Not every wedding has a grand venue, a massive guest list, or a dramatic dress reveal—but sometimes, that’s exactly what makes it perfect. Hailey and Steve’s intimate courthouse wedding in Edmonds, Washington was proof that heartfelt moments, good laughs, and a little spontaneity can create some of the most unforgettable wedding memories.


With about 30 close family and friends, their two kids, and the kind of love you can see in every photo, this wedding was full of energy, emotion, and connection from beginning to end.

A couple stands outside a modern orange building with slanted roof and concrete retaining walls surrounded by trees.
Couple in wedding attire share a happy moment outside a brick building on their special day.
A series of five consecutive photos showing a couple walking together outdoors along a paved pathway on a sunny day.
A couple shares an intimate kiss outdoors, with the bride holding a peachy floral bouquet against her white polka dot dress.
A bride in a white dress and companion in blue suit sitting together on stone steps surrounded by garden flowers.
Close-up of bride holding peach rose bouquet and groom's brown leather shoes at outdoor wedding ceremony.
A romantic wedding couple sharing an intimate moment on a stone bench surrounded by flowers and greenery.
Architectural sequence showing multiple angles and views of an exterior staircase and entrance to a modern building.
A group of people stands on the front steps of a modern building with orange walls and white accents.

A Sweet Ceremony at the Edmonds Courthouse


We started the day at the Edmonds Courthouse, which is a surprisingly charming spot for a Washington courthouse wedding. The light was soft, the building had great angles for portraits, and there was enough space outside to gather everyone for photos before the ceremony began.


Courthouse weddings can sometimes feel rushed or transactional—but not this one. Hailey and Steve brought so much energy into the space. From quiet, teary-eyed moments with their kids to full-blown laughter and literal jumping up and down before their first kiss, the emotion in the room was real. One of my favorite things about photographing courthouse weddings is how stripped down they are. No fluff. No distractions. Just people who love each other, saying yes in front of the ones who matter most.


If you're thinking about doing something similar, check out King County’s official marriage registration guide for how to plan a courthouse wedding in Washington State.

People gathered in a hallway or office space having animated conversations and interactions during a professional event.
Staff and students gather around analyses samples in a bright laboratory workspace.
People collaborate in a modern classroom setting with wooden desks and pendant lighting fixtures.
Students sit in a curved lecture hall with tiered seating while attending a presentation in a modern classroom setting.
A beige waiting room with blue chairs and an exit sign mounted on the wall has medical equipment along the perimeter.
A couple proceeds down the aisle at an intimate indoor ceremony with blue chairs and guests looking on.
Two people stand in a courtroom setting with one wearing a light blue suit and another in black attire.
Two people embrace in an emotional moment at an indoor gathering while others look on with flowers nearby.
A couple shares an emotional embrace with an officiant during what appears to be a wedding ceremony.
A couple exchanges vows in an intimate courthouse ceremony while an officiant presides over their special moment.
Low-angle view of an auditorium interior with curved walls, ceiling lights, and rows of blue seats during a gathering.
Simple courthouse wedding ceremony in a modern auditorium room with warm lighting and small floral bouquet.
Detailed close-up sequence showing two hands exchanging wedding rings during a marriage ceremony.
An intimate wedding ceremony takes place with the couple exchanging rings as an officiant in black robes presides.
Students work at computer workstations in a curved university computer lab with warm lighting and tiered seating.
A small group of people participating in dance class practice in a mirrored studio with wooden floors.
People lay on the floor during a yoga or meditation session in a circular studio with warm lighting.
A couple shares their first dance in a courthouse ceremony room while guests look on from wooden benches.
Newlywed couple shares a romantic kiss in front of a wooden backdrop at a wedding reception venue.
A celebratory moment in a lecture hall with three people posing together and floral arrangements on display.
A series of connected panoramic photos showing people in formal attire at a dance or social event in an illuminated ballroom.
Medical staff gather in a meeting room around a table during a hospital team meeting or training session.
A joyful wedding celebration moment in a courthouse room with three people showing a marriage certificate.
A large modern classroom or lecture hall with tiered seating, wooden desks, and recessed lighting in the ceiling.
Newly married couple embrace in an emotional hug after their wedding ceremony while standing before an American flag.
Curved auditorium-style classroom seating in a modern educational facility features pale walls and recessed lighting.
A modern courtroom interior with tiered seating, wood paneling, and recessed lighting in the ceiling.
A happy couple exits a storefront venue while wedding guests celebrate and throw confetti on the sidewalk.

Family Photos at the Edmonds Waterfront


After the ceremony, we headed down to the Edmonds waterfront—just a short drive from the courthouse. This is one of my favorite locations for post-ceremony portraits, especially for couples getting married in Snohomish County or the north Seattle area.


The clouds rolled in just enough to give us a soft, diffused glow (photographer’s dream). We gathered everyone together for family photos, and the Washington State Ferry provided the perfect Pacific Northwest backdrop. Whether you’re local or visiting, having the ferry in your wedding photos instantly adds that “classic PNW” energy.


This part of the day felt like a deep exhale. The official part was done, and everyone could just be. Kids ran around, couples chatted, and Hailey and Steve shared quiet moments between photos. As a Seattle wedding photographer, these natural pauses are some of my favorite to capture—where people are just themselves.


