Seattle courthouse elopement have a perfect blend of romance and intimacy. The nice thing about them is that they can be customized to exactly what the two of you want. And, don’t worry, you don’t have to sacrifice any of the traditions you’d like to keep in from a full wedding day. Plus, if you decide to have a big reception later with your loved ones, then you get the best of both worlds. I’ve had the opportunity to document many Seattle courthouse elopements over the years so I have all the tips for how to make the most of your intimate wedding day.
Seattle Courthouse Elopements: What You Need to Know
When it comes to courthouse weddings, simplicity is the name of the game—but there are still details worth knowing. Your ceremony will take place at the Seattle Municipal Court, and timing is key.
- The courthouse rooftop is on the 12th floor and opens 30 minutes before check-in for photos. This is first-come, first-serve, so arriving early is important.
- Check-in for the ceremony begins at 4:30 PM on the 10th floor, but there’s typically a short wait in the hallway while you wait to be called.
- In the fall and winter months, ceremonies often happen after sunset, so be prepared for gorgeous moody evening shots—or opt for an earlier day-of timeline with portraits around the city before your ceremony.
This is Seattle, after all. If the weather isn’t ideal, your judge may prefer to stay inside, but that doesn’t mean the magic stops. The seating areas inside the courthouse and the surrounding streets downtown offer plenty of gorgeous photo opportunities.
Courthouse Elopements in Every Season
Seattle’s seasons are lovely—but unpredictable. Here’s what to expect for your courthouse elopement depending on the time of year:
Winter (December–February):
Seattle in winter has a cozy, quiet beauty. If you’re into romantic rainy-day vibes, this season delivers. Bring clear umbrellas for rooftop photos, and embrace the atmospheric fog and city lights. The ceremony itself may be indoors, but post-ceremony photos around places like Pike Place Market or under string lights in Post Alley add a magical winter glow.
Tip: Since sunset is earlier in winter, schedule photos before the ceremony to maximize natural light.
Spring (March–May):
Spring in Seattle feels alive and soft. Cherry blossoms in nearby parks and fresh rain showers are quaint and cute this time of year. While the courthouse rooftop might still be a bit damp, my couples can embrace city backdrops or florals in their post-ceremony photos.
Favorite Spots: The Waterfall Garden Park in Pioneer Square or an impromptu walk along the waterfront with a soft spring drizzle.
Summer (June–August):
Summer is definitely the most popular time for my Seattle courthouse elopement couples. Clear skies, late sunsets, and a rooftop ceremony with the city stretching behind you—it doesn’t get much better. Couples who elope in summer often take advantage of the extra daylight for a “full wedding day feel” with getting ready photos, rooftop portraits, and a celebratory dinner downtown.
Tip: Even with summer sun, Seattle has its quirks. Always bring a jacket for the evening breeze, and consider a later rooftop timeline for golden hour.
Fall (September–November):
Fall weddings in Seattle are warm and intimate. The natural light has this golden, diffused softness, and rooftop views with the Space Needle or Smith Tower are stunning. Keep in mind that late fall means earlier sunsets, so a pre-ceremony portrait session can capture all those rich fall tones.
Tip: Plan your celebration for earlier in the day, and leave room for dinner or drinks with loved ones after the ceremony.
Making Your Seattle Elopement Your Own
The best thing about a courthouse wedding is how you-focused it can be. Your elopement day doesn’t have to end at “I do.” Whether you want to treat it like a full wedding or keep it small, there’s room to make the day feel completely authentic to you.
- Getting Ready Together: Start your day with a morning coffee run, getting ready photos, and quiet moments together before the ceremony. These can create some really cute photos of the two of you in candid moments.
- Multiple Photo Locations: Seattle is a city full of great spots. I have experience shooting in many locatinos around the city and will absolutely help you pick some that feel like you! Whether it’s the waterfront, Pike Place market, Pioneer square, or Kerry Park, we’ll find what works for you guys.
- Dinner, Toasts, or Cake: This is where traditions come in. Maybe you decided to do a Seattle courthouse elopement because a big ceremony in front of everyone doesn’t feel like you. Well, now you can have the best of both worlds! Whether it’s an intimate dinner downtown, drinks at your favorite pub, or a day-after roller rink celebration (like one of my couples!), it’s your wedding to celebrate how you want.
- Three-Hour Packages: Most couples book a two-hour package for elopements, but I always recommend three (or more) hours. It gives you breathing room to fully savor the day—no rushing, no stress, just time to be together.
What to Bring: Tips for a Stress-Free Day
Here are a few essentials to keep in mind for your courthouse elopement:
- Clear Umbrellas: Rain or shine, Seattle weather is unpredictable. A clear umbrella adds a romantic touch without blocking the view.
- Comfy Shoes: If you’re walking around downtown for photos, comfy shoes are a must. Bring a pair of heels or dress shoes to swap in for photos.
- Marriage License & ID: Don’t forget the paperwork! You’ll need your marriage license, identification, and any witness info.
- Flowers & Details: Even if it’s a courthouse elopement, a bouquet, boutonniere, or small floral touch adds a personal and pretty extra element.
Why Courthouse Elopements Just Work
I love a full wedding day and all the energy it can bring. But there is something uniquely special about an intimate Seattle courthouse elopement. Plus, you can make the day exactly as you want it: with dinner or drinks afterwords, getting ready together before, or an entire reception to take place on a different day. My courthouse couples make the day their own. With my experience, we will make this day exactly as you want. So reach out and let’s connect about your elopement!