Rainy portraits in the city, his & hers cakes, colorful dresses, and a stunning studio space in the heart of Pioneer Square – what more could a gal ask for from a downtown Seattle elopement? Michelle and Kevin’s elopement day was heartwarming and so beautifully put together from start to end, including their one-of-a-kind elopement attire, an intimate studio ceremony, and gorgeous elopement portraits along the streets of Seattle. Can’t wait for you to be just as obsessed with this downtown Seattle elopement day as I have been ever since being there to photograph it!

Michelle + Kevin’s Rainy Day Elopement in Downtown Seattle

A lovely morning getting ready together

I absolutely love when couples set aside just a little smidge of extra time in the morning for some pre-ceremony portraits; a time to focus on the moments when you’re still in your comfy clothes, sipping from your coffee mugs, taking in the anticipation of the day. Michelle and Kevin did just that as they relaxed on a cozy, velvet green couch, simply enjoying being present with one another and breathing in the peaceful moments. They then helped each other get ready, Michelle basking in the glory of an absolutely beautiful floral dress that she thrifted, and Kevin keeping it simple with a white collared shirt, navy blue trousers, and classic black shoes. I am OBSESSED with Michelle’s whimsical floral look, which she paired with a breathtaking bouquet and a golden, bejeweled hairpiece that dropped all the way down to her collarbone – the headpiece was so simple, yet added such a unique flair to this already gorgeous woman!

A stroll down the streets of Pioneer Square for downtown Seattle elopement portraits

Before we moved onto the official part of the day we of course had to take advantage of the adorable streets of Pioneer Square, a historic part of Seattle boasting gorgeous exposed brick walls, colorful doors, twinkle lights overhead, and unique little alleyways. We got super lucky and the rain cleared out for our outdoor portraits, so Michelle and Kevin took full advantage and had a blast exploring the streets for some classic downtown Seattle elopement portraits! I’m still not sure which ones are my favorite – the shots of them running across the road like they’re on the cover of a hit album or the ones of them strolling under the trees as if they were starring in a rom-com ✨

A charming elopement ceremony at the Banana Stand studio

In the same studio space that they got ready in, the Banana Stand, Michelle and Kevin then said their vows with just a few witnesses, in the privacy of the quiet studio. This ceremony was simple – they let the exposed brick walls shine for themselves & kept the focus on the two of them in the most beautiful way. Oh, and did I mention that in between their outdoor portraits and their ceremony, Michelle made an outfit change? She swapped her floral maxi dress for a white, short-sleeve, knee-length dress and changed her golden headpiece out for a thick white headband – giving me all the old-school, running-to-the-courthouse elopement vibes!

An intimate elopement gathering back at the Banana Stand

Michelle and Kevin ended their special day with an intimate gathering inside the studio, munching on delicious snacks and toasting glasses with the few loved ones they invited. It was the perfect way to end a beautiful, intimate celebration of these two and their love!

To see another beautiful Seattle studio that makes for the perfect reception space, take a peek at Ruponthi and Joe’s Intimate Rattlesnake Lake Elopement & Quaint Sodo Reception!

The Seattle vendor team

Venue: The Banana Stand

Officiant: Sara Lukas Weddings

Bridal Dress: Thrifted, originally by Reformation

Why I Adore the Banana Stand, A Seattle Studio Space, for Elopements

Oh how I love the Banana Stand and want to recommend it to every couple out there who is looking for a dazzling studio space for any occasion! Whether you’re looking for a warm indoor space for your engagement session during Seattle’s rainy season, you’re a pair of artists looking for a space to fuel your creative fire, or you’d like to hold an intimate gathering after your elopement ceremony in a beautifully-decorated space, the Banana Stand is precisely what you are looking for.

Located in the heart of Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square, the Banana Stand goes by many names: film + photography studio, event venue, or even a place to hold your next birthday brunch or summertime soirée. The studio is designed to engage all your creative senses and welcome you into an environment of community, art, and soul, and boy does it do just that. You’ll fall in love with the light-filled loft, decorated with colorful, vibrant, & one-of-a-kind decor, and the way the space allows you to step in, feel seen, and escape the busyness of your daily life. It’s truly a cozy home for every artistic soul and that’s why it’s the perfect space to hold your elopement ceremony and/or small reception!

With multiple spacious rooms adorned in a variety of gorgeous, handpicked decor, you & your elopement guests will have access to a collection of couches, rotating decorations, a kitchen, and absolutely stunning architecture everywhere you look. The twinkle lights cascading down from the ceiling will charm you as soon as you step foot in the studio, and you’ll get all the benefits of a well-taken-care-of venue without the enormous rental cost!

The Banana Stand costs $95/hour to book (at the time of writing this, February 2023) for the front room alone, but you can reach out to the lovely owner Alejandra to create a custom package that allows you access to both of the rooms. Rent the space for as long as you need, be it a couple of hours for a post-ceremony dinner in the evening or for a full day, from your first moments getting ready all the way through the end of the night. 

Keep in mind that you and your guests will need to find parking either on the street (metered parking, free between the hours of 6:00PM-8:00AM) or in a nearby parking lot. 

Now that I’ve spent an appropriately long time gushing about using the Banana Stand for elopements, you can learn more about the space here, and book it here for your special day ✨

More Seattle Elopement & Wedding Inspiration

If you loved Michelle and Kevin’s gorgeous downtown Seattle elopement as much as I did, I’ve got a few more Seattle-area blog posts that I think you’ll want to check out next 🥂

Chic Cabin Elopement at Canyon Creek Cabins | Granite Falls, WA

Woodland Treehouse Elopement at the Emerald Forest

Celestial Nighttime Whidbey Island Airbnb Elopement