Photo Credit
Photo Credit:
Krista Welch
Marriage Ceremonies
Seattle Municipal Court Judges are empowered under Washington State Law to perform marriage ceremonies.
Get Married at Seattle Municipal Court
To request a marriage ceremony by a judge:
- Complete and submit a Marriage Ceremony Request. Please submit no earlier than 8 weeks prior to your preferred ceremony date. You will receive a response within 1-2 business days.
- Marriage ceremonies are performed Monday through Friday, with a check-in time of 4:30 p.m.
- There is a fee associated with the ceremony.
- Photos may be taken at the courthouse 30 minutes prior to check-in and during the ceremony.
- The judge cannot accommodate time for photos after the ceremony.
- The court is closed on weekends and holidays.
- Judges may be available to perform marriages at other locations selected by the couple, including weekends and holidays. Requests for off-site ceremonies on weekday and weekends need to be requested one month in advance. Additional fees may apply.
- Wedding parties, including the couple, guests and witnesses, should not consume alcohol or use drugs before a wedding ceremony at the courthouse. At his/her discretion, the judge may decline to perform a ceremony if the couple, guests and/or witnesses are deemed impaired.
What You Need to Bring
- Marriage License: Seattle Municipal Court does not provide the marriage license. Marriage licenses are issued by the King County Recorder's Office.
- Please note: Washington State law requires a three-day waiting period before a marriage license can be used. Licenses are valid for 60 days.
- Fees: We only accept cash. Please bring exact change.
- Two Witnesses: Witnesses must be 18 or older.
- Seattle Municipal Court DOES NOT provide witnesses.
Marriage Ceremony Fees
The ceremony fee is set by the judge. To inquire about the fee, please contact our Judicial Assistant.