Whether you live in Washington state, or want to travel here for your wedding, you must first get a marriage license. In Washington, marriage licenses are handled at the county level, usually (but not always) at the county auditor’s office. In almost all counties, but especially in Western Washington counties, there is a three-day wait period, meaning you must have your license in hand for three days before your ceremony can take place. After the three-day waiting period, the license is valid for 60 days.
Aside from the three-day wait period, getting married in Washington state is fairly straight forward. There is no blood test, exam or counseling required by the state to get a license.
1) Decide what county you want to get married in. If you’re not sure what county your city of choice is in, see the city guide below.
2) Check with the appropriate county auditor’s office for specific fees, instructions on how to apply, what payment is accepted, etc.
3) In almost all counties, the license fee is $64, but different offices accept different forms of payment. Mailed applications are usually accepted (but not always). If allowed, also check what kinds of requirements mail-in applications require—many require a notary.
4) Marriage licenses are managed by county, but after you obtain one, you can get married anywhere within Washington state.
Once your wedding ceremony is complete, you can get a marriage certificate. This is a document showing when and where your ceremony took place, who officiated, the names of you and your spouse, and other key information. There’s a small fee to get the certificate, but this is the document you’ll need to officially prove your marriage took place or take to change your name.
If you got married within the last two month, go back to the auditor’s office where you got your license to get your marriage certificate. If your marriage was more than two months ago, you can get a certificate from the state Center for Health Statistics. You can walk-in at the office at 101 Israel Road SE, Tumwater, or file online, over the phone or by mail.
King County—Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Tukwila, SeaTac, Federal Way, Snoqualmie, Woodinville
Pierce County—Tacoma, Puyallup, Fife, Gig Harbor, DuPont, University Place
Snohomish County—Everett, Edmonds, Marysville, Lynnwood
Kitsap—Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, Silverdale
Thurston—Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater
Aside from the three-day wait period, getting married in Washington state is fairly straight forward. There is no blood test, exam or counseling required by the state to get a license.
1. Same-sex Couple Marriage
Same sex couples can obtain a marriage license in Washington state, and the process is exactly the same as for opposite-sex couples.2. How to Get a Marriage License in Washington State
1) Decide what county you want to get married in. If you’re not sure what county your city of choice is in, see the city guide below.
2) Check with the appropriate county auditor’s office for specific fees, instructions on how to apply, what payment is accepted, etc.
3) In almost all counties, the license fee is $64, but different offices accept different forms of payment. Mailed applications are usually accepted (but not always). If allowed, also check what kinds of requirements mail-in applications require—many require a notary.
4) Marriage licenses are managed by county, but after you obtain one, you can get married anywhere within Washington state.
3. How to Get a Marriage Certificate in Washington State
Once your wedding ceremony is complete, you can get a marriage certificate. This is a document showing when and where your ceremony took place, who officiated, the names of you and your spouse, and other key information. There’s a small fee to get the certificate, but this is the document you’ll need to officially prove your marriage took place or take to change your name.
If you got married within the last two month, go back to the auditor’s office where you got your license to get your marriage certificate. If your marriage was more than two months ago, you can get a certificate from the state Center for Health Statistics. You can walk-in at the office at 101 Israel Road SE, Tumwater, or file online, over the phone or by mail.
4. Links to County Auditor Offices
- King County Auditor
- Pierce County Auditor
- Thurston County Auditor
- For a full list of Washington counties with links to county marriage license requirements, see Access.wa.gov.
5. Which County are Major Washington Cities In?
King County—Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Tukwila, SeaTac, Federal Way, Snoqualmie, Woodinville
Pierce County—Tacoma, Puyallup, Fife, Gig Harbor, DuPont, University Place
Snohomish County—Everett, Edmonds, Marysville, Lynnwood
Kitsap—Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, Silverdale
Thurston—Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater
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