A Seattle courthouse wedding is a great option for couples who want to get married in downtown Seattle without the complexity of a traditional wedding day. The Seattle Municipal Court offers civil marriage ceremonies in the heart of the city, making it a popular choice for couples planning a small, legal ceremony that still feels intentional, meaningful, and beautiful.

Plus, the Seattle courthouse is home to one of the best “secret” views in the city, with a rooftop deck overlooking downtown, the Smith Tower, and Puget Sound.

As a Seattle wedding photographer who regularly photographs courthouse weddings and elopements, I’ve seen how these days can feel surprisingly intimate and relaxed. Without a packed timeline or a hundred moving pieces, couples often end up more present with each other and able to actually enjoy the experience. 

This guide walks through everything you need to know about planning a Seattle courthouse wedding, from getting your marriage license to planning photos around downtown Seattle afterward.

Why Choose a Seattle Courthouse Wedding?

Seattle Municipal Court is a favorite place for elopements because:

• The Views: It offers a rooftop ceremony option with spectacular views of the city (weather permitting).
• The Simplicity: It is designed to handle civil ceremonies efficiently; Ideal for a calm, stress-free wedding day
• The Location: It’s walking distance to Pioneer Square and the Central Library for photos. 

One of my favorite things about courthouse weddings is that couples can really make the day their own. Some people keep things quick and minimal, while others turn it into a full experience with getting ready photos, private vows, dinner reservations, and portraits around the city afterward.

Seattle Municipal Court Location & Details

Seattle Municipal Court is located at:

600 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

Its downtown Seattle location makes it especially convenient for couples who want to explore the city before or after the ceremony. Within just a few blocks, you’ll find modern architecture, rooftop views, greenery, restaurants, waterfront access, and some of Seattle’s most iconic photo locations.

One thing I especially love about Seattle Municipal Court weddings is the rooftop ceremony option overlooking the Seattle waterfront and Smith Tower. It feels surprisingly tucked away and peaceful in the middle of the city. You will be given the option to get married in a courtroom or on the roof (choose the roof!).

Parking at the SeaPark Garage

The most convenient parking is at SeaPark Garage on the other side of the block. It’s $13 for 1-2 hours or $28 per day. It closes at 10pm and has a height restriction of 6’10”.

Seattle Municipal Court vs. King County Courthouse

Please note this blog is not the about weddings at the King County Courthouse, which is across the street. Although you can also get married at the King County Courthouse, and it is a beautiful building with marble walls and wood paneling constructed in 1890, the Seattle Municipal Court is one of my favorite places to get married in the city of Seattle. The SMC is a more modern but still beautiful building with beautiful views of the city.

Alright, so if you have decided that a wedding at the Seattle Municipal Courthouse is right for you and your partner, read on and I’ll outline the steps for how to do it.

How to Get a Marriage License for a Seattle Courthouse Wedding

Before your Seattle courthouse wedding, you’ll need to get a Washington marriage license.

Here’s what that process looks like:

• Apply through King County for $169. You can apply in person at the King County Recorder’s Office, or online here: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/executive-services/certificates-permits-licenses/records-licensing/recorders-office/marriage-licensing
• Pick it up, and remember to bring a valid photo ID
• Wait the required 3-day waiting period after the license is issued
• Use the license within 60 days
• Most couples pick up their marriage license at the King County Recorder’s Office in downtown Seattle before the wedding day. Bring payment for the $169 marriage license application fee (cash, check, money order, or debit/credit card).

Scheduling a Seattle Municipal Court Wedding Ceremony

Seattle Municipal Court wedding ceremonies are performed Monday through Friday and are first-come, first-served between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM.

Requests can typically be submitted up to 8 weeks in advance. You can schedule here: https://www.seattle.gov/courts/programs-and-services/marriage-ceremonies

Availability can fill quickly, especially during summer and early fall, so it helps to stay flexible and have a backup date in mind if possible.

What a Seattle Courthouse Wedding Ceremony Looks Like

The ceremony itself is simple and usually lasts around 10 minutes, but that doesn’t mean the day has to feel rushed.

Most ceremonies are warm, personal, and surprisingly emotional despite how streamlined the process is. After the ceremony, you’ll sign the marriage license before heading off for photos or celebrations with your guests.

What to Expect at the Courthouse

Seattle courthouse weddings are intentionally small and simple. Ceremonies can include the couple plus up to 6 guests. Make sure to bring two witnesses over the age of 18 to your ceremony (if you don’t have witnesses sometimes judges can arrange them for an additional fee). 

Security Screening and Arrival

All guests will go through security screening before entering the building, so I always recommend arriving about 15–20 minutes early. Don’t bring any weapons, knives, pepper spray or large bags; not everyone who comes to the courthouse is as nice as you are, so security is there to keep everybody safe. The doors lock at 5pm so make sure all your guests arrive before then.

Pre-Ceremony Photos on the 12th Floor Rooftop

You can take public area photos, including the rooftop on the 12th floor, 15–30 minutes before check-in (between 3:45 PM and 4:15 PM). You may take photos during the ceremony, but not after. I usually recommend heading up to the roof with your photographer for some portraits at 3:45 before you check in.

Check in on the 10th floor (Room 1037)

You’ll check in in Room 1037 on the 10th floor. Only the couple should enter the room, guests can wait in the hall. Check in is at 4:15 PM, though I usually suggest couples get in line around 4:00 PM. This often gives you the best chance of getting one of the earlier ceremony spots on the rooftop. There will likely be other couples getting married that day too, and which usually adds a little fun and excitement to the day.

