Featuring photos of Josh + Francesca’s Seattle Courthouse Elopement / Shot on digital and film
How to Get Married at the Seattle Municipal Courthouse
If you’re looking for a simple, intimate, and stress-free way to tie the knot in Seattle, getting married at the Seattle Municipal Courthouse is a great option. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen.
1. Get Your Marriage License
Before you can say “I do,” you’ll need a marriage license from King County. You can apply online or in person, but there’s a mandatory three-day waiting period before you can use it. The license is valid for 60 days, so plan accordingly.
2. Schedule a Judge
Seattle Municipal Court judges are available for civil wedding ceremonies by appointment. Weddings typically take place Monday through Friday after 4:30 p.m. You’ll need to contact a judge directly to schedule your ceremony and discuss their availability and fees. A list of judges offering wedding services can be found on the Seattle Municipal Court website.
3. Bring Your Witnesses
Washington state law requires two witnesses for your ceremony. If you’re eloping without guests, you can often ask courthouse staff or hire professional witnesses. As of right now, “wedding parties are limited to a total of 8 people, including the couple and 6 witnesses.”
4. Plan Your Celebration
While the courthouse wedding itself is short and sweet, you can still make the day special. Consider taking photos at a special spot in the city beforehand, or celebrating with a post-ceremony dinner at your favorite Seattle restaurant.
5. Make It Legal
After the ceremony, your officiating judge will sign your marriage license. You’ll need to return it to the King County Recorder’s Office for official processing. Then, you can order certified copies of your marriage certificate for name changes and legal documentation.
A courthouse wedding in Seattle is an affordable and meaningful way to get married, whether you’re planning a private elopement or a prelude to a larger celebration. If you’re looking for a photographer to document your special day, I’d love to capture those moments—let’s chat!
*One last note: requests for your elopement at Seattle Municipal Court need to be made within 8 weeks of your anticipated date. They do not accept requests outside of those 8 weeks!
