Elopement vs. Wedding 🤔

What Is an Elopement?

Let’s clear something up: you’re getting married!

An elopement isn’t a lesser version of a wedding. It’s a choice. A reclaiming. A way to strip away everything that doesn’t feel like you and keep what matters most: the vows, the love, the connection, the quiet awe of the moment.

Historically, “eloping” meant running away in secret, often because love didn’t fit the rules. However, over time, it has evolved into something far more intentional. Modern elopements are about freedom. Freedom from expectations, from guest lists that stretch for pages, from pressure to perform.

At The Vow Room, we use the word elopement because it’s softer. It carries less weight than “wedding.” It invites you to breathe. To remember that this day is about you, not a production schedule, not anyone else’s opinions, not the stress of centerpieces or seating charts.

Eloping doesn’t mean cheap; it means intentional. It’s choosing to invest in what you’ll actually remember: the atmosphere, the feeling, the words you’ll say, and the people (if any) standing beside you.

When you elope, you’re still getting married. You’re just doing it your way. Surrounded by light, love, and calm instead of chaos.

And that’s exactly why The Vow Room exists: to make getting married feel simple, meaningful, and completely yours.

How to Get Your Marriage License

Marriage License Fee Increase 
Effective July 27, 2025, the fee to apply for a marriage license is $162. 

Here’s how to make it official before your ceremony at The Vow Room, it’s simple!

  1. Download the Marriage Application

    • Each partner fills out their own form (you’ll have two total).

    • Type your information directly into the fillable PDF on a computer, no handwriting allowed except for your signature and the notary section.

    • You can’t fill it out on a phone, only on a computer.

  2. Print your forms

    • Once both are filled out, print them and double-check everything.

  3. Get your forms notarized
    You have two options:

    • Option 1 (Fastest!): Bring both completed forms to the Spokane County Courthouse. They’ll watch you sign in person, notarize the forms, and take your payment all at once.

    • Option 2 (By Mail): Have your forms notarized elsewhere (many banks or credit unions offer this service). Then mail both completed, notarized forms together with a single payment of $162 (check, cashier’s check, or money order) made payable to Spokane County Auditor.

    Mail to:
    Spokane County Auditor – Marriage
    PO Box 2353
    Spokane, WA 99210

    (If one of you is active military, the fee is $159.)

  4. Get your marriage packet!

    • If you applied in person, you’ll get it right away at the courthouse.

    • If you mailed it, the county will mail your marriage license packet back to you once everything is processed.

⚠️ Important:
There’s a 3-day waiting period before you can have your ceremony, so plan ahead!

🕒 Office Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
📍 Spokane County Courthouse – 1116 W Broadway Ave
📞 509-477-2271

Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing so there’s enough time to process your application.