Free Pride Weddings at Shotgun Ceremonies: What to Know for July 25

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In December 2012, same-sex marriage became legal in Washington state. By 2:00 am on the exact night the law took effect, Bronwen Stevenson of Shotgun Ceremonies was already performing ceremonies. Not because it was good marketing. Because it mattered.

That week, Shotgun did over 30 free same-sex weddings. Then they did it again at Seattle Pride on the lawn of the Seattle Center, for three years running. And on July 25 this year, Bronwen will do it again, this time at Georgetown Pride, for the third consecutive year, right outside the little pink chapel at Georgetown Trailer Park Mall.

Free. Real. Legal.

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Why Bronwen does this

Shotgun Ceremonies has been performing weddings since 2010. For the first two and a half years of that, same-sex couples couldn't legally get married in Washington. That history sits with Bronwen.

"It was bad karma to start a business where people were excluded," she says. "And it just felt good to try to - maybe not erase the past - but to really do what I can do. My part. To always recognize that this was not always legal, and it's important. It's important that whoever you love, you get to love, and you get to marry, and you get to do all the things anybody else gets to do."

She paused at the end of that answer. "So that's it. I'm going to cry."

How it started (the slightly stalker-ish origin story)

Getting same-sex weddings into Seattle Pride didn't happen overnight. Bronwen and a former business partner tracked down the director of Seattle Pride and showed up at every party he attended - emailing, calling and re-introducing themselves until he finally said “yes.”

"After stalking that person and convincing them this was a good idea," Bronwen says with a laugh, "Shotgun Ceremonies did weddings on the lawn of the Seattle Center for three years and married several couples. And couples would come back and say hi. And it was great."

Somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 Pride weddings later, the tradition continues.

What the free weddings look like

The ceremonies run from 3 to 6 pm on Saturday, July 25, at Shotgun Ceremonies inside Georgetown Trailer Park Mall. Every couple who shows up with a valid Washington State marriage license will get married.

The format is loose. Some years there's a small line at 3 o'clock and Bronwen runs a simple sign-up sheet, calling each couple when it's their turn. Other years the flow is steadier and couples walk right in. Either way, if you're there between 3 and 6, you're getting married.

"It kind of differs every year how it works out," she says. "Sometimes I have a very busy hour and then it's a little quiet and then it picks back up. But I will definitely get you married if you come with your license."

You don't need to rehearse anything or prepare a speech. The ceremony is personal and real, the same quality Bronwen brings every other day of the year. It just happens to be free for 3 hours on July 25. Bring guests if you want them. If you need witnesses, Shotgun Ceremonies will provide them.

"It's like a party here," Bronwen says. "Everybody's happy. There's a lot going on. There'll be bands playing in the background. It'll be loud and crazy. I'll be dressed crazy. It'll be fun."

What you need to bring

One thing: a valid King County marriage license.

Washington State requires a three-day waiting period between when you apply for the license and when the ceremony can take place, so plan for that. The King County Recorder's Office handles license applications - the fee is $169 and the license is valid for 60 days once issued. If you already have yours, you're ready. If not, apply today!

Everything else - witnesses, ceremony flow, the moment itself - we handle.

The rest of Georgetown Pride

The weddings are one piece of a full Georgetown Pride day. There's a parade to kick things off (check the Georgetown Pride website for the route and timing), a burlesque variety show from 4 to 5 pm and three bands playing afterward in the Star Brass parking lot.

The Trailer Park Mall itself will have shaved ice, cold brew, cookies, vintage clothing and plenty of art to browse. Bars along Airport Way have events going all day and into the evening - Hot Dog Prom at Seattle Tavern is one of them. The Georgetown Pride website has the full lineup.