Escape to Kitsap County, Washington? Whether you want to elope to a quaint inn, waterside bed and breakfast, or get married on the beach or on a boat in Kitsap County, here are 5 easy steps to get married quickly and easily.

1) Select a Venue / Location to Get Married – Kitsap County is located in the West Sound area of ​​Puget Sound and offers many wonderful places / locations for your getaway. Whether you live or travel 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 Convention and Kitsap County Visitors Bureau website for ideas and suggestions on venues or locations.

When considering date and time, know that April through September are the ‘popular months’ for Kitsap County weddings and dates are booked quickly. If you select an off-season date in the fall and winter, chances are you can 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 most convenient to apply for your marriage license at the County Marriage Licensing office in Port Orchard, WA, on Division Street. You can apply for your license in person or by mail. The license fee 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 get a marriage license from any other county in Washington state, you’re good at 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 documentation. If you don’t have two witnesses, ask your Clerk or Minister for help.

4) To escape, you will need an officiant or minister! If you go online and search for terms like “Kitsap County Wedding Clerk” or “Kitsap County Wedding Minister”, you will find a number of Clerks and Ministers that may appeal to you. To secure your Officiant / Minister, make a few phone calls and see who is available, what rates are charged, and in the end, select a boy or girl who resonates with you.

5) Don’t forget a wedding bouquet, wedding rings, a camera, an umbrella, and maybe a reservation for a celebratory meal. You can order a wedding 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!