planning your seattle municipal court wedding
if you’re looking for a simple, intimate way to say get married in seattle, the municipal courthouse offers a beautiful and stress-free option. as a seattle wedding photographer who’s documented many urban elopements, i’m here to guide you through planning your seattle municipal court wedding day so it’s as seamless and memorable as possible.
why choose seattle municipal court?
the seattle municipal court, located at 600 5th avenue, is perfect for couples who want a meaningful ceremony without the fuss of a big wedding. it has got some stunning options for your ceremony location—the rooftop terrace with breathtaking city views (hello, photo ops!) or a gorgeous corner room with big windows that’s perfect for those rainy seattle days.
bonus: it’s super close to pioneer square, which makes it ideal for portraits before or after your ceremony. seriously, you can’t go wrong here.
step-by-step guide to planning your seattle municipal court wedding
lock in your date
once you’ve decided on your wedding date, contact the court to schedule your ceremony. make sure to double-check availability and follow their instructions for securing your spot. ceremonies are performed monday through friday, and pricing looks like this:
monday-thursday: $150 (cash only)
friday: $300 (cash only)
obtain your marriage license
you’ll need to get a washington state marriage license before your big day. the courthouse doesn’t handle licenses, so plan ahead.
bring witnesses
you’ll need two witnesses to tag along. keeping things tiny and don’t have witnesses? let me know! i am happy to be one and i can usually help arrange some.
arrive prepared
your ceremony will happen once the judge wraps up court for the day, usually between 4:30 and 5:30 pm. check in at room 1037 by 4:15 pm. here’s your must-bring list:
washington state marriage license
cash (exact change: $150 or $300, depending on the day)
your witnesses
choose your ceremony location
the courthouse has several spots for your ceremony, including the rooftop terrace and some stunning indoor options. you’ll let the judge know your choice before the ceremony starts. if the weather is nice, i personally always recommend the rooftop!
schedule time for portraits
you can take photos in public areas of the courthouse 15-30 minutes before your check-in time. after your ceremony, head to pioneer square for more portraits. trust me, the historic brick buildings, ivy-covered walls, and charming alleyways are chef’s kiss for wedding photos.
nearby locations for celebration and photos
pioneer square: the iconic seattle vibes here are unbeatable—think historic buildings, cozy alleyways, and so much character.
waterfront park: a short drive away, this spot gives you dreamy views of the puget sound, ferris wheel, and city skyline. it’s such a vibe.
olympic sculpture park: want something artsy? this spot mixes cool modern art with killer views of the sound for a unique backdrop.
smith tower observatory: grab a celebratory drink at this classic seattle spot with panoramic city views. it’s romantic and so much fun.
go for a meal: round out your day with a meal at a cozy spot, grab a pizza, or go to a cocktail bar, there are so many options in the city! i am always happy to recommend my faves, especially the photogenic ones.
hire a professional seattle wedding photographer for your courthouse wedding
civil ceremonies deserve amazing photography, too! these intimate moments are just as meaningful as a traditional wedding, and having them documented means you’ll cherish them forever. with my experience photographing seattle municipal court elopements, i know all the best spots and you’ll get amazing photos that feel true to you.
ready to plan your seattle municipal court wedding?
whether you’re imagining marrying on the rooftop with city views or having an indoor celebration surrounded by a handful of your loved ones, let me be a part of your love story. if you’re on the lookout for your seattle wedding photographer, you can learn more about our packages here!