If you’re planning a courthouse ceremony and looking for photography location ideas near Edmonds, the ferry terminal and beachfront walkways are gold.


Want more ideas? Check out my blog on A Seabrook Engagement Adventure for another Washington coastline shoot with plenty of character.

A group of people celebrate joyfully on the beach with raised arms as a large ferry boat passes in the background.
A wedding party in formal attire poses on a dock by the water with boats and buildings visible in the background.

A Champagne Spray with Personality


After wrapping up family photos, Hailey and Steve brought out a comically oversized bottle of champagne—and I knew we were in for a good time.


We set up on the beachfront with some space to get wild. Steve went full beast-mode with the champagne spray, while Hailey danced, laughed, and jumped around in the mist. It was one of those moments where everyone watching—from family to strangers passing by—couldn’t help but smile.


You don’t need a big reception to celebrate with energy. If you’re planning an elopement or courthouse wedding, I always encourage couples to build in a celebration moment, whether it’s popping a bottle, sharing a cake, or just dancing by the water.


If you liked this moment, check out how Marco went all-out at Canlis during his cake cutting with Mabel. Big personality moments always make the best images.

A wedding couple celebrates on a beach with a ferry boat visible in the distance on a cloudy day.
Celebratory moment on a beach with champagne spray against cloudy skies and ocean backdrop.
A collage of romantic beach wedding photos showing a couple celebrating against an overcast shoreline background.
A bride and groom celebrate with champagne while walking along a misty beach on their wedding day.
A couple in formal wear dances joyfully on a cloudy beach during a romantic moment by the ocean.
A romantic series of beach engagement photos showing a couple sharing pizza and champagne by the ocean at sunset.
A couple shares a celebratory moment with champagne glasses and a bottle at a beachside location.
Newlywed couple shares a romantic moment with champagne on a cloudy beach with wooden pier in background.

The Cold Plunge: Recreating Their First Date


Now, here’s where things got legendary. Hailey and Steve had their first date years ago at the beach, ending with a spontaneous cold plunge into the Puget Sound. They decided to recreate that moment on their wedding day—yes, in full wedding attire.


The water was cold, but I came prepared (swim trunks in my bag—because I always go the extra mile for my couples). As they ran hand-in-hand into the waves, their laughter echoed over the shoreline. This wasn’t just a fun photo op—it was them, revisiting the beginning of something special and bringing it full circle.


I captured everything from the sprint down the beach to the soaked embrace afterward. It was chaotic, hilarious, romantic, and hands-down one of my favorite wedding moments of the year.

A couple celebrates their wedding day on a rocky beach near a large commercial building.
A couple in wedding attire walks along the shoreline near a modern beachfront venue on an overcast day.
Newlywed couple splashes through shallow water at the beach in their wedding attire during a playful photoshoot.
A couple in wedding attire playfully splash in the ocean water near a green bridge structure on an overcast day.
A couple shares a playful moment while frolicking in the ocean waves on a cloudy day at the beach.
Person floats peacefully in calm salt water at the Bonneville Salt Flats during overcast conditions.
A couple in formal wedding attire raises their arms joyfully while standing in calm lake waters with mountains in background.
Two people in formal attire wade through ocean water near a pier on an overcast day.

Wrapping Up by the Sprinter Van


After drying off, we wrapped up the session at their sprinter van, which had been sweetly decorated by their kids. This little corner of their lives with some leftover champagne—felt like a love note from their family to them.


They cuddled up in the back of the van, sipping and smiling, wet hair and all. The energy had shifted again—this time into something slower, more reflective. You could feel the joy, the comfort, and the gratitude settle in.


These are the kinds of weddings I love photographing as a Washington elopement photographer—intimate, story-rich, and full of intention.

A silver Mercedes van with 'Just Married' and hearts drawn on the rear window in white writing.
Dark wet footprints on light colored concrete or pavement surface from above.
Bare feet stand beside a white lace dress, white shoes and a picnic basket with wine bottle on ground.
Two people stand next to a gray van in a parking lot with drinks and shopping bags beside them.
Two hands holding champagne glasses toasting in front of a Mercedes-Benz logo on a dark background.
A couple shares a romantic moment next to a van with a 'Just Married' message written on its side panel.
A newlywed couple embraces in front of a black wall with "Just Married" and hearts written in chalk.

Planning a Courthouse Wedding in Washington? Here’s What to Know:


More and more couples are choosing smaller, more intentional celebrations—and courthouse weddings in Washington are a beautiful way to do just that. Here are a few resources if you’re thinking of planning one:



Why Intimate Weddings Deserve Big Photography Energy


Just because your wedding is small doesn’t mean your story is. Whether it’s 5 people or 50, I approach every event with the same care, creativity, and energy I would bring to the biggest ballroom celebration.


If you're planning a courthouse wedding, beach elopement, or small Seattle wedding—you deserve a photographer who sees the moments others miss and isn’t afraid to jump into the water with you (literally).


Let’s Tell Your Story — Your Way


Whether you’re planning a courthouse ceremony in Edmonds, a mountaintop elopement near Rainier, or a backyard celebration in Seattle, I’m here for it. I specialize in photographing intimate weddings, elopements, and non-traditional celebrations that still feel full of life and intention.


Let’s make photos that feel like you—no stress, no forced poses, just real moments beautifully captured.


📩 Get in touch here to start planning