Quite possibly one of the biggest trends in the wedding world right now is none other than having a courthouse wedding.

But something I noticed is there isn't a ton of info on what a Seattle courthouse wedding actually looks like.

I plan to change that right here, right now! So if you're planning a wedding at Seattle Municipal Court you've absolutely come to the right place.

I photograph around 30 Seattle courthouse weddings a year. In this guide, I'm going to be spilling every single drop of beta on the entire experience from start to finish so that you can have the smoothest possible day.

What you can find in this guide:

• Everything you need to know to plan your Seattle courthouse wedding
• What it'll cost you
• A full walkthrough of what a courthouse wedding ceremony looks like
• Where to take photos before or afterwards
• And TONS of photos and galleries from Seattle courthouse weddings

Seattle Municipal Court vs. King County Courthouse: What's the difference?

I feel like the first question couples usually ask the Google machine 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.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of Seattle Municipal Court (right) and King County Courthouse (left).

This particular guide is about Seattle Municipal Court. 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 nostalgic, quick, and extremely affordable. The building is also located right in Pioneer Square, making both portrait locations and dinner parties afterwards very accessible.

But 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 just easy. 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.

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 4:15 PM
• Check-in cut off is at 5:00 PM
• Most ceremonies end by 5:30 PM
• Closed on weekends and holidays
• Fridays cost are 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
• The time for sunset wedding ceremonies: Late October and late January, making them rare and special!

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 in WA costs about $69 - $172 depending on county.

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

Aim to arrive by 3:45 - 4:00 PM, take the elevator to the 10th floor and get in line to check in. It can be pretty crowded and chaotic in there some days! Rhana (our girl at the front desk) will begin check-ins around 4:15 PM in the order couples arrive.

Step 2: Pay & Fill Out Forms

When Rhana calls you in, 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 your Judge

When it's your turn, a judge will call your name. You’ll chat with them in their office, choose your ceremony script, and maybe laugh at their classic jokes that I personally can never get enough of. Your guests will stay in the lobby for this part, but you can bring your photographer with you.

Step 4: Choose a Ceremony Location

Most couples pick the rooftop for those famous Smith Tower views! But if it’s raining, cold or windy, 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. You can also opt for a classic court room, but I have yet to have a couple select this.

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.

I don't really recommend just having photos at the courthouse, as most of your time will be spent waiting in a crowded government lobby. The actual wedding part is only about 17-20 minutes and about half of that is spent in a judge's office.

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.

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: The 701 Studios, Olive Studio, 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 (If you forget, I always have cash on me!)
• 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.