Seattle is seriously one of the most underrated places to elope in Washington. Don’t get me wrong, the national parks are incredible (and I’ll cover those too), but there’s so much beauty in and around the city that people tend to overlook.
Whether you live here or you’re flying in for the first time, this guide will walk you through the best places to elope in Seattle, plus exactly how to make it legal. I’ve been photographing elopements all over Washington for the past 7 years, and I’m here to make the process simple. From permits and marriage licenses to weather and timing, you’ll find everything you need right here.
10 Best Places to Elope in Seattle
Seattle has no shortage of incredible elopement locations, and one of the best things about getting married here is how much variety you can get without traveling far. You’ve got skylines, beaches, forests, gardens, and even waterfalls all within a short drive. Whether you’re planning something quick and simple or turning your elopement into a full-day experience, I can guarantee you’ll find a location you love. Below are the 10 best places to elope in Seattle.
1. Seattle Courthouse
I’m a sucker for a good courthouse elopement, and an even bigger sucker for one with a killer view like the Seattle courthouse has.
Situated in the heart of the city, the courthouse has one of the best views of Seattle’s skyline. You can choose to get married on the rooftop overlooking the city or stay indoors and get married in one of the many rooms the courthouse has to offer. You’ll also have easy access to locations nearby, such as Pioneer Square or the waterfront for portraits.
2. Washington State Ferry
Yes, you can literally get married on a ferry!
Hopping on a Washington State Ferry is one of the most fun and underrated ways to elope around Seattle. You get water, mountains, skyline views, and a new location at the very end. You can say your vows on deck, then ride it out to somewhere like Bainbridge Island or Olympic National Park to keep the day going.
3. Alki Beach
Alki Beach is one of my favorite locations for Seattle elopements. It’s close to town and offers beautiful views of both the skyline and Olympic Mountains. Whether you’re looking for a location that can accommodate friends or family, or you just love the idea of being by the beach, Alki Beach may just be the location for you.
4. Discovery Park
Discovery Park is perfect for couples who love nature and want a bit of everything from beaches and forests to mountain views and gardens. Located just a short drive from downtown Seattle, the park offers 534 acres of trails, meadows, and cliffsides. You can say your vows overlooking the Puget Sound, with the Olympic Mountains in the distance, or find a more secluded spot in the woods for a ceremony.
5. Pike Place Market
You can’t talk about Seattle elopements without talking about downtown. With iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Great Wheel, you’ll have a variety of places for photos. Take in the view on a rooftop, exchange vows on a famous street, or try one of the many restaurants downtown. Plus, you’re not far from beautiful waterfront views or parks if you want to explore.
6. Kerry Park
If you’ve ever seen a photo of the Seattle skyline, chances are it was taken at Kerry Park.
Kerry Park is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the city, with a full view of downtown and Mount Rainier on a clear day. It’s super easy to access, which makes it a great option if you want something simple for you and your guests.
That said, it’s popular. Like, really popular. If you’re planning to elope here, I’d aim for sunrise or a weekday to avoid the crowds. The actual park is pretty small, so this works best for quick ceremonies or portraits rather than anything long.
7. Washington Park Arboretum
If you’re looking for something super nature-forward, this is one of the best spots in Seattle, and one of my personal favorites.
Washington Park Arboretum feels completely removed from the city even though you’re right in it. You’ll find hiking trails, waterfront locations, manicured gardens, and super lush greens pretty much year-round. In the spring, you’ll catch blooms, and in the fall, the colors here are to-die-for.
It’s a great option if you want a more relaxed setting without giving up variety. You can easily wander around and find a spot that feels private, which is harder to do in some of the more popular locations.
8. Volunteer Park Conservatory
Calling all plant lovers, gardeners, or couples who don’t want to risk the rain, this is one of the best options in Seattle.
Volunteer Park Conservatory is a glass greenhouse filled with tropical plants, palms, and tons of natural light. This is a great location year-round, but really shines in the winter for couples who don’t want to chance it with the rain.
It’s also a great choice if you’re keeping things really small. The space is a little more structured than a park or beach, which some couples prefer.
9. Seward Park
Seward Park is one of the best places to elope in Seattle if you’re looking for an incredible location without the crowds.
The park sits right on Lake Washington and is surrounded by old-growth forests. You can literally walk a little into the trees and feel like you have the whole place to yourselves. On top of that, the park has multiple picnic tables and a large outdoor auditorium for weddings. Afterwards, head to the shore for some portraits.
10. Snoqualmie
Snoqualmie is the place to elope for nature lovers. Granted, it’s not downtown, but if you’re open to a 45-minute drive, you’ll be surprised at just how different the scenery will look.
This town is packed with hiking trails, waterfalls, mountain views, forests, and more. It’s most famous for Snoqualmie Falls but is also home to popular photo spots like Gold Creek Pond. Have your ceremony at one of the many hidden gem trails before heading back into the city for dinner.
Open to Locations Just Outside Seattle?
If you’re willing to drive a bit, some of the best elopement spots in Washington are just outside the city. From mountains to alpine lakes and national parks, you’ll find way more variety once you get out of Seattle.
Check out these guides for some of the best options nearby:
- Mount Rainier National Park Elopement Guide
- Olympic National Park Elopement Guide
- North Cascades National Park Elopement Guide
- Artist Point Elopement Guide
- 15 Most Stunning Places to Elope in Washington
- Best Places to Elope in the PNW
And if it’s a small wedding venue you’re after, I’ve got an entire post for that too!
