Courthouse weddings have a unique charm—simple, intimate, and filled with raw, emotional moments. Kevin and Alyssa’s wedding at the Maleng Regional Justice Center (Kent Courthouse) in Kent, Washington, was the perfect blend of heartfelt emotions and lighthearted fun. With 40 of their closest friends and family by their side, they celebrated their love in a way that was truly them—full of laughter, sentiment, and a touch of playful spontaneity.


An Emotional First Look in Front of the Courthouse


The day started with a beautiful first look right outside the courthouse. The Maleng Regional Justice Center, a grand, three-story white building with tall windows, provided a stunning and elegant backdrop for this moment. As soon as Alyssa saw Kevin, the emotions flooded in—tears filled her eyes, and it was clear just how much this moment meant to her. In true Kevin fashion, he responded with a warm laugh, gently cheering her up, creating a moment that perfectly captured their dynamic as a couple.

If you’re considering a courthouse wedding in Washington, you may also enjoy reading about Why a Courthouse Wedding in Seattle Might Be the Perfect Choice.

Professional in a navy suit stands on a curved brick path in front of a modern office building entrance.
A groom in a navy suit with black bowtie and boutonniere smiles outside a building on his wedding day.
Person standing beneath a rustic garden arch covered in dormant vines during winter.
A student stands on a curved walkway leading to a modern university science center building entrance.
First look wedding photo with blurred groom in foreground while someone approaches on steps in white dress.
A couple stands on a brick pathway outside an elegant building during their first look wedding moment.
Newlywed couple stands together in a garden setting with the bride wearing a white dress with floral hair accessories.
A couple shares a joyful first look moment in their wedding attire on a rainy garden path.
A couple shares an intimate first look moment on their wedding day along a brick path in an autumn garden setting.
A first look moment between a couple on their wedding day standing on a brick pathway in a garden setting.
Two people share an intimate embrace outdoors during a wedding ceremony on a cloudy day.
Two people share an intimate embrace on a grassy lawn in front of a building.
A couple shares a joyful moment together outdoors, with the bride wearing a white dress and groom in a navy suit.
Two people share an intimate moment outdoors near a building as one reaches for the other's hands.
A couple stands together on a curved path outside an elegant white building with classical columns and large windows.
A newly married couple poses together outside a building, the bride in white and groom in navy blue.
A happy couple shares a joyful moment together at their wedding, with the bride in white and groom in a bowtie.
A romantic wedding couple share an intimate kiss outdoors in front of a white building.
A couple shares a romantic moment on a brick path outside a grand courthouse building with classic architecture and lamp posts.

Private Vows in the Rotunda


After their first look, Kevin and Alyssa shared a private vow exchange in the first and second-floor rotunda of the courthouse. The natural light streaming in from above created the perfect ambiance for this heartfelt moment. Soft whispers, emotional promises, and sweet smiles made this part of the day incredibly special.

For couples who want an intimate yet elegant setting for their vows, a courthouse wedding can be a fantastic option. If you love the idea of a small wedding with big emotions, check out A Beautiful Courthouse Wedding in Seattle: Caitlyn & Sourabh’s Love Story.

A joyful wedding moment captured as the groom smiles lovingly during the ceremony while wearing a black tuxedo and bowtie.
A romantic wedding moment captured as a bride wearing a pearl necklace and white dress gazes lovingly downward.
Interior view of a modern circular building with ornate ceiling and multiple levels, featuring a grand domed skylight.
A tender moment during a wedding ceremony preparation with someone adjusting a boutonniere in black and white.
Close up view of hands holding a white rolled paper or fabric against a textured wall.
Two people converse in a round indoor balcony area with an American flag hanging from the railing.
Two people in formal attire holding papers during what appears to be a wedding ceremony exchange.
A couple in formal wedding attire share a private first look moment in front of an elegant curved balcony.
Two people stand intimately in a light-filled hallway with ornate iron railings and window views.
A couple exchanges wedding vows during an intimate ceremony by a window in a bright hallway.
A couple exchanges vows during a wedding ceremony, with the bride wearing a white dress and pearl necklace.
Newlyweds share an intimate moment in a white wedding dress and navy suit near an ornate railing in an elegant venue.

The Ceremony: A Fun & Lighthearted Moment


The legal ceremony took place inside a courtroom, officiated by a judge who was both kind and funny—a perfect fit for Kevin and Alyssa’s personalities. Throughout their wedding planning process, they made it clear they weren’t too serious about things; they just wanted to have fun. This was evident in the ceremony, which was filled with laughter and lighthearted moments.


