Unlocking the Knot: A Guide to Obtaining a Marriage License in Washington State

AvatarByKelsey Garrison

Are you and your partner ready to take the next step in your relationship and tie the knot? Congratulations! But before you start planning a beautiful wedding, there’s an important legal document you’ll need to obtain – a marriage license. And if you’re getting married in Washington State, there are a few key steps you’ll need to follow. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this guide on how to get a marriage license in Washington State. From the requirements and application process, to important timelines and tips, read on to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience as you embark on the journey towards wedded bliss.

Overview of Marriage Licenses in Washington State

In order to get married in Washington State, you will need a marriage license. This is a legal document that allows you to enter into a marriage and have it legally recognized by the state. Obtaining a marriage license in Washington State is a fairly straightforward process, but there are some important requirements and steps that must be followed. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a marriage license in Washington State.

Eligibility Requirements

Before you can apply for a marriage license in Washington State, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. First and foremost, both parties must be at least 18 years old or have parental consent if they are 17 years old. The engaged couple must not be already legally married or related by blood (including first cousins). Additionally, both parties must be mentally competent to enter into the marriage contract.

The Application Process

The first step in obtaining a marriage license in Washington State is filling out an application form. This can be done online or in person at your local county auditor’s office. The form will require basic information such as your name, date of birth, and current address. You will also need to provide identification such as a driver’s license or passport.

Timing and Validity

After submitting your application and paying the fee (typically around $65), there is a waiting period of three days before the marriage license can be issued. This waiting period can be waived for an additional fee if both parties are able to provide proof of completing premarital counseling with a registered counselor or religious advisor.

Once issued, the marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and can only be used within the state of Washington.

Where to Obtain Your Marriage License

Marriage licenses can only be obtained from the county auditor’s office in Washington State. You and your partner must apply for the license together, in person. The license can then be used for a ceremony anywhere in the state.

The Ceremony

After obtaining your marriage license, you have up to 60 days to have a ceremony and officially get married. The ceremony must be conducted by someone who is legally authorized to perform marriages, such as a judge or religious leader. There is no set format for the ceremony, but both parties must declare their intent to marry and two witnesses must sign the marriage license.

After Getting Married

Once you are officially married, you will need to return the signed and completed marriage license to the county auditor’s office within 30 days. After processing, a marriage certificate will be issued as proof of your legal marriage. You may also choose to purchase additional copies of the certificate for a fee.

Marriage License Fees

The fee for obtaining a marriage license in Washington State varies by county but is typically around $65. Additional fees may apply for optional services such as waiving the waiting period or obtaining additional copies of the marriage certificate.

Special Circumstances

There are a few special circumstances that may require additional steps when applying for a marriage license in Washington State. If one party is incarcerated, they will need to obtain written approval from prison officials before being able to apply for a marriage license. If one party has been previously divorced or widowed, they will need to provide documentation of their divorce or death of their previous spouse.

Obtaining a marriage license in Washington State is an important step in solidifying your commitment and obtaining legal recognition of your relationship. By following the eligibility requirements and application process outlined above, you can ensure that your marriage license is obtained correctly and efficiently. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!

Overview of Marriage Licenses in Washington State

In order to legally get married in Washington State, you will need to obtain a marriage license. This license serves as proof that both parties are legally eligible for marriage and gives the state permission to officially record the union. It is an important document that must be obtained before any wedding ceremony can take place.

Who is Eligible for a Marriage License?

In order to obtain a marriage license in Washington State, both parties must be at least 18 years old. If one of the parties is between the ages of 17-18, they must have written consent from their parent or legal guardian. There are also special circumstances where minors under the age of 17 can apply for a marriage license with court approval.

The state of Washington also requires that both parties have the mental capacity to understand what they are doing when applying for a marriage license. This means that if one party has a mental disability or impaired judgement, they may not be able to legally get married.

Where Can You Obtain a Marriage License?

Marriage licenses can be obtained from any county auditor’s office in Washington State. Both parties must appear together in person at the auditor’s office to fill out the application and present proper identification. Most counties have online applications available, making the process more convenient for couples.

What Documents Do You Need?

In order to apply for a marriage license, each party must provide valid photo identification such as a driver’s license or passport. If you do not have one of these forms of identification, then you will need to provide two other forms of identification such as a birth certificate or social security card.

If either party has been previously married, they will need to provide proof that their divorce or annulment was finalized. This could include providing copies of divorce decrees or death certificates. It is important to note that you cannot get married in Washington State if one or both parties are currently married to someone else.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of a marriage license in Washington State varies by county, but it typically ranges from $60 to $84. Most counties also require a three-day waiting period before the license is issued, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Some counties may offer a discount on the marriage license fee if you have completed premarital counseling with a certified counselor. This discount can range from $20 to $32 off the regular fee. Be sure to inquire about this option when applying for your license.

