is more fashion-forward chic than shabby chic, we love this midi number from Lulus. The floral lace sits atop a white stretch knit liner to make up the corset-inspired bodice with supportive boning. The off-the-shoulder neckline perfectly frames the flattering faux-wrap silhouette for a romantic feel. 

Courtesy of Shopbop

Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Comfortable linen fabric and dramatic tulle ruffle sleeves come together to create this dreamy wedding dress that is both effortless and easy to wear. Style this look with a pair of statement earrings and embellished heels to dress it up.

Courtesy of Reformation

Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Only Reformation can make a cotton dress that looks so impeccably chic. The ruched bodice and faux wrap skirt caress every curve for a form-flattering fit. Plus, a side slit shows off a little leg and allows for movement. We love this for a spring or summer outdoor wedding in the city.

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Size Range: F34-F44 | Length: Maxi | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $200 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Say “I do” in this peekaboo maxi gown featuring a center cutout with a beige mesh overlay. The barely-there straps and double high slit detail add alluring charm without taking away from the sleek and contemporary design of the dress. 

Courtesy of BHLDN

Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Maxi | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

If you’re looking for an elegant wedding dress for your spring ceremony in the city, you can’t go wrong with this classic floor-length column gown. The luxe heavyweight crepe fabric is draped in a delicate tulip shape, with a fitted bust and delicate front pleats. A matching removable belt is the perfect finishing touch.

Courtesy of Revolve

Size Range: XS-L | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days

We have absolutely zero objections to this chic blazer dress by NONchalant Label. The classic cut features a plunging deep-V to elongate the neck and a super short skirt that will give anyone supermodel-long legs. Pair this seriously sophisticated dress with fun shoes to complete the outfit.

Courtesy of Lulus

Size Range: XS-3XL | Length: Maxi | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders over $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

With a flattering faux wrap skirt and deep-V neckline to elongate and balance your silhouette, this long-sleeved dress will turn heads at your winter city wedding. Rows of white sequins glimmer in a subtle sort of way that isn’t overly distracting.  Pair with a red lip and slicked-back hair for a bold and modern look. 

Courtesy of Lulus

Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders over $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Timeless and chic, this floral jacquard midi dress is straight out of a storybook romance novel. It boasts a strapless sweetheart neckline and a bustier-style seamed bodice, with underwire support, to accentuate your natural silhouette. The high-fitted waist sits atop a pleated midi skirt, adding to the romantic and feminine appeal. The best part? It has pockets! At under $100, this dress is an absolute steal.

Courtesy of BHLDN

Size Range: XS-XXL | Length: Mini | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Make the city streets your runway in this contemporary wedding jumpsuit. This stunning yet simple suit is the perfect base for the accessories of your choosing: go minimalist with pearl earrings and a dainty necklace, or go for a more bold and glamorous look with chunky block heels and statement jewelry.

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Size Range: UK6-UK18 | Length: Mini | Shipping: $10 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days

Take your bridal style to new heights in this feather-trimmed crepe mini dress. The bateau neckline gives this wedding dress a sophisticated and vintage-inspired feel, while the feathers on the sleeves add a fun and flirty flair. If you’re getting married at a historic wedding venue in the city, this gown is the perfect complement. Add a birdcage or blusher veil to really lean into the vintage vibe.

Courtesy of BHLDN

Size Range: XS-XXL | Length: Mini | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Enter onto the dancefloor in style in this sequin halter mini dress, featuring an open back and gorgeously draped detailing. We love this as a reception look to change into once the ceremony is over and you’re ready to dance the night away.

Courtesy of Shopbop

Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free ground shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

This long-sleeved silk jacquard dress proves that florals aren’t just for spring and summer. The floral embroidery feels elegant and understated, and is accented by the lettuce-edge cuffs and slight puff shoulder. The result is a pretty silk dress that is both feminine and sleek. 

Courtesy of Reformation

Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Curvy girls will love the shape of this silk midi dress. With a sweetheart neckline and a ruffled hem, it hugs your body in all the right places. The off-the-shoulder straps show off a little skin while the fitted bodice stops at the smallest part of your waist, flaunting your natural figure. Wear with a pair of strappy heels and a retro clutch.

Courtesy of Shopbop

Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days

This leg-baring mini dress is equal parts fun and feminine. The oversized puff sleeves and semi-sheer organza fabric is completely romantic and totally bridal—ideal for a rooftop wedding in the city. We can picture this with a messy low bun and fun, colorful accessories.

Courtesy of BHLDN

Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Mini | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

If you want the drama of a long train with the practicality of a short dress, opt for this versatile gown from BHLDN. This off-the-shoulder style features a mini tulip hemline, and a removable skirt, giving you two looks in one. Wear the removable skirt for the ceremony and photos before taking it off for the reception.

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Full length | Shipping: $10 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days

Bring the drama to your city wedding in this stunningly modern, asymmetric ruffled silk-charmeuse gown by Rosie Assoulin. The high scoop neck is classic and almost tomboyish in style—and is offset by the voluminous ruffles and an asymmetric ankle-grazing hem. Pair it with metallic accessories and a fun clutch.

What to Look for in a City Wedding Dress

Cities are rich with history, bustling with activity, and look best when they’re lit up at night. So, consider these factors when deciding on your wedding ensemble. The best city wedding dresses are made up of one or more of the following: vintage-inspired details, flowy fabrics, and dazzling embellishments. However, the only style we would hesitate to recommend is a ballgown, since it drags on the floor and would carry all the dirt and debris from the city streets. That being said, the over-the-top look of a ballgown would certainly vibe in cities like New York or Paris, and ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which style best suits your own nuptials.

FAQ

• The best thing about a city wedding is that there is no one identifiable style. Cities are made up of so many unique individuals, and it’s your own personal style that makes your look perfect for a city wedding. Choose a dress that feels uniquely you and fits into your overall wedding day vision.

• First and foremost, you’ll want to opt for shoes that are comfortable and can be worn for the majority of the day. Once you’ve found your perfect dress, shop around for shoes that fit and mesh with the style of your look, and overall vision for when it’s time to say “I do.”

• If you love the city you’re in, the best place to shop for your dress is in the city itself! Shop around to discover local designers and explore their collections that are no doubt inspired by the locale you’re in. Oftentimes, you can even work one-on-one with the designer themselves to customize a one-of-a-kind gown. If you can’t find anything you love locally, retailers like Reformation, BHLDN, and Revolve have tons of city wedding dresses available at a variety of price points.