IThinking of skipping the stress (and expense) of a traditional wedding? If you love the idea of an intimate elopement that focuses on you and your partner but hate the thought of a wedding day hike (I feel you!), and you want to head straight to cocktails or dinner with your closest loved ones – I’ve got great news!
The Seattle Municipal Court offers intimate ceremony spaces with stunning backdrops, all while keeping things simple, affordable, and personal. Whether you’re avoiding the hassle of a large event or looking for a convenient courthouse option, this guide covers every detail. Looking for more info? Check out these helpful Reddit posts about Seattle Courthouse Weddings.
TLDR;
Benefits of a Courthouse Wedding
Courthouse Wedding Costs
Marriage License: Info + Restrictions
Book Your Ceremony
How Long Does a Seattle Courthouse Wedding Take?
How Does a Seattle Courthouse Wedding Work?
Tips for Making Your Courthouse Wedding Special
How Long Should I Book A Photographer For?
FAQ
Why Choose a Seattle Courthouse Wedding
Seattle courthouse weddings are becoming increasingly popular for couples seeking a budget-friendly, streamlined way to marry—while still soaking in the city’s breathtaking views.
The Benefits of a Courthouse Wedding
- Ease and Convenience: Plan with minimal stress and spend more time celebrating.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to the average wedding pricetag of $28,000, courthouse ceremonies (including photography) range from $1,500 – $3,500.
- Indoor/Outdoor Ceremony Options: The Seattle Municipal Courthouse offers an indoor boardroom with floor-to-ceiing windows and stunning city views, as well as an outdoor rooftop with panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline.
- Location, Location, Location: Centrally located, easy for guests to find! While parking can be tricky, rideshares like Uber or Lyft, or nearby hotels offer hassle-free alternatives with locations like the Lotte Hotel within walking distance.
How to Plan a Seattle Courthouse Wedding
Planning important days can be overwhelming to begin with, but with some key steps, you can make the process of planning your courthouse wedding day smooth and stress-free.
1. Get Your Marriage License
Get your King County marriage license from the King County Recorder’s Office, either by mail, in person, or online. You can find their online marriage license application here. If you have any direct questions, you can also call them at (206) 477-6620 to get them sorted. More Marriage license questions? Check out the King County Gov’s FAQ section.
PS – Your marriage license can expire! You need to obtain it at least three days before your ceremony, and it remains valid for 60 days. The 3-day waiting period is non-negotiable—no exceptions, even with a court order—so make sure to plan ahead.Use the King County Marriage Licensing date picker tool to apply at the right time and avoid last-minute stress.
2. Book Your Ceremony
Seattle Municipal Courthouse offers ceremonies by reservation only, Monday through Friday at 4:30 p.m. You can book up to 8 weeks in advance using their ceremony request form. Plan ahead, especially for popular dates, and expect an email confirmation within a week.
If you need to reschedule and it’s beyond the original 60-day window, your license becomes void, and you’ll need to reapply. It’s rare, but sh** happens — so it’s always good to be prepared!
3. Get Your Certified Courthouse Marriage Documents (aka Make It Official)
After your ceremony, the judge will return your license to the Records and Licensing Services Division for recording. One perk of a courthouse wedding is not having to worry about this crucial step! Once recorded, you can do a quick online search to confirm your marriage certification. If it shows as a “Marriage Document,” your final step is to order a certified copy online—for just $3.
How Long Does a Seattle Courthouse Wedding Take?
While you can reserve a time for your Seattle courthouse wedding, it’s strongly encouraged to arrive at the courthouse at least 30-45 minutes early just to ensure everything runs smoothly. There are some days where there could be anywhere between 5 and 15 couples getting married and only a handful of judges available. This means there may be a few small delays and if you arrive late, you risk being pushed to the back of the line.
While your ceremony will most likely run less than 10 minutes (more often it’s about 5 minutes total, esp if you skip personal vows), I recommend giving yourself at least 1.5 hours of wiggle room in case your wedding date turns out to be super popular. Average wait time between initial check in and actual ceremony is about 30 minutes.
How Does a Seattle Courthouse Wedding Work?
