At Uniquely Unified, we understand how overwhelming wedding planning can get. From the cost to picking out a venue, making cake choices or finding a dress to say yes to. It’s a lot. This is why we always find new ways to take some of the decision making off your plate when it comes to your wedding. And today, we are offering you a new way to say your vows in an intimate, yet budget-friendly style—a Seattle courthouse weddings. It’s perfect for couples who want to elope or have a memorable day without a large party.
We created this guide to walk you through the cost, tips and necessary information needed in planning Seattle courthouse weddings.
The Advantages of Seattle Courthouse Weddings
Large-scale weddings are great, but they are not for everyone. A Seattle courthouse wedding offers you the opportunity to have your wedding be just about you, your partner and your love. The Seattle Municipal Courthouse offers a stunnng indoor and outdoor ceremony option. It’s ideal for couples:
Who do not want to go through the stress of planning a big wedding
Who are looking for a budget-friendly way to get married
Who want to get married as quickly as possible
Looking to begin a legally binding union
Who’d like to spend most of the day celebrating what matters most: their love.
Things to Know When Planning a Seattle Courthouse Wedding
To plan and successfully have a Seattle, there are several things you need to keep in mind:
Getting a marriage license
A marriage license in Seattle has a sixty days validity and is surprisingly easy to get.Â
The first step toward obtaining one is to complete the marriage license application. This can be done online or in person at the King County Recorder’s office.Â
To apply for the marriage license:
You and your partners must be unmarried, 18 or meet the age requirements with parental consent.
There’s also need to provide a proof of identity, such as driver’s license or passport.
You need to pay the application fee.Â
There’s a mandatory three-day waiting period between the time you obtain the license and your actual wedding ceremony.
Scheduling Your Wedding Ceremony:
Seattle municipal court judges are available to perform your wedding ceremonies at 4:30pm, every weekday. It’s closed on weekends, and holidays. But to accommodate those who might want to get married during the times the courthouse is closed, you’re given the option of picking whatever location that suits you better. This should be communicated to the courthouse.
To schedule your ceremony:
Complete the marriage ceremony request form. In the form, indicate what day works best for you, enter your email and phone number, and where you’d like to get married (in or outside the courthouse).
Once submitted, a Judicial Assistant will reach out to you within seven business days.
Additionally, it’s important to note that the courthouse does not accept requests made more than eight weeks in advance. If your wedding is more than eight weeks away, kindly wait.Â
Witnesses
Washington law requires two witnesses for any marriage ceremony. Fortunately, for your Seattle courthouse wedding, you are allowed to bring in a total of six witnesses. Photographers and kids under the age of 2 do not count toward the limit.
Cost
Seattle courthouse weddings are affordable, but not free. You’ll need to pay for the following (prices subject to change, please confirm on the court's website):
Marriage License Fee: It currently costs $69.
Ceremony Fee: The basic package at the Seattle Municipal Court starts at $250. This includes an officiant and the ceremony space.
Judge’s Fee: Some judges offer their services for free, while others charge a fee. And when they do, it’s usually affordable.
Witness Fee: In the absence of your witness, you can hire one at an affordable rate.
A marriage document that currently costs $3 from the Records and Licensing Service Division.
Photography Fee: If you’d like to document the entire process through photos, a courthouse wedding photography currently costs between $1,500-$3,500.
Wedding Coordinator: While a wedding coordinator is not required for a courthouse wedding. We've found it helpful for clients who wish to have a truly relaxed experience. Your wedding coordinator can coordinate your photographer, bouquet, boutonniere, champagne toast, and even an intimate reception or dinner after the courthouse.
Outfits
The Seattle Municipal courthouse offers stunning views, and is a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photos. The library on the 8th and jury room on 10th floor with floor-to-ceiling windows can be used as an indoor ceremony spot. There’s also a rooftop deck with a view of the city’s skyline. So, it’d be nice to dress up and make good use of these spots for your special day.Â
Tips for Memorable Seattle Courthouse Weddings
Early Arrival:Â We recommend arriving, at least, 30 minutes early to check in, make payment and ensure your paperwork is in order. Additionally, you have time to take photos, speak with your assigned judge and relax your nerves before the ceremony begins.
Personalize Your Vows: A courthouse, intimate wedding ceremony doesn’t mean you can’t speak from your heart. Feel free to personalize your vows if traditional is not your vibe.
Incorporate Personal Touches: Your Seattle courthouse wedding can include details that have significant meaning to you, your partner, or your love story. It could be anything from a bouquet to a corsage. Budget friendly doesn’t translate to compromising on everything. This is where your Wedding Coordinator can be quite helpful.
Set Aside a Budget For Post-Wedding Celebration: This can either be for you and your partner to sit and celebrate the beginning of your marital journey, or to celebrate with friends and family. The cost of this largely depends on where you pick, and what you choose to do. But for our clients it typically ranges from $20-$3,000 for an intimate post-wedding celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to live in Washington to have a Seattle courthouse wedding?
No, there are no residency requirements. Couples from out of state or even out of the country can legally marry in Seattle as long as they meet the requirements, and make the necessary payment.
Can I bring my pet along to my Seattle courthouse wedding?
Unfortunately, the courthouse does not allow pets during the ceremonies. But, if you choose to have your ceremony in another venue that welcomes pets, then you can bring yours along.
What’s the duration for a Seattle courthouse wedding?
The ceremonies usually last between 5-10 minutes. If you want to include your personal vows, do well to keep this duration in mind.
What should we bring on the day of the ceremony?
Bring your marriage license, valid IDs, witnesses, and any payment mentioned above that’s required before the ceremony can begin. If you're working with a wedding coordinator they'll usually provide a more extensive list of items for you or that they will take care of on your behalf.
Conclusion: Seattle Courthouse Weddings
If you are on a budget, or for some reason, you want a legally binding union, then a Seattle courthouse wedding is your best bet. It gives you the opportunity to make your wedding all about you and your partner. The entire process from getting a license to wedding photography has been outlined above, and it’s easy to follow.
If you have questions about planning a Seattle courthouse wedding, please dont hesitate to contact the team at Uniquely Unified for our wedding planning advice. .
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