Get Hitched in Seattle - For Free!

Are you looking to tie the knot and head west to do so? Visit Seattle will launch a wedding sweepstakes, beginning July 1, that will include participation from some of the city's most iconic destinations for four lucky couples.

The package includes air transportation by Alaska Airlines, four-night stay at the Renaissance Seattle Hotel, wedding ceremony at Canlis restaurant, DJ and music, wedding photography, champagne courtesy of Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, beer from Hilliard's Brewery & Taproom and dessert from Trophy Cupcakes. Transportation to and from the ceremony will be provided by Uber Seattle.

"It's an honor to be part of this campaign and I look forward to officiating at the ceremonies for the lucky couples who win wedding trips to Seattle," said Seattle Mayor Ed Murray. "I appreciate the work Visit Seattle is doing to bring more out-of-town LGBTQ visitors to Seattle and the new 'Marry Me in Seattle' campaign is a great example of that work."

Ceremonies will take place on the first Wednesday of the month this September through December. Seattle Mayor Ed Murray will officiate the first wedding on September 3. Any LGBTQ couple that resides outside of Washington State is eligible to win one of the four wedding trips. Winning sweepstakes entries will be randomly chosen.

Beginning July 1, the campaign web site, www.2DaysInSeattle.com/marryme, will feature an essential Seattle LGBTQ marriage checklist that includes a link to Washington State's marriage equality law (referendum 74 which was passed by Washington voters in November 2012), information and links for marriage applications and licenses and a list of LGBTQ officiants.

The website also features a wedding resource guide that includes more than 30 Seattle romance packages, transportation, wedding music and DJs, florists, photographers, venues and catering companies. The site and resource list will be permanent and continuously updated.

"Seattle is a welcoming and progressive place to live and visit," Said Ali Daniels, Visit Seattle's Vice President of Marketing. "What better way to celebrate the passage of Referendum 74 than to throw a party - or four - hosted by generous hospitality businesses throughout the city? The response that we've received from our partners is incredible. Everyone we've reached out to wants to find a way to be a part of this campaign."

This story is part of our special report: "Gay Marriage". Want to read more? Here's the full list.