Best Time of Year to Elope in Seattle
The best time of year to elope in Seattle is during the spring or fall season. Believe it or not, but Seattle actually has mild temperatures and snow-free locations year-round. Don’t mind overcast skies? Visit in November. Prefer sunnier weather? You can’t beat August. Ultimately, there’s no bad time to elope in Seattle, it all depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of each season:
Spring (March-May)
Spring offers mild weather, cherry blossoms, and gorgeous greens, though you can expect some rain. It’s a great time to explore, but the weather can be unpredictable. However, this is a great time to take advantage of the city without the summer crowds.
Summer (June-August)
Summer brings snow-free trails and lots of sunshine. It’s said that summers in Seattle are next-level. However, this also means crowds which means finding crowd-free locations, at least close to the city, are harder. Expect higher pricing as well if you’re traveling from out of state.
Fall (September-October)
Fall is one of the best times to elope in Seattle. The weather is nice, crowds dip after Labor Day, fall colors are stunning, and prices are lower. The only downside is that rain starts kicking in come October. However, this is the season I recommend most for elopements in Seattle.
Winter (November-February)
Winter means lower prices and fewer crowds. Rain keeps most visitors away, making it a great time for exploring quieter spots like the national parks or enjoying nearby ski resorts. Believe it or not, but Seattle experiences more drizzling than torrential downpour. If you’re not scared to get a little wet, the winter season is one of the most slept-on times of year to elope in the city.
How to Get a Marriage License in Seattle
Getting your marriage license for a Seattle elopement is actually pretty straightforward, even if you’re coming from out of state.
Washington makes the process simple as long as you plan ahead, and once you understand the timeline, it’s easy to work into your elopement plans.
Here’s what you need to know:
- You can get your license from any county in Washington
- There is a 3-day waiting period before you can legally get married
- Your license is valid for 60 days
- You’ll need two witnesses and an officiant
- Witnesses can be anyone, including friends or even people nearby
Option 1: Apply by Mail
- Print and fill out the application here.
- Mail it in with a $169 money order or cashier’s check made payable to King County Recorder to the following address:
- King County Recorder’s Office
RE: Marriage Application
201 S. Jackson St., Ste. 204
Seattle, WA 98104
- King County Recorder’s Office
- After processing, your marriage license will be mailed to you within a few weeks.
Option 2: Apply in Person
- Walk into the County Clerk’s office in Seattle with your photo ID and $169. No appointment necessary. You can fill out the application ahead of time online if you want to save some time.
- Fill out the paperwork and get your license.
- Wait three days before your ceremony.
For all up-to-date information, check out the official King County website here.
Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Seattle?
Generally, you don’t need a permit to elope in Seattle, but it depends on the location.
Many city-owned parks such as Discovery Park or the Washington Park Arboretum may require a permit for ceremonies. You can check which locations require a permit here.
Not sure if your location requires a permit? Simply Google “[location] wedding permit” and you should find what you need.
Where to Stay and What to Do for Your Seattle Elopement
Seattle has some super cool neighborhoods. If you’re eloping in the area, I recommend staying in the Capitol Hill, Ballard, or Queen Anne area for great food and fun things to do.
As for activities before, during, or after your elopement, Seattle has something for everyone. Check out some of my favorites below:
- Take a chef’s tour of Pike Place Market
- Take a cooking class
- Rent a boat and go sailing for the day
- Go on a waterfall tour
- Visit a brewery
- Visit a farm sanctuary
- Go paddle boarding on Green Lake
- Be a tourist and visit the Space Needle
- Rent an Airbnb with a hot tub and enjoy the soak
- Check out one of Seattle’s many night clubs
- Go to the Museum of Pop Culture
- Sign up for a yoga class
- Go hiking in one of the nearby national parks
- Light a fire and have some s’mores
- Enjoy a picnic at Kerry Park
- Go wine tasting around the city
Looking For a Seattle Elopement Photographer?
I may or may not know someone (wink, wink).
I’m Brianna, a PNW elopement photographer who has been photographing elopements throughout the state for the past 7 years.
Whether you’re planning an elopement in the heart of downtown or in one of the nearby national parks, I’m here to help you bring your vision to life. Stressed about permits? Need a hidden gem location? Curious about the marriage license application process? I’ve got you covered every step of the way. Feel free to reach out or take a gander at my PNW elopement packages.
Seattle Elopement Packages
- 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere in Seattle
- A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
- Personalized elopement location recommendations
- Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
- Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
- 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
- Customized elopement timelines
- Optional complimentary officiant services
- Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in Seattle are already included
- Starting at $6,500
Don’t forget your FREE elopement guide!
An all-in-one planning guide for all things elopements! Whether you’re hoping to hike through the mountains of Washington or sip a margarita on the beaches of California, this comprehensive elopement guide has everything you need to know about how to plan the perfect elopement.
You? You’re the kind of person that gets a lil’ teary eyed looking at an epic view…
That moment when you turn to the person you’re with and ask, “Are you seeing this?” I live for it. Places with trees and mountains and soft breezes that make you say, “I can’t believe this place exists,” I spend pretty much all of my free time searching for and exploring them.
These places have always felt like home to me. And if you’re the kind of person who also feels more at home surrounded by trees than by people? Then we’ll get along really well. The Pacific Northwest is full of secret spots that are too special to share with just anyone. But it would make me happy to share them with you on your wedding day.
If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go ahead…
(I promise you won’t regret it.)
P.S. I’m Brianna. I’m a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer whose mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences in the Pacific Northwest that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.
