A Sweet Elopement at Woodland Park Zoo's Gorgeous Rose Garden...

Jamal & Eldrina

October 6, 2012 - Rose Garden/Woodland Park Zoo.

From Bermuda to Seattle with lots of LOVE!

It was such a delight for me to work with Jamal and Eldrina and create a sweet and romantic "elopement" for them on Saturday, October 6th at the Rose Garden/Woodland Park Zoo.

With 2 witnesses from the Zoo looking on and one very fabulous photographer, Jamal and Eldrina celebrated their inspiring and very loving relationship with the gift of a personalized and sweet ceremony.

Some couples are absolutely meant to be.  Jamal and Eldrina are this and so much more.

Photo:  Kier Smith - www.firstlight-photography.com
Officiant:  Annemarie Juhlian www.marriedbyannemarie.com

One Of The Best Gifts For Your Elopement? Amazing And Professionals Photos!

This time of year, I get wonderful calls from couples - local, from across our country and internationally -  and all want to "elope" to Seattle.

Wonderful!  I can help with this.

And one of the great gifts I suggest for a couple is a professional photographer.

If you are coming to Seattle for a sweet and intimate wedding ceremony, request my short list of photographers who LOVE elopements.  I work with several who are creative, funsy and very affordable.

Annemarie Juhlian www.marriedbyannemarie.com

Aaron and JeNeil Elope To Seattle!

Aaron, JeNeil and their handsome little guy

July 7, 2012 - Volunteer Park

Saturday morning.  July 7th.

A young, inspiring and fun-loving couple.  And their very cute and energetic 2-year-old son!

Aaron and JeNeil drove a few days before from Utah to "elope" to the Seattle area.  Under a big and very old tree at Seattle's Volunteer Park, Aaron and JeNeil exchanged vows with their young son circling their legs.

Vows were exchanged.  Rings were placed.  Aaron was holding his little guy when he gave his beautiful new wife a kiss.

Perfect.

Photo:  www.jennygg.com

Officiant:  www.marriedbyannemarie.com

Elope To Seattle! A Sweet And Memorable Wedding for Andrew & Jenny On A Washington State Ferry!

Jenny & Andrew

June 29, 2012 - Washington State Ferry

You've gotta love Jenny and Andrew from Massachusetts!

Within a short time of making a "final decision" to "do it," Andrew and Jenny booked their flight and made their way to the Seattle area.

On the 10:25 a.m. ferry run on Friday, June 29th aboard the Washington State Ferry from Bainbridge Island to Seattle, this very sweet couple got "hitched" at the front of the boat with the Seattle skyline behind them - and to the delight of hundreds of on-lookers from inside the ferry!

Every year, the Washington State Ferry system hosts small weddings aboard their ferries.  If you'd like more information on this, feel free to send an email or give me a call at 425.922 1325.  There is no cost to a couple and the process to secure "permission" is easy.

Jenny and Andrew - you are so very married!

photo:  http://www.jennygg.com/

officiant:  http://www.marriedbyannemarie.com/

From Alaska to Seattle! Michael and Angie's Small & Intimate Ceremony, Seattle Style!

Michael + Angie = Seattle wedding!

On a cold and blustery day, Michael and Angie were married at Seattle's Edgewater Hotel, surrounded by close family and friends.

This couple wanted a small and intimate ceremony and celebration - and with a personalized ceremony and dinner with their best family and friends, they got their wish.

The Edgewater Hotel in downtown Seattle is a perfect venue for a tiny wedding celebration.

I particularly like the waterfront room which is adjacent to the Hotel's dining room. This is where Michael and Angie were married and where they celebrated with a beautiful dinner. I've been to this room numerous times over the years and it's a favorite for a "Seattle waterfront" wedding experience!

A New Find: For A Small & Intimate Wedding Ceremony in Seattle! Cicchetti Restaurant!

I had the pleasure of officiating Clarence and Nessia's wedding ceremony on January 28th.

And as I walked up to the door of their venue, Cicchetti, I knew I was at a most wonderful venue for a small and intimate ceremony.

Along with 20 of their close family and friends and their sweet daughter, Clarence and Nessia exchanged vows and celebrated their partnership at this romantic and cozy venue.

Once the ceremony was over, we signed documents in a private side room and then it was on to a beautiful dinner.

So, if you're seeking a venue for your tiny ceremony or elopement, contact: www.serafinaseattle/cichetti.com

A Valentine's Day Elopement - Seattle, Washington Style!

Valentine's Day is a day for small and tiny wedding ceremonies.

Perhaps an elopement for 2.

Perhaps a ceremony at home with 10 close family and friends.

Perhaps a sweet exchange of vows and dinner at a local Seattle celebration restaurant like Salty's on Alki, Palisade, Barking Frog or The Salish Lodge.

If you are considering Valentine's Day to get hitched, and want a tiny and intimate ceremony, I invite you to give me a call at 425.922.1325.

