Court House Elopement | Matt + Sarah
Eloping, a term that once conjured images of secretive runaway couples, has grown into a popular option for those looking to tie the knot without the fanfare of a big wedding. One of the prominent places in Washington state to elope is the Clark County Courthouse in Vancouver. Matt + Sarah contacted us to capture the ceremony, a few family photos and some couple photos. They chose our 1 hour package which is perfect for getting the must have photos.
Why Elope at Clark County Courthouse?
Simplicity: The straightforward process is ideal for those wanting a stress-free ceremony.
Economical: Save money that might otherwise go to a lavish wedding venue and large guest lists.
Iconic Venue: The historic charm of the Clark County Courthouse offers a memorable setting.
Understanding the Legal Requirements
Before heading to the courthouse, understand the prerequisites:
You need to apply for a marriage license at the Clark County Auditor's Office. There's a three-day waiting period after issuance before you can get married.
Bring government-issued photo IDs (like a driver's license or passport) for both parties.
The marriage license fee varies, so check the current rate on the Clark County website.
Ceremonies take place every week day, Monday-Friday, except Federal holidays (see list below), at 4:30pm. All parties should arrive by 4:15pm.
Appointments are required, at least one day in advance and you must have a valid marriage license. Ceremony appointments will only be scheduled during the valid date range of your marriage license.
Two (2) witnesses – the Court cannot provide them for you. They must be at least 12 years old and understand what they are witnessing.
The Judge will continue until all weddings scheduled for that day have been performed and it is up to them to determine the order of the ceremonies.
Each ceremony is private and only takes a few minutes.
Due to occupancy restrictions, no more than 10 guests will be allowed for any ceremony.
After the Ceremony
Obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate for legal purposes.
get some family photos and couple photos. Some couples choose to just get a few outside of the courthouse and some couples want to go get couple photos locally at places such as Downtown Vancouver Waterfront, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, or Waterfront Renaissance Trail.
Many couples choose to have a post-elopement celebration, whether it’s a quiet dinner or a larger gathering.