Your Guide to a Seattle Elopement or Micro Wedding
seattle elopements and micro weddings are freaking awesome. hands down. you get to skip the stress of planning a large, 200-person event and focus more on what matters to you. one of the biggest reasons couples choose to go small is the guest count. keeping things under 50 people (my personal benchmark for a micro wedding) cuts down costs in a major way. weddings get pricey real fast, when you’re feeding 100+ people, decorating every table, and paying for that open bar.
so when you go smaller, you can splurge on things like your dream venue, an amazing photographer (hi, it’s me!), a private chef, incredible dinner at your favorite restaurant or that vintage car you’ve been eyeing for the getaway ride. or you may simply choose to save money, and use it to go towards a house downpayment or a dream honeymoon. whatever the reason - it’s totally valid!
plus, you get to actually spend time with your favorite humans, and have way less stress throughout the day, not being pulled in a million different directions.
whether you're planning a seattle elopement with just the two of you or inviting your closest loved ones for a micro wedding, seattle is an incredible place to say "i do." with epic outdoor locations, cozy indoor options, and so many ways to make it personal, your day can be everything you want and nothing you don't.
seattle elopement locations
seattle has so many great locations for intimate celebrations. these are only some of the options i’ve explored with my couples!
parsons gardens
tucked away on queen anne hill, this charming little garden feels like a secret oasis in the city. it’s a peaceful, green spot perfect for a short ceremony with your closest people.
volunteer park conservatory
think lush tropical vibes, filtered natural light, and a dreamy indoor space — even if it’s raining. volunteer park conservatory is perfect for a quiet ceremony surrounded by greenery.
seattle municipal courthouse
seattle municipal courthouse is a classic choice for a civil ceremony — and surprisingly photogenic! pair it with downtown portraits, rooftop shots, or luxe hotel vibes for a full city elopement experience.
if you’re planning your elopement here, check out my seattle municipal courthouse elopement guide for more tips!
sole repair shop
sole repair shop is a cool, industrial space in capitol hill that’s great for couples who want to keep things simple and modern. lots of character and great food and nightlife options nearby.
canlis
elegant, iconic, and perched above lake union with incredible views. it’s perfect for a small reception or a post-elopement dinner that feels super special. also, canlis was recently named one of the best in the country!
thornewood castle
yep, you can absolutely have a micro wedding at a venue that looks like it came out of a fairytale. this historic castle-style venue near tacoma brings all the moody romance. it’s got sweeping staircases, gardens, and gothic interiors — kolbie and leeza’s 40 guest wedding here was so intimate and magical.
if you’d like to get married in this stunning locations, take a look at my guide to this amazing venue!
go for a city adventure
one of my couples had a 4-hour elopement that took us all over seattle before heading to king county courthouse for their ceremony. the beauty of a city elopement is that we can create a whole narrative with portraits from different neighborhoods, landmarks, and hidden gems. think kerry park, pike place market, and even your favorite coffee shop.
and if you’re looking for more urban spaces to hold an intimate seattle wedding reception or more options for small wedding venues in seattle, check out these blogs:
adventure elopement locations outside seattle
just outside the city, you’ve got access to some of the most stunning landscapes in the entire country. i’ve shot couples on the shores of diablo lake, under mossy trees in the hoh rainforest, and with mount rainier glowing in the background at sunset. all of these spots offer the chance for a full day adventure or even a weekend getaway.
north cascades national park: known as the "american alps," this area is full of dramatic peaks, alpine likes, and mountain adventure vibes. diablo lake is one of my all-time faves! it has the most unreal views and not too hard to get to. learn about their special use/elopement permits here!
olympic national park: wildly diverse landscapes all in one park. you’ve got coastal cliffs, beaches, mossy rainforests, alpine meadows, and mountain peaks. ruby beach is epic for sunset, and the hoh rainforest feels like stepping into a fairytale. you’ll need a special use permit to get married at the park, and you can learn more about it here!
mount rainier national park: if you want the mountain in your wedding photos, this is your spot. sunrise and paradise areas are stunning in summer with wildflowers and clear views of the peak. while fall brings golden light and quieter trails. you will need a permit to elope here and you’re only allowed to have your ceremony in pre-determined locations. you can learn more about all that here!
snoqualmie pass: just about an hour from seattle, this area is a total gem for mountain lovers. it’s super accessible year-round, with snow in the winter (perfect for cozy snowy elopements!) and wildflowers and alpine lakes in the summer. most locations don’t require permits, and it feels like you’re deep in the mountains without the long drive. i highly recommend this spot for your elopement!
