Elope to Kitsap County, Washington? Whether you want to elope to a quaint inn, seaside bed and breakfast, or get married on the beach or on a boat in Kitsap County, here are 5 easy steps to getting married quickly and easily.
1) Select a Place/Location to Get Married: Kitsap County is located in the West Sound area of Puget Sound and offers many wonderful places/locations for your elopement. Whether you live in or are traveling to this area for your elopement, the first thing to do is determine the best date, time, and location for your big day. Take a look at the Kitsap County Visitors Bureau and Convention website for venue/location ideas and suggestions.
When considering your date and time, know that April through September are the ‘popular months’ for Kitsap County weddings, and book your dates quickly. If you select an off-season date in the fall and winter, you will most likely be able to negotiate the best value for your money.
2) Apply for your marriage license in Port Orchard (Kitsap County, WA) – If you live in the area, it is best to apply for your marriage license at the County Marriage License office in Port Orchard, WA, on Division Street. You can apply for your license in person or by mail. The cost of the license is $64 and is valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
Note! There is a 3-day waiting period from the time a marriage license is issued, so remember to plan for this if your elopement is something last minute. Also, if you obtain a marriage license from any other county in Washington state, it is valid in Kitsap County.
3 Secure two witnesses: Yes, you will need two people over the age of 18 to witness your ceremony and sign your legal paperwork. If you do not have two witnesses, ask your Officiant or Minister for help.
4) To elope, you will need an officiant or minister! If you go online and search for terms like “Kitsap County Wedding Officiant” or “Kitsap County Wedding Minister,” you’ll find a number of officiants and ministers that may interest you. To secure your Officiant/Minister, make a few phone calls and see who is available, what fees are charged, and at the end select a guy or girl who resonates with you.
5) Don’t forget a bridal bouquet, wedding rings, a camera, an umbrella and maybe a reservation for a celebratory meal. You can order a bridal bouquet and other flowers for your ceremony at a local florist or grocery store. Remember to pack your wedding rings, camera, umbrella, and marriage license. Lastly, make reservations for a “celebration meal” at a wonderful restaurant in Kitsap County to celebrate your escape! A better site for restaurant possibilities is again the Kitsap County Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
I wish you a happy escape!
