Photo: Jean-Marcus Strole

Marry Me in Seattle

Marry Me in Seattle contest winners Claudia and Andrea tie the knot in 2014. Photo by Kristen Marie Photography

Marry Me in Seattle contest winners Claudia and Andrea tie the knot in 2014. Photo by Kristen Marie Photography

Since Washington State legalized same-sex marriage in 2012, thousands of LGBT couples have tied the knot in Seattle, which is in the top three cities with the highest concentration of same-sex couples in the country, according to the latest Tax Policy Center report. If you’re eyeing the Emerald City for your destination wedding, King County has everything you need to know about the legal process of getting hitched here. And if you have a little extra time to spend while in town, perhaps during the standard three-day marriage license waiting period or while on a honeymoon in the city, here are some ways to rejoice, relax, and get romantic.

Kick off married life with thousands of other committed couples during Pride Weekend, the largest free pride festival in the nation. The two-day festivities start with Family Day and PrideFest (seattlepridefest.org) in Capitol Hill and culminate with a second day featuring free concerts at Seattle Center. Also that weekend, the annual Seattle Pride Parade (seattlepride.org) winds its way through downtown.

If you prefer to explore the city as a cozy twosome instead, head up to the 73rd-floor Sky View Observatory (*701 Fifth Ave; skyviewobservatory.com), which at 902 feet is the highest public viewing platform on the West Coast. Sights of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, not to mention Puget Sound, are stupendous, while a terrific new cafe serves tasty bites and local beers, ciders, and wines for a celebratory toast.

Another wonderful way for lovebirds to experience Seattle is from the water. Argosy Cruises (*1101 Alaskan Way, Pier 55; argosycruises.com) offers memorable excursions on Seattle’s Elliott Bay, through the Ballard Locks, and around South Lake Union and Lake Washington. Head out in the afternoon and return back to dry land in time to stroll one of Seattle’s trendier quarters for romantic outdoor dining and live music. Good options packed with everything from restaurants and bars to shops and sights include the Pike–Pine Corridor in Capitol Hill, Ballard Avenue and Market Street in Ballard, and North 45th Street in Wallingford.

No matter when you want to tie the knot, or how you plan to celebrate, Seattle is ready to roll out the rainbow carpet.

*Visit Seattle partner

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SEATTLE LOCALIST

Seattle’s best every month in your inbox

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Book Your Trip

Partner Advertisements