planning for seattle weather
we live in the pacific northwest. rain happens. but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream day. we’ll have backup plans ready to go — from cozy indoor locations to gorgeous hotels and covered outdoor areas. clear umbrellas make for adorable photos, and honestly? a little rain never ruins the magic. it adds to it.
here’s a quick seasonal overview to help you plan:
spring (march–may): things start to bloom and the light is beautiful, but expect showers and bring a backup plan just in case. cherry blossoms around the city are stunning this time of year!
summer (june–september): your best bet for dry days and golden light! national parks are the most accessible during these months and sunsets are loooong.
fall (october–november): colorful leaves, soft light, cozy vibes. it’s cooler and rainier, but the moody pnw look is honestly gorgeous.
winter (december–february): expect more rain and early sunsets, but if you lean into the cozy feel (think candles, indoor venues, winter elopements with hot drinks), it can be incredibly romantic and quiet.
fun ideas for your seattle elopement
just because you’re keeping it small doesn’t mean it can’t be a full, joyful, and adventurous day! here are some ideas to help you dream up a fun, meaningful seattle elopement experience:
wander the city streets: take a stroll through pike place market, pioneer square, or capitol hill. we can capture cozy, romantic shots of you two soaking it all in.
take a ferry ride
book a nice dinner: reserve a space at one of seattle’s incredible restaurants. perfect for just the two of you or a cozy reception with loved ones.
include your people (or don’t!): some couples bring along a few close friends or family members, and some keep it just the two of them. it’s totally your call.
plan a portrait session: especially great for rainy days! think editorial vibes with cozy indoor lighting.
picnic in the park: pack up your favorite takeout and enjoy it in a nearby park post-ceremony. easy, affordable, and super fun.
book a staycation: spend the night in a cool airbnb or hotel downtown. make it a whole weekend experience.
head to a spa: start or end your day with a little pampering.
pop into your favorite bar or cafe: have your first toast with an espresso or a craft cocktail at a meaningful spot in the city.
bring your pups: lots of outdoor and park locations are dog-friendly!
planning tips for your seattle elopement & micro wedding
you can actually get married for free on public lands in washington (note: national parks do not count) as long as you follow a few simple rules: no more than 12 people total, no setup or obstructions like chairs, arches, or large tripods and you cannot ask the public to move or block their access.
some locations have super minimal permit fees. spots like parsons gardens or the conservatory only need a small reservation fee. you can find more info on permits here: seattle parks ceremony permits.
weekdays, fridays, and sundays are great options! a lot of vendors have minimums on saturdays — especially in the summer — but if you're open to a weekday, you can usually get more flexibility (and sometimes lower rates). i’ve built elopement and micro wedding coverage around 2-6 hours, depending on what kind of experience you’re dreaming up.
always plan for the weather! layers, clear umbrellas, and have an indoor backup plan if you really don’t enjoy the rain.
getting your marriage license
to get married in seattle, you’ll need to get a washington state marriage license. you can apply online through the king county marriage licensing office or head to the office in-person. you can learn more about the process here.
there's a 3-day waiting period after your application is issued before your ceremony can legally happen — so plan ahead! however, once issued, your license is valid for 60 days.
washington state allows for a wide range of people to officiate. ordained ministers (including online ordination), judges, and justices can legally marry you. you will need two witnesses present during your ceremony. if you’re eloping just the two of you, i can help find witnesses (and be one of them myself!)
book your seattle elopement photographer
whether you’re choosing a seattle elopement or micro wedding, know that your day is just as meaningful as a ‘traditional wedding’, and having your day documented means you’ll get to cherish it forever. with my experience photographing all sorts of wedding days around seattle (and beyond), i'd love to help you craft the perfect day. whether it’s a two-person mountaintop moment, a chic urban micro wedding, or anything in between — we’ll make it feel like you.
when you book me for your seattle elopement or micro wedding, you’re getting more than just a photographer. i help with:
planning your timeline around the best light
scouting and suggesting locations that fit your vibe
navigating permit info and vendor recs
building in backup plans for weather
making sure your portraits feel fun, candid, and true to you — not stiff or awkward
photo coverage for elopements and micro weddings typically ranges from 2-6 hours. some couples want the whole story — getting ready through sunset portraits — and others want something more minimal. we’ll figure out what fits your vision best.
learn more about our seattle elopement & micro wedding packages here!