Courthouse weddings are pretty simple, which is a big part of their allure. Here’s the gist and a sample courthouse wedding timeline of what you an expect:
3:45pm – Arrive to the Seattle Municipal Courthouse (Opportunity to take some photos outside while you wait)
4:00pm – Earliest check-in time. (You’ll enter the building, go through security and metal detectors, and head to the 10th floor to check in with the clerk. Make sure to have your documents and payment ready. After the initial check-in, they will call you back a second time to speak with the judge assigned to your ceremony. They’ll give you the rundown and offer you a choice between some pre-scripted ceremony options, as well check to see if you’re including personal vows or no. Once this is finished, they’ll bring you back out to your guests, and proceed immediately to your chosen ceremony location!
4:30pm – Earliest ceremony start (After check-in, this start time varies wildly depending on where you are in line, how busy the day is, etc. I’ve had ceremonies start right at 4:30, as well as couples who didn’t get their turn til after 5, which is why arriving early or on time is so important)
5:00pm – Latest ceremony finish time. After your ceremony, you’ll need to sign your license and have a witness as well. If you’re getting married on the rooftop, there is usually someone waiting their turn so time for photos post-ceremony can be super limited depending on the day. If it’s crowded and busy, the front of the Seattle Municipal Courthouse is a beautiful option for more group photos with friends/family.
Depending on how much time you have with your photographer, there are also loads of nearby options for additional wedding photos in downtown Seattle and surrounding areas.
When to Get Married at the Seattle Courthouse
When planning your Seattle courthouse wedding, it’s important to consider the time of year and the local weather conditions. Winter in Seattle means shorter days and more rainfall, so you’ll want to dress and plan accordingly. In December, for instance, the sun sets around 4pm-5pm, meaning the sun will be down before your ceremony starts. In the summer, the sun sets much later between 8pm and 9pm with typically warmer weather and sunnier days.
If you’re planning a fall or winter courthouse wedding, many couples opt to take photos before the ceremony to maximize natural light. In the summer, we prioritize photos after the ceremony.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and make adjustments as needed to ensure your day runs smoothly. Whether you’re chasing the last bit of daylight or basking in the perfect golden hour, the Seattle courthouse offers a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos. With a little planning, you can take advantage of both the city’s beautiful daytime lighting and its moody nighttime charm.
Seattle Courthouse Wedding Costs
Many couples choose the courthouse setting because it 1) is more affordable, 2) is incredibly convenient, and 3) is far less stressful. Let’s break it down:
Cost Breakdown
- Marriage License: $69 for a King County marriage license (as of September 2024)
- Officiant: The courthouse will provide one for a nominal fee
- Photography: For professional courthouse wedding photography (like what I offer), expect to budget between $1,800 – $3,000. Depending on the coverage you choose, we can keep it short + sweet or have something more comprehensive to tell your story.
- Optional Extras: Consider flowers, attire, and reception if you want to personalize the day and keep it feeling like a costume party for paperwork.
Photo by Chelsea Abril Photography
Tips for Making Your Courthouse Wedding Special
I love helping my clients build thoughtful seattle courthouse wedding timelines, incorporate meaningful details, and create a visual recap that makes every second feel special – all of which we do on our complimentary planning and timeline calls. My goal is always that you feel seen, heard, and understood, and that your wedding day feels joyful, fun, and entirely stress free.
Personalizing Your Ceremony
- Dress It Up or Dress It Down: Whether you want a formal feel, something chic, or something more relaxed and casual, your outfits for the day will play a big role in the feel and your photos. In keeping with the budget friendly vibe, stores like Lulus have super cute options at affordable prices. Wanna splurge as a bride? Check out local bridal shops like Grace Loves Lace Seattle, or Forelsket in Bellevue.
- After-Ceremony Ideas: Plan an intimate dinner with just the two of you at places like the Lotte Hotel, or meet up with family and friends for a celebratory reception at group friendly places like The Butcher’s Table or Canlis.
- Personal vows: Just because you’re getting married at the courthouse, does it mean that you can’t exchange personal vows. Somw couples choose to share their personal vows during the ceremony, but you can always share them quietly just the two of you if you are more private or introverted. For example, I worked with a couple who were shy about people hearing their vows, so I was able to photograph them, showing them privately in their hotel room before the ceremony. Option to even buy personalized vow books like these from Artifact Uprising.
