How To Get A Marriage License in WA State
Everything you need to know to be ready for your Washington wedding
If you’re ready for all the details about how to get a marriage license, that means you’re getting close to the big day…congratulations!
While it may not be as fun as taste-testing cake or choosing the perfect shoes, it’s an essential piece of wedding planning!
Let’s get you ready to cross all the t’s and dot all the i’s so you’re well-prepared on the day you say “I do!”
First things first – some marriage license FAQs
Where do I get a marriage license in WA state?
You can apply for a marriage license in any county in Washington, regardless of which county your wedding will take place in.
If you’re getting married in Washington but live out-of-state, it makes sense to apply for your marriage license in the county where you’ll be holding the ceremony.
If you are a Washington resident, it’s simplest to apply for your marriage license in your home county.
How do I apply for my marriage license in Washington?
You’ll apply for your marriage license through the County Auditor’s office in either your home county, or the county where you’ll be getting married. (See above.)
A quick search for ‘____ county auditor’s office’ should take you right to a local government website with options to apply for a marriage license.
Most counties offer options to apply in person, online, or through mail. Since the exact requirements can vary county to county, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to figure out exactly what’s needed.
How long does it take to get a marriage license in WA?
Once you apply for and are issued your marriage license, there’s a mandatory three-day waiting period before your license is valid for use.
What does this mean?
Most importantly: don’t wait until a day or two before the wedding to apply for your license!
Here are the specifics:
The waiting period begins the day you are issued your marriage license.
So, let’s say you apply and are issued your license on a Wednesday. The three day waiting period starts Wednesday, and includes Thursday, and Friday.
This means Saturday would be the first day your license becomes legally valid.
Then, the license is valid to use for the next 60 days.
How much does a marriage license cost in Washington state?
The cost of a marriage license in Washington varies county by county, but you can expect to pay between $60 and $70 on average.
What do I need to have to apply for a marriage license in WA state?
Besides paying the application fee, each partner will need to present a valid, government-issued photo ID that includes their birthdate.
This could be a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, US military ID, US passport (or passport card), permanent resident card, or a foreign government-issued passport.
How to get a marriage license in WA state: A simple step-by-step
Decide which county you’ll go through to apply for your marriage license, and learn about their specific requirements through the County Auditor’s Office website.
Apply for your license by filling out required paperwork, paying the fee, and presenting photo ID.
Receive your license, and start the three-day waiting period.
Get married! Both partners, the officiant, and two witnesses need to sign the marriage license following the ceremony.
Your officiant is responsible for submitting the completed license within 60 days of the wedding. This is what registers your marriage with the state. Once your marriage has been recorded with the state, you can apply for your marriage certificate.
Ceremony logistics
Besides getting your marriage license, there are some other important logistics to consider as you’re preparing for your wedding. These simple details may seem minor, but they’re super important!
Who can officiate my wedding?
Your officiant needs to be legally authorized to perform a wedding ceremony. In Washington state, this could be a clergy member, a judge, a court clerk, or anyone who has been ordained to officiate a wedding.
Lots of couples opt to have a close friend or family member preside at their ceremony. If they aren’t already, the simplest way for that person to become an ordained minister who can officiate a wedding is to complete an online ordination through Universal Life Church. This is a very quick and (typically) free process!
What are the requirements for a valid marriage ceremony?
Whether you’re planning an involved wedding ceremony, or opting for a casual elopement, here’s the must have list of requirements to make sure your ceremony is legally valid.
Two witnesses
These need to be people other than you, your partner, and the officiant. Their job is to sign your marriage license. In a more traditional ceremony, the official witnesses are typically members of the wedding party.
However, there are no requirements about your relationship to the witnesses – they can be hikers on the trail where you’re eloping, or your photographer or wedding coordinator!
Both witnesses do have to be 18 years or older.
2. Vows
Officially, exchanging vows only needs to include both partners stating that they want to marry each other.
These vows can be as simple or complex as you want.
Some couples prefer to write their own vows, while others opt to follow a pre-written script, whether traditional, religious, or otherwise.
Vows can also be an impromptu sharing of words from the heart.
There are no right or wrong ways to exchange vows at your wedding – whatever feels authentic to you, your partner, and the relationship the two of you have will be perfect.
3. Signed marriage license
The marriage license needs to be signed following the ceremony. The two witnesses mentioned above need to sign the license in addition to both partners and the officiant.
The officiant has 60 days from the wedding to submit the completed license to get your marriage registered with the state.
Bringing it all together
We’d love to support you in planning your wedding
At Evergreen Event Co., we’re all about helping couples plan authentic, sustainable & joyful wedding celebrations…no matter the size or style!
We know the details and logistics can feel like a lot so we help simplify, streamline & de-stress the planning process.
As a sustainable Seattle wedding planner, Evergreen Event Co. would love to accompany you and your partner in planning a celebration that is uniquely you!
From choosing a venue to getting your Washington state marriage license, we’re with you each step of the way. Reach out to chat about how we can help you!
