Seattle Courthouse Wedding Guide: Planning a Day That Feels Like You

Not every couple dreams of hiking up a mountain or flying somewhere tropical to say “I do,” and that doesn’t make your day any less special! A Seattle courthouse wedding can still feel intimate, romantic, and completely you when you approach it with intention. If you’re leaning toward a city or courthouse wedding in Washington, especially in places like Tacoma or Seattle, here’s how to elevate the entire experience and make it feel like yours.

Not All Elopements Are Adventure Elopements—And That’s Okay

Let’s just say it: elopements don’t have to mean hiking boots and backpacks. For couples like Diana and Cami or Gaby and Mike, their days were all about embracing what mattered most to them. Whether that looked like a quiet courthouse moment or an epic rooftop after-party, both couples leaned into what felt right, and that’s what made it beautiful.

At Diana and Cami’s Seattle courthouse wedding, they focused on celebrating with the people and details they loved. From tattoo artists to carefully wrapped books for their guests to take home, their after-party was so personal and intentional.

Meanwhile, Gaby and Mike had a short-and-sweet ceremony at the Tacoma courthouse with their closest family, followed by a photo session in front of Union Station (Tacoma). Simple, meaningful, and still full of beautiful moments.

How to Elevate a Courthouse Wedding

Your wedding day should feel like a reflection of you, and a courthouse wedding doesn’t mean sacrificing that. Here are a few ways to personalize and elevate the experience:

• Get ready together (or apart) and document it – Even if you’re not doing a full day, getting ready photos help tell the story. Candid mirror shots, zipping up the dress, putting on the suit, it adds depth.
• Choose a location with character – Seattle’s courthouse is surprisingly pretty and even offers rooftop terrace views. If you’re looking for a visual upgrade, that’s a great option. Tacoma’s courthouse is simpler but still meaningful.
• Incorporate intentional stops – Grab celebratory cocktails at your favorite bar, stop into a coffee shop, or plan photos at places that feel nostalgic to you.
  
• Make the after-party you – Think beyond a traditional reception. Diana and Cami had books as favors, tattoos, champagne, a DJ, and amazing city views. It was relaxed, joyful, and completely theirs.

Where to Have a Courthouse Elopement: Seattle vs. Tacoma

Seattle and Tacoma both have courthouse options for your elopement, but the vibe is different depending on which city you choose. Here’s what you should know when deciding between the two, and what logistics to handle ahead of time.

Seattle Courthouse Wedding:

• Feels modern, sleek, and more cosmopolitan
• Rooftop ceremony options at the King County Courthouse (hello, skyline views!)
• Walking distance to bars, rooftops, coffee shops, and parks for post-ceremony photos (Pioneer Square is a favorite!)
• Best for couples wanting a stylish Seattle courthouse wedding with modern vibes

How to make it happen:

• Get your marriage license from King County at least 3 days before your ceremony. You can apply online here. If you want the rooftop or a private space, you’ll need to schedule in advance, especially during summer.
• A judge or court official can perform your ceremony, or you can bring your own officiant.
• Parking downtown is tricky, so budget in time or consider a weekday ceremony for easier access.

Tacoma Courthouse Wedding:

• More laid-back and classic feeling
• Quieter than downtown Seattle, with less foot traffic (great if you’re a little camera shy!)
• Just steps from Union Station and the Museum of Glass, gorgeous spots for portraits after your “I do’s”
• A good pick if you want a chill morning ceremony with just a few loved ones, followed by a relaxed celebration or dinner later

How to make it happen:

• Grab your marriage license from Pierce County, just like Seattle, you’ll need to wait 3 days after applying. Apply online here.
• You can schedule your courthouse ceremony by calling the Pierce County District Court or booking a judge ahead of time.
• No major permits are needed if you’re sticking to the courthouse grounds for photos, but if you plan to take portraits at museums or parks, check if permits are required.
• Free or easier parking compared to Seattle, plus it’s less hectic overall
  

Looking for more location inspiration for where and when to get married in Washington? Check out this blog: The Best Engagement Photo Locations by Season in Washington.

Tips to Make Your Courthouse Elopement Feel Special

• Still wear the dress or the suit (or both!)
• Bring your people – even a small crew makes it feel more like a celebration
• Add one or two styled elements – a bouquet, a champagne toast, a styled picnic, or a bar stop
• Use the city as your backdrop – architectural shots, moody lighting, movement
• Don’t skip photos just because it’s short – Even if your ceremony is 10 minutes long, the story deserves to be told
• Plan for moments – a first look, a quiet moment before the ceremony, a rooftop at sunset (like Diana and Cami did at blue hour!)

From Ceremony to Celebration: Don’t Forget the After Party

Diana and Cami’s after-party is proof that your celebration doesn’t end at the courthouse steps. They brought all their favorite things together: champagne, dancing, city views, tattoos, and thoughtful details like wrapped books for their guests. Blue hour portraits on the rooftop turned into flash-filled dancing photos indoors. It was editorial, personal, and so much fun.

Want more inspo for planning something totally your own (yes, even a tattoo bar)? Check out this feature from Love Inc. on how tattoo artists are the latest wedding reception trend.

Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a rooftop cocktail hour, or a wild night with your people, don’t sleep on the after party. It can be just as memorable.

Final Thoughts: It’s Your Day. Own It.

Whether you’re going the Seattle courthouse wedding route because of budget, planning a big party later, or just want something simple and real, you deserve to feel like it matters. Because it does.

A shorter day doesn’t mean less story. You can still have fashion moments, emotional portraits, celebratory champagne, and an intentional plan that reflects your love.

Let your elopement be an extension of who you are, not just a backup plan.

Ready to Book Your Seattle Wedding Photographer?

If you’re looking for a Seattle photographer who will make you feel comfortable, guide you through the process, and capture real, genuine moments, let’s connect. Fill out my contact form, and let’s start planning your dream courthouse wedding.

Want more planning inspiration? Visit the blog to see more real couples and helpful ideas.

Looking forward to creating something meaningful with you, no matter how big or small your day looks.