The Seattle Courthouse Elopement Guide
how to have the Best Courthouse Elopement in Seattle
Hey party people! So you’re thinking about eloping at the Seattle courthouse? First off, fucking congratulations! You’ve already made the coolest decision by choosing to focus on what matters most—your relationship and commitment to each other—without the pressure of planning a massive traditional wedding.
Trust me when I say courthouse elopements can be so much more than a quick legal transaction. This guide breaks down everything from the nitty-gritty courthouse details to how you can transform your elopement day into an epic urban adventure that reflects who you two really are. Whether you’re working with a tight budget or ready to splurge on making your day uniquely awesome, I’ve got you covered.
Get your marriage license in Seattle
Before you can make it official, you’ll need to handle the legal paperwork. So your first step is getting that marriage license:
- You’ll need to visit the King County Recorder’s Office in person (no appointments necessary).
- Both of you must be present with valid photo ID.
- The license costs $69 (as of 2025), and they accept credit cards or cash.
- There’s a three-day waiting period after you get your license before you can use it. Once issued, your license is valid for 60 days, so don’t rush to get it too early.
The King County Recorder’s Office is located at 500 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, and they’re open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Booking Your Ceremony at the Seattle Municipal Court
Next, you’ll need to schedule your actual courthouse ceremony:
- Contact the Seattle Municipal Court at least 1-2 months in advance.
- Ceremonies are typically held Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
- The basic ceremony fee is $80, payable when you book.
- You can bring up to 10 guests to witness your ceremony.
- The entire ceremony takes about 10-15 minutes.
To book, call (206) 684-5600 or visit the courthouse at 600 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104.
What to bring on your elopement day
On the big day, make sure you have:
- Your marriage license
- Valid photo ID for both of you
- Your ceremony payment confirmation
- Rings (if you’re exchanging them)
- Two witnesses. If you don’t have any, the court can sometimes provide them. And I am happy to be a witness too!
Courthouse experience
And day of, here is a typical rundown of how your courthouse elopement will look;
- Arrive 15-20 minutes early to check in.
- Meet briefly with the officiant to review ceremony details.
- Proceed to the ceremony room with your witnesses and guests.
- Exchange vows and rings if desired.
- Sign the marriage certificate with your witnesses.
- Celebrate your new marriage status!
Lets make your elopement even better
So you’ve signed the papers and made it official—but hey, the day is still young! You don’t have to just go home and call it done. What if I told you the courthouse ceremony could be just the kickoff to an epic celebration day?
Turning your elopement up to 11
Maybe you haven’t even thought about what comes after the courthouse part. But consider this: what if your elopement day could feel like the most epic date day you have ever had together? Imagine starting with the easy, stress-free courthouse ceremony, then heading out for adventures that feel 100% like you two. No stuffy reception hall, no awkward distant relatives—just you two celebrating in ways that are actually fucking fun for you. Sound rad? Hell yeah. Now is the fun part, figuring out what you two want to do.
Ideas for your Seattle Courthouse elopement day
Pre-ceremony
How to start your elopement day right
Here are a few ideas on how your day can look pre-courthouse ceremony. I encourage you to use these ideas as a jumping off point to find ideas that resonate best with you!
Morning Coffee Date: Have a relaxed start at a cozy café in the city, all dressed up. Because why the hell not? A few good places:
the new Olympia Coffee in Downtown (the entire building is brand new and has incredible interiors),the KEXP lounge in Queen Anne, or General Porpoise in Pioneer Square.
Private First Look: If you want to experience the joy of seeing each other, you can rent an Airbnb and do separate rooms. Depending on the location, we can find a great spot to do that reveal. Or, we could meet somewhere in the city like Kerry Park to do a first look with the Seattle Skyline behind you!
Get Ready Together: This is probably my favorite and most recommended thing when planning your day out. Why? Because I think getting ready together leans into why you decided have an elopement in the first place. If you aren’t someone who is easily emotional outwardly (like myself), that can lead to a deflating reaction. Instead, lean into your connection and enjoy the quiet, intimate moments getting ready together!
Lets get some portraits
Make it end with a bang
I’ve got quite a few great locations you can go hit up in downtown Seattle to get great portraits to memorialize your wedding day.
Seattle Cityscape: Nothing says “Seattle elopement” like a skyline backdrop! These locations offer epic views of the city:
Rooftops of Downtown, Smith Tower Observatory, Columbia Center Observatory, or take a ride on a Seattle Ferry to get some amazing photos at sunset. A big fan of this myself!
Downtown Energy: For couples who want that raw city energy in their photos, lets go hit up these classic spots in Seattle:
Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, Seattle Public Library, Seattle Waterfront
Urban Jungle: The best part about Seattle is finding the pockets of nature within the concrete. We have a plethora of parks and places to get amazing views of the city, or a more botanical vibe:
Volunteer Park Conservatory, Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Gas Works Park (for you 10 things I hate about you lovers, I see you)
Celebration ideas for a reception
throwing a rager
This is where those of you who still want that reception experience that comes from a wedding can maximize on your party. Saving on all the ‘before’ costs will make this part of your elopement even more fulfilling
Surprise Dinner Party: I must admit, I saw this from another photographer who held this type of party for a couple. When you walk in, SURPRISE, you got married! I think this is not a move for everyone, so really think about if you know your guests will be able to attend!
Boat Tour: The heart of Seattle is surrounded by water, and we all love the chance to get out on the water! I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of a boat wedding and it was AWESOME. Full stop. Invite all your friends and family out to see Lake Washington and enjoy the sunset.
Karaoke Night: This one is a bit nuts, but if you have a smaller group of people getting together for your wedding celebration, there’s a lot of amazing karaoke bars all over Seattle! Book a room, let them know why you’re there, and lose your voice singing along to the best songs of the last 30 years.
why Urban Elopements Fuckin Rock
I fully believe your elopement day should feel like the most amazing version of you two just living your best lives. The beauty of an urban elopement is that it strips away all the wedding industry bullshit and focuses on creating an experience that actually feels like YOU.
There’s something incredibly intimate about combining the legal ceremony with adventures that represent your relationship. Maybe you met over beers at a local brewery, so ending your elopement day there brings your story full circle. Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to go indoor skydiving together—why not do it in wedding attire?
How I can help you make it happen
As someone who specializes in non-traditional couples and celebrations, I get that you want something different. I’m not just there to take pretty pictures. I’m your guide to creating an elopement experience that feels authentic to who you are.
- My urban elopement photography packages include:
- Guidance on planning your perfect elopement timeline
- Vendor recommendations for all the fun stuff
- Location scouting for ceremony and portrait spots
- Documentary-style coverage of your courthouse ceremony
- Kick-ass portraits in your chosen Seattle locations
- Coverage of your celebration activities (whatever they may be!)
- Quick preview images for social sharing
- A full gallery of images that capture the genuine excitement and love of your day
Final Thoughts
Your elopement day deserves to be more than just a quick legal transaction. It should feel like the beginning of an amazing adventure together—because that’s exactly what it is.
Whether you’re looking to keep things super simple or create an epic day of celebration, Seattle offers endless possibilities for making your courthouse elopement uniquely yours. And trust me, when you look back at these photos in 30 years, you’ll think “fuck yeah, this was so us.”
Ready to plan your kick-ass Seattle courthouse elopement? Let’s chat about bringing your urban elopement vision to life!
Contact Me
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Contact Me
Dont be shy, leave a reply!