What are the requirements for a marriage license?
You can learn about the requirements
here.
What if I can't apply in-person?
If one or both people in the marriage cannot apply in-person at the Auditor's Office, see steps 4 and 5 above in the "Marriage Application Steps."
How much does it cost to apply for a marriage license?
$72.00
We accept cash, check, money order, or credit cards. Payment is due at the time of application. We charge all card transactions a $2.00 or 2.35% service fee, whichever is highest.
Can you explain the three-day waiting period?
State law requires three days between the date our office records a marriage application and when you get married (RCW 26.04.180). For example, if you apply on Wednesday, you can get married on Saturday.
Is the marriage license fee refundable?
No.
Do we need to perform the ceremony in a certain way?
State law (RCW 26.04.070) requires the people getting married to say they will take each other as spouses in the presence of:
- An official with any religious organization OR a judicial officer; and
- At least two attending witnesses.
Does Washington State allow proxy marriages?
No.
Who can perform ("officiate") marriage ceremonies?
State law (RCW 26.04.050) says who can perform marriage ceremonies. The following people, active or retired, can perform marriage ceremonies:
- Judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Superior Court, District Court, Municipal Court and other courts of limited jurisdiction (RCW 3.02.020).
- Commissioners of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Superior Court.
- Licensed or ordained official of any religious organization.
Washington State does not license officials of any religious organization. Officials of religious organizations from any state may perform ceremonies. Couples may not officiate their own wedding.
Are marriage records publicly available?
All marriage records are public records. The one exception is if one or both people are enrolled in the Washington State
Address Confidentiality Program (ACP). If you are enrolled in ACP, please contact our office to schedule a time to apply for your marriage application.
Once we record a marriage application or certificate, it cannot be removed from our records.