King County Courthouse Wedding in Downtown Seattle
Early September in Seattle gave us one of those rare, perfect sunny days.
Maddy and Alex started their wedding morning at the Andra Hotel, getting ready quietly with family before heading to the King County Courthouse for their ceremony. The entire day felt minimal and intentional. Nothing overdone. Just the two of them, their people, and the kind of energy that makes a courthouse wedding feel deeply personal.
Getting Ready at the Andra Hotel
They kept things simple.
Maddy wore a three-piece set — skirt, corset, and jacket — clean and architectural but soft at the same time. Alex wore linen. Everything felt very them. Not “bridal” in a traditional sense, but thoughtful and confident.
Family filtered in and out of the room. There were hugs, small emotional moments, and a quiet build-up before we left for the courthouse.
The King County Courthouse Ceremony
The ceremony itself took place inside the King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle.
The space here feels very different from Seattle Municipal Court. The King County courtroom carries a more traditional, formal energy compared to the smaller municipal ceremony room downtown. It’s more traditional in layout and carries more of that formal courtroom energy. They chose to use a King County judge, and I have to say — Judge Kristen brought such a grounded, calm presence to the room.
The ceremony was short and meaningful. Rings exchanged. A few laughs. A few tears. And then that moment where they raised their hands together at the front of the courtroom — the kind of image that feels simple but powerful.
Minimal. Emotional. Together.
Downtown Seattle Portraits
After the ceremony, we walked outside into full sunshine.
We did a few portraits along the courthouse exterior before hopping on the bus and moving through downtown for more photos. Later, we made our way to a rooftop garage near the Morrison Hotel for portraits with skyline views and warm afternoon light.
There’s something about downtown courthouse weddings that feels cinematic when the sun hits just right. The city becomes part of the story.
This wedding was photographed on a mix of digital, 35mm film, and Polaroid. The film especially felt right for this day — soft light, movement, real emotion.
Dinner at NEB
The celebration continued at NEB, directly across from the Andra Hotel.
The family gathered again. Kids adjusted boutonnieres. Parents hugged a little longer than usual. It felt like one long exhale after the ceremony.
Nothing extravagant. Just togetherness.
Why I Love King County Courthouse Weddings
King County Courthouse ceremonies have a completely different feel than those at Seattle Municipal Court. The room itself feels more structured and formal, but that contrast makes intimate weddings stand out even more.
If you're planning a King County Courthouse wedding or a downtown Seattle courthouse ceremony, working with a Seattle courthouse wedding photographer who understands how to move quickly inside courtroom spaces makes a big difference.
Film coverage works especially well in these environments — it slows the moment down in a place that normally feels procedural.
King County Courthouse Wedding FAQ
Where is the King County Courthouse located?
The King County Courthouse is located in downtown Seattle at 516 3rd Avenue. Civil wedding ceremonies are performed by King County judges inside the courthouse courtroom.
How do you get married at the King County Courthouse?
To get married at the King County Courthouse, you must:
• Apply for a Washington State marriage license
• Wait the required 3-day waiting period
• Schedule a civil ceremony through King County
• Bring two witnesses
Ceremonies are brief and typically held in a courtroom.
What is the difference between King County Courthouse and Seattle Municipal Court weddings?
King County Courthouse ceremonies take place in a traditional courtroom setting and are officiated by a county judge.
Seattle Municipal Court weddings are held in a smaller, more modern room that feels less formal in its layout. The overall atmosphere between the two locations is noticeably different.
(Important for SEO cluster separation.)
Can you take photos inside the King County Courthouse?
Yes, photography is allowed during courthouse wedding ceremonies, but movement is limited, and photographers must be respectful of court rules and proceedings.
Because the ceremony space is structured like a courtroom, it helps to work with a photographer who understands how to adapt quickly to lighting and positioning.
When is the best time of year for a downtown Seattle courthouse wedding?
Late summer and early fall offer the best natural light for downtown portraits. Early September, like this wedding, often brings warm sunshine and clean city light.
Do you offer film coverage for courthouse weddings?
Yes. Courthouse weddings are especially beautiful on 35mm film and Polaroid. The controlled indoor environment and emotional intimacy translate beautifully to analog formats.
Planning a Downtown Seattle Courthouse Wedding?
If you’re considering a King County Courthouse ceremony, here are a few quick notes:
• You’ll use a King County judge
• The space has traditional courtroom seating
• Ceremonies are typically short
• Portrait time is best planned immediately after
• Downtown Seattle light can be incredible in late summer
If you’re drawn to minimal, film-forward courthouse weddings, I’d love to document it.
Get in touch here