Let's discuss ideas and possibilities - I'm always up for something traditional, contemporary or perhaps "out there!"

Photo: Ashley & Ryan: Their "ceremony for 2" at The Salish Lodge!

Getting Married Your Way: A Reflection On The Tiny & Intimate Wedding...

Tiny weddings are full of emotion.

Whether yours is an elopement for two or a small and intimate gathering for 10-50 people,it's all the same.

A wedding is an event. AND it is an emotional event.

As you plan your wedding day, I invite you to remember what's important to you.

If you want a beach wedding for just the two of you, do it. If you want to escape to Willows Lodge for a sweet ceremony for a dozen of your closest people and dinner at the Herbfarm, do it. If you want to get married in a hot air balloon, do it.

There is something incredibly liberating about taking such a big lifetime moment and truly making it your own.

To get married this holiday season, please call me at 425.922.1325 or go to http://www.elopeseattlestyle.com/

It's A "Tiny Wedding" Holiday Weekend! Romantic Celebrations For 3 Couples...

Tiny ceremonies and/or elopements are BIG over a holiday weekend - and things are no different for this coming Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

This coming holiday weekend, I am so delighted to share in the happiness of three very diverse and loving couples who are having "tiny ceremonies" to celebrate their commitment.

Congratulations to: Per & Teresa, Scott & Melissa and Sebastian & Angela!

Robert & Shelley Elope To Seattle!

Cupcakes.

Champagne.

A Unexpectedly Gorgeous Seattle Day.

A Happy Couple From Far Away.

A Small Group of Thrilled Family and Friends.

Faboo Photo Goddess - Jenny Goldberg-George.

Congratulations to Robert & Shelley - married high in the sky in Seattle!

Photo: http://www.jennygg.com/

Rain, Rain & More Rain! 3 Tips For A Fun & Memorable Elopement In The Rain...

When I think about it, I realize that many of my elopements happen in the rain.

For many couples, getting married outside in a small and intimate ceremony trumps the threat of raindrops.

Often, an elopement is at a Seattle Park, view point or home and if it isn't freezing outside, we're usually outdoors!

If you are being married under the raindrops, here are 3 quick and easy tips for a fun and memorable moment:

1) Plan For Umbrellas! Colorful umbrellas not only cover everyone but they offer color for wonderful wedding photos.

2) Keep The Marriage License Indoors. Some couples want to sign a license outside...not. Rain can create chaos with the ink of a legal document so plan to sign indoors.

3) Find a Tree. Oftentimes, one gets less wet in the rain under a tree or canopy of trees. I was just out at Tree House Point in Preston yesterday for Eric and Erin's tiny ceremony. Yes, it was raining and because of the tree coverage, we didn't even need an umbrella!

Photo: www.firstlight-photography.com

911 Elopement - Gas Works Park - "Hello, Annemarie?"

You know what makes me crazy?

An Officiant who cancels on a couple at the last minute and/or just disappears - especially for an elopement!

I was delighted to marry Shannon and Joe at a moment's notice this past Thursday afternoon. They were to be married earlier in the day in Tacoma and their Officiant was a 'no show.'

Happily, I was able to meet them at Gasworks Parks for an impromptu ceremony - complete with 5 thrilled witnesses.

I love Gasworks Park for an elopement - it's a contemporary park with lots of picturesque vistas and easy/free parking!

Getting Hitched - Getting Married! Easy & Comfy This Summer...

Summertime in Seattle is a time of tiny weddings everywhere!

If you are planning a small and intimate ceremony here in Seattle (eloping!), here are a few tips to help you plan an easy and comfortable lifetime moment:

1) Find A Great Place - I'd like to refer you to my blog at http://www.elopeseattlestyle.com/ - I list some of my favorite locations in the Greater Seattle area - parks, chapels, outdoor locations, etc.

2) Beware the 3-Day Wait - Don't forget there is a 3-day waiting period from the date your marriage license is issued in Washington State.

3) Find Your Officiant - Officiant schedules fluctuate during the busy Summer months. Make your calls and find a best fit!

4) 2 Witnesses - And finally, you will need 2 witnesses over the age of 18 years of age!

Can You Marry Us This Afternoon? Yes, I Can! And I Did!

Ring, ring.

"Can you marry us soon?

Yes, when?

"Oh, in the next hour or two?"

And an hour later, I met Thomas and Heather (and their four witnesses) on the Poulsbo waterfront and got them married just before raindrops started to fall.

Fun couple. Fun moment. It just all came together beautifully.

Elopements come in all sizes. Some planned. Some unplanned. And some truly last moment.

Happy July 4th! And A Big Holiday Weekend For Elopements in Seattle!

4th of July is a crazy good weekend in Seattle for elopements!

Over the weekend, I met Brian and Sarah on Alki Beach for their vows and made my way to Tacoma for Glen and Sharon's wedding ceremony on Ruston Way.

