I feel like the first question couples usually ask is, “Where are those rooftop courthouse weddings with views of the Smith Tower?”

The answer (if you didn't know) is: Seattle Municipal Court in Pioneer Square!

Not to be confused with the "King County Courthouse" across the street, which has the marble elevator room that you may have also seen when searching for photos of Seattle courthouse weddings. And while you can get married at the King County Courthouse, I recommend getting married at Seattle Municipal Court for the best possible experience.

It's got the rooftop, the pretty windows, the super chic stairs out front, the adorably charming judges, all that!

This is your complete guide to planning your Seattle courthouse wedding, written by a wedding photographer who’s been there waaaaay more times than she can count.

What's to love about Seattle Courthouse Weddings?

Seattle courthouse weddings are honestly some of my favorites. The building itself is beautiful, sure, but the whole vibe is just really wholesome.

One of my favorite things is that the judges who officiate literally stay late after work to do this simply because they love being part of something so special. I've met every single one of them at this point, and you can tell there is a reason they are there: they are all genuinely warm people who love love.

But the obvious reason for a courthouse wedding is that it's chill. You can get married without having to go through the song and dance of planning a big wedding and feeling like you need to invite everyone. It's also an awesome route if you don't love a ton of stress or attention.

There's not a lot that can go wrong at a courthouse wedding, so there's nothing to stress about. As long as you get there reasonably on time and you bring the payment cash, you're gonna be in and out of there by 5:30 PM.

The Quick Scoop of Seattle Courthouse Weddings

Ceremonies take place Monday through Friday at Seattle Municipal Court. Friday ceremonies cost more than other days of the week.

• Check-in starts at 4:30 PM
• Most ceremonies end by 5:30 PM
• Closed on weekends and holidays
• Fridays cost double and are most crowded
• Best time of year for photos and weather is early to mid-September when the sun is lower but it's still warm

You may bring up to 8 guests, plus your photographer.

You’ll also need two witnesses. If you have none, the court can provide them for a small fee. Your photographer can also serve as a witness like I did for Grace and Kyle!

How To Book Your Seattle Courthouse Wedding

You can request a ceremony up to 8 weeks in advance using the form on the Seattle Municipal Court’s marriage page.

You’ll also need a King County marriage license, which you must buy at least four days before your ceremony date to avoid any mix up with the three day waiting period.

How Much Does It Cost?

A Seattle courthouse wedding costs about:

• $150 on weekdays (Monday–Thursday)
• $300 on Fridays

You’ll pay in cash at check-in. No cards or checks accepted. One time the receptionist told me a story where they had to turn a couple away because they could only pay with card.

A marriage license costs about $69.

An optional photographer can cost anywhere from $900-$2500 depending on the day of the week and how many hours.

Where To Park

The easiest nearby option: Seapark Garage (Lot #66) at 609 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104. It’s about $16 and only a two-minute walk.

If you don’t mind a slightly longer of a walk, the $1 back-in angle spots on 6th and Marion are a good budget-friendly option. That's where I'll be parking! But you'll need to walk downhill, so if you're wearing high heels it might not be very delightful.

What Happens on the Wedding Day

Step 1: Check In

Arrive by 4:00–4:15 PM to beat traffic. Head to the 10th floor and join the line. It can be pretty crowded and chaotic in there some days! A receptionist will ask for your names and call you when it is your turn.

Step 2: Pay & Fill Out Forms

You’ll pay your ceremony fee in cash and list your witnesses on a little post-it. Guests will wait in the lobby, but your photographer can come with you for this part. Once you're finished, you'll go back in the lobby and wait some more.

Step 3: Meet the Judge

When it's your turn, a judge will call your name. You’ll chat with the judge in their office, choose your ceremony script, and maybe laugh at their classic jokes that I personally can never get enough of.

Step 4: Choose a Ceremony Location

Most couples pick the rooftop for those famous Smith Tower views! But if it’s raining or winter, you can choose one of two indoor rooms. I recommend the library for its cleaner look and great windows. The jury room upstairs does have taller windows, but the same view and can be a little cluttered.

Step 5: Get Married!

Now your guests can join you! You'll go to the location of your choice and have your ceremony (about 10 minutes), then you and your witnesses will sign the marriage license. You will also be given a few minutes to take some more photos with your guests before it's the next couple's turn.

Seattle Courthouse Wedding Photography Tips

I recommend booking your photographer for at least 3 hours for photography if you want a lot of couple photos at another location.

You can also do a 2 hour package if you just need a few photos (about 30-45 minutes) or a 1 hour package if you just want photos at the courthouse.

Lighting tip:

• From late September to early March, take photos before the ceremony for the best light.
• From April to early September, take them after for the best light.

Best Photo Locations After Your Ceremony

Volunteer Park

Gorgeous year-round and full of variety. My top pick for timeless photos.

Occidental Square

Just a ten minute walk away. Think charming brick alleys, vintage streetlights, and that old-world Seattle feel.

Smith Tower

Want a full-circle moment? You can rent time inside the very tower you saw in the background of your courthouse wedding photos for around $200/hr. Email [email protected] for current pricing and details.

Pike Place Market & Waterfront

Perfect for a lively city feel and very quintessential Seattle. The new waterfront park lid makes it easy to walk between the market and The Great Wheel.

WA State Ferry Ride

If you have a 3–4 hour photo window, hop on a ferry to Bainbridge and back. It’s pure magic at sunset, feels a little Wes Anderson inside, and is going to boast some really amazing views if you can catch the city lights on the way back.

1st & Columbia Garage

A gritty rooftop with great Pioneer Square views. This is a super secret place not many people know about!

Olympic Sculpture Park

Some really cool geometric sculptures that look great in your wedding photos. There is also a nice amount of greenery, and even some waterfront views if you have enough time to make the 10 minute walk down.

Indoor Photo Studios

Rainy day? Try a studio nearby!
My personal favorites: Olive Studio, The 701 Studios, and 210 Seattle, all in Pioneer Square.
You can also browse Peerspace for options ($80–$100/hr).

My Final, Must Read Tips:

• Bring cash for your ceremony fee and parking.
• Double-check your marriage license timing!
• And don’t stress.. courthouse weddings are short, sweet, and full of personality. Little did we all know!

Whether you’re eloping, keeping it low-key, or saving for a bigger celebration later, a Seattle courthouse wedding can be just as meaningful (and photogenic!) as any traditional one.