A Pokéball Ring Box & A Personal Touch


One of the sweetest details of the day was their Pokéball-themed ring box. During the ring exchange on the third and fourth-floor rotunda, they revealed their rings in this adorable nod to their shared love for Pokémon. It was a detail that added a personal and playful element to their ceremony, making it even more memorable.


If you love unique wedding details, you might find inspiration in Heidi & Chad’s Poulsbo Wedding Day, where personal touches played a big role in their celebration.

A student wearing a blue backpack and white shirt walks down a carpeted classroom aisle between wooden desks.
People gather in a modern conference room for a meeting or presentation with tables arranged and fluorescent lighting overhead.
Couple sits at desk during signing ceremony in office wearing formal wedding attire.
A judge in black robes presides over a court proceeding while two people sit before the bench in a courtroom setting.
Students gather in a modern classroom with wooden tables and fluorescent lighting during an educational session.
Several people share a lighthearted moment while gathered around a conference table in an office setting.
Two colleagues share a lighthearted moment while working together in an office conference room setting.
People gather around a conference table in a modern office meeting room with a TV mounted on the wall.
A couple in formal attire sits at a table signing paperwork together during a ceremony.
Group posing together playfully in an office setting with reception desk and TV screen in the background.

Fun & Energetic Group Photos


After the ceremony, it was time for family and group photos—but in true Kevin and Alyssa style, they put a unique spin on it. Kevin had a spur-of-the-moment idea where he called out fun categories like “Everyone with a dairy allergy, run in for a photo!” This resulted in some of the most energetic and candid group shots I’ve ever taken.


If you’re planning a courthouse wedding but still want fun, engaging, and creative wedding photos, take a look at How to Get the Best Photos on Your Wedding Day.

Two elevator doors flank a central doorway in a modern building lobby with people standing in the entrance.
Two people in formal attire dancing joyfully together in front of elevator doors in a modern lobby.
A wedding ceremony takes place in a bright windowed room as guests watch the couple exchange vows with an officiant.
A couple exchanges smiles and flowers during their intimate wedding ceremony in a bright indoor venue.
An intimate wedding ceremony scene showing a couple exchanging vows with guests looking on in the background.
Someone holds a red and white Pokeball sphere while clasping hands with another person during a ceremony.
A wedding ceremony moment as a couple exchanges rings in a bright indoor venue with guests looking on.
Two people exchange rings during an intimate indoor ceremony while guests look on in a bright modern space.
Close-up of hands exchanging wedding rings during a marriage ceremony.
A couple shares their first dance surrounded by wedding guests in a bright indoor venue with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Three people strike dramatic poses in a bright modern space with large windows, with the middle figure holding a bouquet.
Group of people posing joyfully with raised arms in front of large windows in a bright indoor space.
A group poses together in a bright room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a city landscape.
Group photo of wedding celebration attendees posing together in bright modern venue with curved glass windows.

Final Portraits: A Quiet, Romantic Moment


As the guests left to celebrate at a buffet, I had a few moments alone with Kevin and Alyssa. We took advantage of the top-floor rotunda for some intimate portraits. This quiet moment was the perfect way to close out their wedding day—just the two of them, soaking in the reality of finally being married. After a day filled with excitement and energy, this peaceful, romantic moment stood out as one of the most meaningful.

A romantic moment shared between a couple in formal attire by large windows in an indoor setting.
Two figures stand silhouetted against curved floor-to-ceiling windows in a bright modern building interior.
Two people in formal attire stand together in conversation along a curved hallway with large windows and natural light.
A couple in elegant wedding attire stands by a large window, with the groom in black tuxedo and bride in white dress.
A person in a suit kneels down to propose marriage to someone wearing a white dress in a bright modern building hallway.
A couple dances together in an elegant indoor space with large windows and natural lighting.
A couple in formal attire dances and celebrates in a bright, modern hallway setting.
Healthcare worker in white dress uniform consulting with another medical professional in navy scrubs in hospital hallway.
A romantic moment between newlyweds sharing a tender kiss at their wedding ceremony.
A tender romantic capture of two people sharing an intimate moment during their wedding day.

Final Thoughts: Courthouse Weddings Can Be Magical


Kevin and Alyssa’s wedding was a perfect example of how a courthouse wedding can be filled with just as much love and excitement as a large-scale event. From emotional first looks to fun, spontaneous moments, their day was a reflection of their personalities and the love they share.


If you’re considering a courthouse wedding, intimate elopement, or a small wedding in Seattle, Tacoma, or anywhere in Washington, I’d love to help capture your story. Let’s chat! Visit www.weddingsbyandre.com to get in touch and start planning your perfect wedding photography experience.