Meeting the Judge and the $150 Ceremony Fee

Before the ceremony, you’ll briefly meet with the judge in their chambers (usually just the two of you, plus your photographer if you’d like). They’ll walk through the ceremony script, ask whether you’ll be exchanging rings, and see if you’d like to personalize anything. During this time, you tell the judge your preferred ceremony location.

Make sure to bring $150 cash to pay the officiant.

At last, you’ll head to the ceremony location with your guests. Your ceremony will start sometime between 4:30 and 5:30pm, depending on how many other people are getting married that day.

Sample Seattle Courthouse Wedding Timeline

Here’s an example of what a relaxed Seattle courthouse wedding day could look like:

2:00 PM — First look and portraits downtown (see my favorite photo locations below)
3:00 PM — Grab coffee, cocktails, or a quick snack nearby
3:30 PM — Arrive at Seattle Municipal Court and go through security
3:45 PM — Rooftop photos before ceremonies begin
4:15 PM — Check in on the 10th floor
4:30–5:30 PM — Ceremony and family photos
6:00 PM — Dinner celebration with guests

One of the nice things about courthouse weddings is how flexible the day can feel. You can keep things incredibly simple or build an entire wedding day experience around the ceremony.

Best Places for Photos Before a Seattle Courthouse Wedding

Downtown Seattle gives couples so many great options for wedding portraits before or after a courthouse ceremony. Here are some of my favorite locations for your courthouse wedding day photos:

For Modern Architecture

• Seattle Public Library
• Lotte Hotel Seattle
• Downtown parking garages with skyline views

For Classic Seattle Views

• Pike Place Market
• Seattle waterfront
• Ferry docks

For Greenery & Open Space

• Olympic Sculpture Park
• Pioneer Square pergolas
• Small downtown parks and courtyards

For an Editorial or Upscale Feel

• Lotte Hotel interiors
• Boutique hotel bars
• Moody downtown restaurants

One of my favorite courthouse wedding tips: arrive early enough to sneak up to the rooftop before other ceremonies begin. The light is usually beautiful, the space is quieter, and you can get skyline photos without feeling rushed or crowded.

Seattle Courthouse Wedding Photography Tips

If photos are important to you, I highly recommend planning at least a little extra time around the ceremony itself.

A courthouse ceremony may only last 10 minutes, but the full experience can still feel incredibly intentional with a little planning. Many couples choose to include:

• Getting ready photos
• A first look photo session downtown
• Private vows
• Photos on the roof before check in.
• Downtown portraits after the ceremony
• Dinner with friends and family afterward

Seattle courthouse weddings also work really well year-round. Even during rainy months, downtown Seattle has plenty of covered architectural locations for portraits, and overcast weather often photographs beautifully.

If you just want your photographer to cover your time at the courthouse I would recommend just booking them for two hours, for rooftop pictures before the ceremony, and the ceremony coverage. If you want to add portraits after the ceremony book your photographer for 3-4 hours. Most couples book me for about 6 hours to include: a first look or getting ready photos, portraits before the ceremony, rooftop photos, ceremony coverage, and family photos after the ceremony.

How Much a Seattle Municipal Courthouse Wedding Cost?

• $169 marriage license application fee (cash, check, money order, or debit/credit card).
• $150 in cash for the ceremony. You pay SMC the day of your wedding. They only take cash.
• Parking: $28 per car per day at Seapark Garage, or $13 for 2 hours).
• Photographer – Price will depend on the services you want (just the ceremony, or portraits before and after), time of year, and the experience of your photographer. Plan for between $1200 and $4500.
• Dinner and drinks: It’s up to you, a nice restaurant downtown is usually $100 per person (there is also some pretty great barbecue nearby for $30 per person, if you are not wearing white).
• Clothes
• Rings

Seattle Courthouse Wedding FAQ

Is a Seattle courthouse wedding the same as an elopement?

Not always. A courthouse wedding refers specifically to the legal ceremony itself. Some couples also consider it an elopement because the day is small and intimate.

How many guests can attend?

Typically up to 8 people total, including the couple and witnesses.

Can we bring a photographer?

Yes. Photography is allowed during Seattle Municipal Court wedding ceremonies.

How long does the ceremony last?

Most ceremonies last about 10–15 minutes.

Do we need witnesses?

Yes. Washington State requires two witnesses for your marriage ceremony.

Is a Seattle Courthouse Wedding Right for You?

A Seattle courthouse wedding may be perfect for you if you:

• Want a legal marriage with minimal planning
• Prefer a more intimate experience
• Love downtown Seattle
• Still want beautiful wedding photos without a traditional wedding timeline

It may not be the best fit if you’re hoping for a large guest list, extended ceremony time, or a more traditional wedding structure.

Seattle Municipal Court Wedding Checklist:

• Someone you want to spend the rest of your life with
• Marriage license
• Ceremony reservation
• $150 for the ceremony
• 2 witnesses 18 years or older (your photographer can count as a witness)
• Photographer
• Favorite spots you want to get pictures before and after your wedding
• Dinner reservations
• Make sure your car is less than 6’ 10” so you can park in downtown parking garages
• Additional guests: your entire wedding can be comprised of up to 8 people; including you and your partner, the witnesses, photographer, and guests.
• Clothes
• Rings

Final Thoughts

Courthouse weddings may be simple, but they can still feel incredibly meaningful and intentional. Whether you’re planning a quick legal ceremony or turning it into a full downtown Seattle wedding day, there are so many ways to make it feel personal and true to you.

If you’re planning a Seattle courthouse wedding and want photos that feel natural, relaxed, and true to the day, I’d love to help. Please contact me here if you want to chat about your wedding.

---

Looking for more Seattle micro wedding ideas? Check out this intimate dinner party wedding at The Corson Building.