Who Can Officiate My Washington Elopement?
A list of approved Washington Officiants.
Once you've applied for and received your marriage license, your ceremony must take place within 60 days after the date your license was issued. The license is not valid until three days after it was issued. This waiting period cannot be waived under any circumstances, including court order. If your ceremony does not take place within this time period, the license becomes void and you will need to apply again.
Your ceremony can be performed by:
Licensed and ordained clergy members or similar officials of any religious organization
Washington State Supreme Court justices
Court of Appeals judges
Superior Court judges
Superior Court commissioners
Judges of courts of limited jurisdiction
Judges and judicial officers of federal courts
Judges of tribal courts from a federally recognized tribe
Clergy from any state may perform marriage ceremonies in Washington State, provided they are permitted by their religious organization to perform ceremonies outside of their state. However, the ceremony itself must be performed in the state of Washington. Neither person getting married may perform the ceremony.
(A judge performing your ceremony can be active or retired. Washington state law specifies who can perform a marriage ceremony. To have a judge perform your ceremony, contact them directly. A fee may apply.)
Immediately following the ceremony, the couple, the officiant, and two witnesses must sign the Certificate of Marriage. It is the officiant's responsibility to complete and return the certificate to King County within 30 days after the ceremony.
WITNESSES
Anyone can be your 2 witnesses. A park ranger, friends or even me- your elopement photographer.
10 WAYS TO APPROACH ELOPING
Theres no one right way to eloping. Rules are, there are no rules. Don’t take it from me, I’ve compiled quotes from real couples that have eloped. Everyone has their own approach.
Real feedback from actual human couples on elopement.
ELOPING + MAKING OTHER THINGS HAPPEN IN NONTRADITIONAL WAYS.You can hire a videographer to capture some traditional moments like your first look, the first kiss, and the “I do’s” to share with family as well as for you to rewatch time + time again during the marriage.
STEPPING AWAY FROM TRADITIONS CAN BE HARD AND THAT’S OKAY. It was everything and more I could have hoped for because I mourned what I couldn't have and instead built something that was truly what we wanted. Take the time to be sad you can't have what you always hoped, then think about how you can create your special moments with those that are important to you.
STILL SECRETLY WENT DRESS SHOPPING.
WE DECIDED TO HAVE A PARTY AFTERWARDS. We just hired a speakeasy and my Dad gave a quick speech before we went straight to cocktails and canapés (I got to wear my dress twice).
IT COST US EASILY HALF OF A TRADITIONAL WEDDING. We got a videographer, photographer, cake, flowers, dress and a helicopter in New Zealand.
NOT EVERYONE WILL BE SUPPORTIVE. Family kind of put us in a position that eloping might be the only stress free option. Also weddings nowadays are not cheap. Were going to do a courthouse wedding then do a small reception dinner for about 10 people, including our parents and closest friends. Then leave a few days later for epic honeymoon.
DOESN’T HAVE TO BE JUST 1 DAY. I'm still celebrating 3 months later.
YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT. We had a honeymoon.
TIMING IS IN YOUR CONTROL. The first two weeks of being married only my husband and I knew..
then we told family...
Then we told friends.
Then we had our "cocktail reception" one month afterwards.
KEEP IT SIMPLE. Just elope somewhere beautiful and have a little cocktail hour after for close family and friends.