Eloping in WA State

Written By Heather Leacy

To legally get married in Washington State, you’ll need:

  • A marriage license (procured at least 3 days prior to your date and used within 60 days)

  • An officiant… This can be a professional who’s full time job is helping couples navigate their ceremonies or a friend/family member who’s willing to say a few words. Universal Life Church offers a free ordination online.

  • 2 witnesses - must be 18 years or older.


If you would like to exchange personal vows, I am ordained and can officiate a very simple ceremony (only available for those with witnesses attending only as my primary focus will be on photographing your ceremony). I’m also ALWAYS happy to be a witness! I’ve done this many times - it’s always an honor.

And that’s it! Everything else is negotiable. You can get married on a ferry, in the air in a balloon, at a gorgeous venue, in your backyard, in a rental cabin’s livingroom… The sky’s the limit.

Heather Leacy
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