- Florals: Bouquets, boutonniers, corsages, leis, whatever tickles your fancy. Having these extra bits of fanfare in your day can make all the difference. Check out local florists like Villanelle Floral Co, Poppy Flowers, Anthera Floral, or Emerald City Flowers.
Having a smaller ceremony doesn’t have to mean giving up on all the bells and whistles. Splurge on flowers if you love them, maybe even boutonnieres or corsages for your guests of honor. If you’re from Hawaii, you may even opt to include a flower lei exchange in your ceremony to honor your heritage and bless your partner.
Seattle Courthouse Wedding Photography: How Long Should I Book A Photographer For?
You can choose to have your photographer there just for the ceremony, or we can turn it into a half-day or full-day adventure, following you from getting ready to the ceremony and capturing candid moments as you explore the city. Whether we end on a rooftop or stop by your favorite bar, the possibilities are endless.
Not sure where to start or how to plan? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. I help all my clients with planning and logistics, offering suggestions on where to get ready and the best spots in downtown Seattle for capturing stunning wedding photos.
Courthouse Wedding Photography Packages
This may be your first time getting married at a courthouse, but it’s definitely not mine! 😉 I meet with each client individually to learn about your personal preferences and style, so we can craft a custom timeline and day-of recommendations tailored just for you.
90-Minute Short + Sweet Package
Perfect for couples who want to keep things simple, yet still have stunning photos to remember their special day. This package ensures just the right amount of fanfare so your wedding doesn’t feel like paperwork or a parking ticket payment! The Short + Sweet package starts at $1800 and typically breaks down into:
- 30 minutes pre-ceremony (meet at the courthouse, check-in, etc.)
- 30 minutes for the ceremony (including pre- and post-ceremony moments)
- 30 minutes for additional portraits or buffer time.
3-Hour Storyteller Package
Ideal for couples looking to make their courthouse elopement more of an event. Starting at $3000, this package includes:
- 60 minutes of pre-ceremony photos (getting ready at your home or a nearby hotel like the stunning Lotte Hotel)
- 60 minutes at the courthouse for the ceremony
- 60 minutes for couples or family portraits
Photo Opportunities Around the Seattle Courthouse
If you’re all about photos and want to feel like cover models for the day, we can create a fun, multi-location shoot that captures all the joyful, candid moments your heart desires. Popular options include Occidental Square or Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market, Sky View Observatory at Smith Tower, or Seattle Municipal Library. All these locations are a 10-20 minute walk or 5-7 minute uber from the courthouse. Other fun options include the heading down to the Seattle Waterfront, seeing the Seattle Great Wheel, taking a ride on the water taxi or ferry, or walking through the Olympic Sculpture Park.
Want to cut to the chase and celebrate with a drink? Get an Old-fashioned at Damn The Weather, or enjoy a cocktail at the Charlotte Restaurant + Lounge in the Lotte Hotel.
FAQs
- How much does a Seattle courthouse wedding cost?
The average cost is around $2,000 – $3,500 when including essentials like a marriage license, officiant, and photography. - How long does the ceremony last?
Actual courthouse ceremonies typically last between 5-10 minutes. - Can I bring guests to a courthouse wedding?
Yes! Most courthouses allow a small number of guests. Be sure to check the courthouse’s specific policies. - Can I have a reception afterward?
Absolutely! Many couples plan a small dinner or celebration at a nearby restaurant or venue. - What if it rains?
Seattle is known for its rainy weather, but that doesn’t have to dampen your day. As your photographer, I’m fully prepared to shoot in any weather and can recommend indoor spots with great lighting if needed.
Bottom line: if the big, traditional wedding isn’t your vibe or just isn’t in the cards right now, a Seattle courthouse wedding or elopement can still be super special. It’s all about you and your partner, and whether this is your one-and-only ceremony or just the start of your celebration, I’ll be there to capture every special moment.
Planning a courthouse wedding and want to know more? Head over to my contact page and let’s get this show on the road 😉
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