The Seattle Courthouse Wedding: A Guide to Navigating the Legal Maze and Capturing the Perfect Shots

Courthouse Wedding

Seattle Courthouse Rooftop Wedding Photos

The Seattle Courthouse Wedding Ceremony

A Guide to Navigating the Legal Maze and Capturing the Perfect Shots

So, you've decided to throw tradition out the window and get married at the courthouse. Good for you! But before you start envisioning yourself strutting down the aisle to "Here Comes the Bride," let's get real about what it takes to tie the knot in the heart of downtown Seattle.


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Capturing Love in the City:

A Guide to Planning Your Seattle Wedding at City Hall

Step 1: Obtain Your Marriage License

Courthouse Photography Timeline

4:00 Arrive at Courthouse

4:15 Courthouse Check-in 

A few photos on the rooftop 

The ceremony will be sometime before 5:30pm

Post Ceremony photos at a second location. Check out my list below for suggestions!

First things first, you can't get hitched without a marriage license. Head over to the King County Courthouse on Fourth Avenue to get the ball rolling. Fill out some paperwork, fork over some cash (because love isn't cheap, folks), and voila! You're one step closer to marital bliss.

Step 2: Schedule Your Ceremony

Now that you've got your license in hand, it's time to set a date. Call up the courthouse and schedule your ceremony. Pro tip: aim for a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds and increase your chances of snagging a primo time slot.

Step 3: What to Expect on the Big Day

Fast forward to the day of reckoning. You've arrived at the courthouse, nerves tingling, excitement bubbling. Head to the sixth avenue entrance like a boss and make your way to the city hall. Once inside, follow the signs to the district court and check-in for your ceremony.

But hey, while you're waiting for your turn to say "I do," why not sneak up to the rooftop for a few pre-wedding shots? The view of downtown Seattle is killer, and it'll give you a chance to calm those pre-wedding jitters.

Seattle courthouse wedding - rooftop terrace

Step 4: The Ceremony

Alright, it's showtime. Say your vows, exchange rings, and seal the deal with a kiss. Congratulations, you're officially hitched! Now, make your way outside for a few more photos on the sidewalk in front of the courthouse. Strike a pose, pop some champagne, and revel in the moment.

Step 5: Post Courthouse Wedding Photo Locations in Seattle

Now that the formalities are out of the way, let's dive into the real fun: the post-wedding photoshoot! Here are 11 incredible locations in Seattle to capture your newlywed bliss:

  1. A Pier on the Seattle Waterfront: Embrace the waterfront charm with stunning views of Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline as your backdrop.

  2. Centennial Park: Get lost in the lush greenery and waterfront vibes of this beautiful park, perfect for romantic strolls and intimate photos.

  3. Olympic Sculpture Garden: Strike a pose among the striking contemporary sculptures and scenic vistas of Puget Sound.

  4. Space Needle: Elevate your photoshoot with breathtaking views of Seattle from the iconic Space Needle, creating a timeless backdrop for your special day.

  5. Washington Park Arboretum: Lose yourself in the natural beauty of the arboretum, with its winding trails, vibrant foliage, and picturesque bridges providing the perfect backdrop for your photos.

  6. Pike Place Market: Dive into the hustle and bustle of Pike Place Market for a lively and colorful photoshoot experience, complete with fresh flowers, bustling crowds, and iconic landmarks.

  7. South Lake Union Park: Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade of South Lake Union Park, with its stunning views of the lake and the city skyline.

  8. International Fountain at the Seattle Center: Capture the magic of the International Fountain as it dances to music and lights, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for your photos.

  9. Columbia Tower: Elevate your photoshoot experience with panoramic views of the city from the observation deck of the Columbia Tower, the tallest building in Seattle.

  10. Bell Harbor Marina Observation Deck: Soak in the panoramic views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains from the observation deck at Bell Harbor Marina, creating a picturesque setting for your post-wedding photoshoot.

  11. Great Wheel: Take a ride on the iconic Great Wheel and capture breathtaking views of the city and Puget Sound from the top, creating unforgettable memories for your post-wedding photoshoot.

And there you have it, folks. Your guide to getting hitched at the Seattle Courthouse and capturing the perfect shots to remember your big day. Now go forth and make some memories!

 

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