Last night, just before the fireworks I'll be in Ballard to make sure Lenny and Sarah are hitched in style!

If you are planning a holiday elopement in Seattle - perhaps thinking about Labor Day - plan early. Hotel rooms are at a premium and if you need a permit for a special park, making plans around this sooner than later is smart!

Getting Married in Seattle Before Your Cruise To Alaska - Summer 2011

Zach and Megan - Elopement 2011

The Summer season is almost upon us! Many people get married in Seattle before they board their cruise to Alaska. If you would like to get married before you board your cruise ship, follow these easy steps: 1) Secure your marriage license at http://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/marriage.aspx; 2) Find a great Seattle location for your ceremony; 3) Find/select your Officiant; 4) Show up with your marriage license - get married - and have a wonderful cruising honeymoon!

Traveling To The Seattle/Puget Sound Area For Your Elopement - 3 Important Things To Know...

If you are a couple traveling to the Seattle/Puget Sound to elope, here are three planning tips to help you have a beautiful and intimate ceremony and celebration, much like Ben and Sarah did on April 4th at a sweet bed and breakfast in Sequim, WA - rain drop, umbrellas and all!

1) Marriage License - Contact the marriage license office at King County for more information at 206 296 4021. You will need to pick up your marriage license before you arrive or have your Officiant pick it up for you. There is a 3-day waiting period from the day your license is issued so if you decide to wait until you land in Seattle to apply for your license, there is a 3-day wait before you can get hitched.

King County Marriage License: http://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/marriage.aspx

2) Selecting A Best Venue: Here are things to consider. Do you want to be married at the top of the Space Needle, waterside on Alki Beach, on a Washington State Ferry or perhaps at your bed and breakfast or hotel? Seattle offers so many romantic and remarkable possibilities along with grand celebration restaurants include Palisade, Canlis and Cafe Campagne, to name a few.

3) Spend Some Time! Don't rush to get back home (if possible!) Plan to spend a few days (like Ben and Sarah did) to explore the area and to have a few adventures. You will not have an opportunity like this ever again to enjoy your "just married" status so kick up your heels and celebrate, as big as possible!

Fabulous Photo: Mitzi at Firstlight Photography - www.firstlight-photography.com

A Sweet Elopement On A Rainy Day At The Conservatory - Volunteer Park, Seattle!

Take one very happy couple. Mix in 20 people who love them. Show up on a rainy day at a beautiful Seattle Park. Do a last minute check: rings, bouquet, ring boy, officiant.

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And finally, exchange vows - get married! Ryan and Angel did it their way - elegantly and simply. And with so much love.

Elope in Seattle! How To Secure A Valid Marriage License in Seattle, Washington...

To be married in Seattle, Washington, you need a valid marriage license. Whether you are being married in three days, next week or next month, here are easy steps to obtain and use your license in Seattle.

1) How To Apply and Obtain A Valid Marriage License in Seattle If you are being married in Seattle, Washington, you need a valid marriage license issued by King County (or any County in Washington State).

To do this, you and your partner will visit a Marriage Licensing office in Seattle/King County during regular business hours. The cost for the license is $64, cash or debit/credit card. No blood test is required and both of you must at least 18 years of age.

When you leave the government office, you'll walk away with a packet of legal paperwork which you will give to your Officiant or Minister on your wedding day. The person who marries you must review this paperwork before your ceremony takes place and he or she will then get required signatures (both of yours and two witnesses) and return your signed legal document back to the County for processing/certification.

Note: There is a 3-day waiting period from the date your marriage license is issued. What this means is that from the date your license is issued, you must wait 3 full days before you can be legally married. Also, most people who reside in the Seattle area secure their marriage license in Seattle. If by chance you are being married in any other County in Washington State, the license you secure in Seattle/King County is valid in all Counties in Washington State.

For more information, please visit the King County Marriage License website at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/marriage.aspx or call (206) 296 4021. All particulars are on this website (including office locations) and while most couples do apply for a license in person, you may initiate the process via phone and regular mail.

2) Get Married in Seattle: How To Use Your Valid License Once you have your valid license in hand and have exhausted the three-day waiting period, you can get married!

If you have a Minister or Officiant to marry you, fantastic. If you need someone to marry you, fire up Google or your favorite search engine and do a little bit of snooping for someone who resonates with you.

I wish you a happy elopement!

http://www.elopeseattlestyle.com/

Special Place To Elope in Seattle - Volunteer Park!

I was at Volunteer Park yesterday - March 26, 2011 - to marry Ryan and Angel in a sweet and intimate ceremony at the Conservatory.

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Volunteer Park is a beautiful venue/place for a wedding ceremony in Seattle, no matter what the size. Depending on what you desire, you can be married at most any location around the Park including the Fountain, Conservatory, Asian Art Museum and under the huge willow tree in back of the Museum. To secure your permit, contact the Seattle Parks Department - happy elopement!