SHOTGUN CEREMONIES
A Simple, Legal, Stress-Free Way to Get Married in Seattle
You can get legally married in Seattle without ever setting foot in a courthouse. All Washington requires is a King County marriage license, a licensed officiant and two witnesses, and the ceremony can take place anywhere in the state including our small pink chapel in Georgetown.
At Shotgun Ceremonies we provide the officiant and the witnesses and we file your paperwork for you, so the only things you bring are the license and each other (and a few guests or pets if you want to include them!)
We have been Seattle's elopement chapel since 2010. Bronwen is the officiant. The ceremony happens in a pink shipping container chapel and gazebo at the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall.
We travel up to fifteen miles from Georgetown if you would rather marry somewhere else.
WHY COUPLES CHOOSE
a courthouse alternative
Courthouse appointments are full
#1
County courthouse wedding appointments fill up weeks in advance. We’re available most days and can often take same-day or next-day ceremonies.
You need a legal ceremony quickly
#3
We handle the ceremony and file your paperwork after. With a valid marriage license you can get married here as early as today (based on availability).
You want something simple, but not sterile
#2
Our chapel is in a tiny pink shipping container (we've got a covered outdoor gazebo too) with music, personality and space for guests.
You want a place that "gets" elopements
#4
Small weddings are what we do every day. Whether it's the two of you, a few guests or your pets, we keep it relaxed and meaningful.
What you actually need for a legal wedding in Seattle
A legal Washington marriage comes down to five things. We handle most of them.
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A marriage license.
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An authorized officiant. Shotgun Ceremonies Owner, Bronwen, is licensed and ordained.
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Two witnesses. Washington requires two people present to sign. We provide both, so you do not have to round anyone up.
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A ceremony in Washington. Anywhere in the state is legal. Ours happens in Georgetown.
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The signed license returned to King County. We file it for you after the ceremony so it gets recorded correctly and on time.
That is the whole list. No venue contract, no catering minimum, no seating chart, no year of planning. This is what eloping in Seattle looks like when it is done on purpose
How to Get Married in Seattle
1. Apply for your Washington State marriage license
You can apply online or in person in any WA State county. Each county's process is a little different but typically one member of the party must go in-person to show their ID and pay for the license (or they can use a notary and mail in the application and they will mail it back).
The King County Recorder’s Office is located:
201 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA
2. Wait 3 days
Washington has a mandatory three day waiting period between the day you apply for your marriage license and the day you can legally marry. It cannot be waived by anyone, including us. So plan to apply at least three full days before you want the ceremony.
3. Get married within 60 days
Once your license is valid, your ceremony can happen anywhere. The courthouse, a park, your home or at Shotgun Ceremonies. We perform legal ceremonies seven days a week (depending on availability).
Need help figuring out your timing?
Contact us → 206-372-3349
What a wedding at Shotgun Ceremonies includes
Every Shotgun Ceremonies wedding includes:
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Legal ceremony with a licensed officiant
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Marriage license signing
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Witnesses provided if you need them
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Music for your ceremony (we’ll cue up your favorites!)
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Access to our chapel & outdoor gazebo
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Photos included (your phone or ours!)
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2 "take-a-shot-at-love" souvenir shot glasses
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Fun, memorable experience without the stress
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Paperwork filing right after the ceremony
You bring your license and your partner. We take care of the rest!
Our Pricing
Where we're located
Shotgun Ceremonies
5805 Airport Way S
Seattle, WA 98108
Located in the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall
Free parking, quirky neighborhood vibes and great spots for photos after your ceremony.
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions?
We've been doing this a LONG Time and believe me... we've heard it all. From "Can my dog be our ring bearer?" (Of course! Pets are part of the family and always welcome at Shotgun Ceremonies!) to "Can we recite our vows in Klingon?" (It's your day. Whatever works for you, works for us!)
Trust us, we've been doing this since 2010 and there's nothing we haven't heard. From the wild to the weird to the downright mundane... nothing surprises us.
If you've got a question we haven't answered, please send it to us! We'll get back to you ASAP.
And if you're ready to book, you can do so here!