Interested in courthouse wedding photography? I’m a local Seattle wedding photographer who loves elopements, small ceremonies and quickie courthouse nuptials!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Seattle Municipal Court performs ceremonies at 4:30 every weekday (closed on weekends). You must request an appointment to be married. If you’ve made your request and are still waiting on approval, you’re still welcome to email me or text (206-799-9176) to get started booking your wedding photography! I offer a few packages depending on what you’re looking for. Some couples just want pictures of the ceremony. Others, like Emily and Rob (pictured), prefer additional time for first look photography, couple photos, candids, and family and friend portraits. Even though the wedding was small and simple, they wanted great professional photography to capture the day.
When the weather is nice, I like using the courtyard outside for first look and family/friend photos. If it’s raining there are spots inside the courthouse we can use too. For this wedding, we arrived early to shoot the first look outside then headed up to check-in. These photos took just 5-10 minutes! I don’t do awkward (yuck) instead I’ll give you light direction where to stand or how to pose, then we josh around and I use some fun prompts (like “who’s better at loading the dishwasher?”) to get you to engage with one another and smile your real smiles. I want the photo-taking part to be FUN too!
After you check in, you wait to see the judge. When they’re ready, they welcome the couple (and photographer if you like!) into their chambers to go over the ceremony and vows. This is when you can make any special requests or changes. The meeting is quick, maybe 5 minutes, but also fun and exciting! You’re going to be married in a matter of minutes!
There is usually some waiting-around time before or after the meeting with the judge. I like to snap candids of any friends or family you’ve brought with you, or you can use the time for a few more photos of you as a couple! Emily and Rob had their daughter in the pandemic, so their courthouse wedding included family photos with her. The cutest little flower girl!
Once the judge is ready, it’s time to get married! The Municipal Courthouse has a beautiful rooftop with views of the Seattle Skyline. It also has a big interior room with large glass windows and beautiful views as well (I recommend this one especially between October and February when weather is cold and windy).
Once the wedding begins, I hang back and shoot as discretely as possible while still capturing lots of images of your ceremony. I like to get big wide-angle photos to include the city views, but also close up images (with a long lens) for those heartfelt candids.
Married! Small ceremonies really are so sweet and meaningful. Depending on your photo package, after you’re hitched you’re all done with pictures! Or, if you have plans to get dinner afterwards and want photos of that celebration, I can accompany you to the restaurant or venue and get more photography there. It’s usually good to call the venue ahead of time to make sure pictures are allowed.
For this wedding, the couple booked 2 hours of photography, which was the perfect amount of time for first look pictures, snaps of the meeting with the judge, candids while waiting, the ceremony, and group formals. But I also offer 1 hour or less packages, if it’s just the two of you! Those include couple portraits and the ceremony.
Signing and fun group shots! These are quick – just a few minutes. The energy is so joyful and celebratory!
My style is classic and candid. When you get your gallery I want you to see you, nothing forced or awkward! Just joyful memories of the best day. Packages include all the good digitals from your event, edited in a timeless true-to-life color edit, with some black and white conversions thrown in for fun. I’m light-handed with my edits, as I want your wedding photos to stand the test of time. I find filters, while fun, are often too trendy for wedding photos. Clean, classic, and authentic is my jam!
While it takes up to 2 weeks to get your finished photo gallery, I do like to text you a few previews within 48 hours that you can post and share with friends. Even if you’ve chosen a courthouse wedding for its simplicity and ease, it’s still so lovely to have professional photography to mark the occasion. I’d love to work with you and your fiance(e)! Please email me to get started (erin@erinschedlerphoto.com). I’m happy to work with you to create a package that fits your needs best.
Seattle engagement photographer, seattle courthouse wedding photography, seattle elopement photographer, wedding portraits, PNW and Washington photography studio