How to Elope in Seattle

Eloping in Seattle takes four steps, one of which involves the government; the other three are simple. Here is the whole process, from deciding to being legally married.

Step 1: Get your Washington marriage license

This is the government part and the only step with a deadline attached. A King County marriage license costs $169. You can start the application online and one of you finishes it in person. Washington makes you wait three days before the license becomes valid. Once valid, it's good for 60 days, anywhere in the state.

We wrote a complete walkthrough of the license process, including the mistakes couples make with the timing.

Step 2: Decide what kind of eloping you're doing

Eloping used to mean running away. Now it mostly means opting out of the production. Some couples want it completely private, just the two of them and our witnesses. Some bring six friends and a dog. Some want Elvis. All of these count. The only decision that matters is whether you want the ceremony at our chapel in Georgetown, our outdoor gazebo, or somewhere else entirely, because we'll also come to you anywhere in Seattle.

Step 3: Book the ceremony

Booking takes about two minutes online. One tip from years of doing this: check the calendar before you apply for the license, not after. Pick the date first, then time the license around it.

Step 4: Show up and say yes

Bring each other, your valid license, and rings if you want them. We handle the officiant, the witnesses, your music and the photos. The ceremony runs 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much you want to say. You can write vows, speak off the cuff, or say nothing beyond the legal words. Most people are a little nervous. That is normal and it passes about ninety seconds in.

You sign, our witnesses sign and we file the license with King County. The certified copy arrives by mail but if you need it sooner you can walk into the court building downtown to get a copy immediately. Then you go to dinner as married people. ❤️

The short version

License: King County, $169, three-day wait.

Shotgun Ceremonies: Pick your spot. Book online. Show up. Leave married. $500.

Total planning time: Roughly the length of this post.

And if your license is already valid, call us (206.372.3349). We can often marry you the same day.

Come elope with us.

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