When Should You Apply for Your Marriage License?

It is recommended that you apply for your marriage license at least three weeks before your wedding date. This will give you enough time to complete the application process and receive your license, as well as allowing for any potential delays if there are any issues with your application.

However, marriage licenses in Washington State are valid for 60 days from the date they are issued, so don’t apply too early either. If your wedding date is more than 60 days away, wait until closer to the date to apply for your license.

The Application Process

Once you and your partner have filled out the marriage license application and provided all necessary documents and identification, you will need to swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that all information on the application is true and accurate.

You must also sign a declaration stating that you are not related by blood or adoption within degrees prohibited by law (i.e. first cousins). The county auditor will then review and issue the marriage license if everything is in order.

Civil Ceremony vs Religious Ceremony

Washington State recognizes marriages performed by both civil authorities (such as judges or court commissioners) and religious authorities (such as priests or ministers). As long as the person performing the ceremony is authorized to do so, your marriage will be legally recognized.

If you choose to have a civil ceremony, you can have it performed by any authorized person at any location in Washington State. However, if you choose to have a religious ceremony, it must take place within the county where your marriage license was issued.

After the Wedding

Once you are married, your officiant must complete and return the marriage certificate to the county auditor’s office within 30 days. This certificate serves as proof that your marriage was performed and will be used to officially record your marriage with the state.

After the certificate is returned and recorded, you can request a copy of your marriage certificate for legal purposes or to change your name with government agencies and financial institutions.

Obtaining a marriage license in Washington State may seem like a daunting process, but it is an important step in legally solidifying your union. By understanding the eligibility requirements, necessary documents, and application process for obtaining a marriage license in Washington State, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free wedding day. Remember to apply for your license in advance and enjoy celebrating your love officially with the

1. What is a marriage license, and why do I need one in Washington State?
A marriage license is a legal document that grants you and your partner permission to get married within the state. You need it to make your marriage legally recognized by the government.

2. How do I apply for a marriage license in Washington State?
To apply for a marriage license, you and your partner must appear together at any county auditor’s office in Washington State. You will need to provide proof of identity and age, pay a fee, and sign the application form.

3. What documents do I need to bring with me when applying for a marriage license?
You must bring a valid form of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID. Additionally, if you have been married before, you will need to bring legal documentation of how the previous marriage ended (e.g., divorce decree or death certificate).

4. Is there an age requirement for obtaining a marriage license in Washington State?
Yes, both parties must be at least 18 years old. If one or both parties are 17 years old, they can still apply for a marriage license with written consent from their parent or legal guardian.

5. Do I have to be a resident of Washington State to get a marriage license?
No, there are no residency requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Washington State. As long as you and your partner meet the other eligibility criteria and are getting married within the state’s boundaries, you can apply for a marriage license.

6. How long is my Washington State marriage license valid?
Your marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If you do not get married within this time frame, you will have to reapply for a new license. Additionally, the marriage ceremony must take place within Washington State’s borders.

In conclusion, obtaining a marriage license in Washington State is a relatively simple and straightforward process. It involves meeting all the eligibility requirements, completing the necessary paperwork, and paying the required fees. Whether you are a resident or non-resident of the state, you can acquire a valid marriage license as long as you follow the guidelines set by the Washington State Department of Health.

One key takeaway is that it is essential to plan ahead and make sure all requirements are met before applying for a marriage license. This will help avoid any delays or potential complications in the application process.

Another key aspect to note is that marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, so it is crucial to plan your wedding ceremony accordingly. Additionally, it is necessary to understand that same-sex marriages are now legally recognized in Washington State, and couples of any gender can apply for a marriage license.

Overall, obtaining a marriage license in Washington State is an important step towards legalizing your union and creating a lasting bond with your partner. It is crucial to follow all guidelines and requirements carefully to ensure a smooth and stress-free process. With proper preparation and understanding of the process, you can easily obtain your marriage license and start your journey towards a happy and fulfilling married life in the beautiful state of Washington.

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Kelsey Garrison
Kelsey Garrison, our esteemed author and a passionate writer in the world of weddings and bridal fashion, has been an integral part of our website since its inception.

With a rich history in creating engaging content, Kelsey has consistently brought fresh insights and valuable information to our readers.

Starting in 2024, Kelsey made a significant transition to focus specifically on the "Wedding/Bridal Fashion, Wedding Tips" niche. This shift was driven by her desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of wedding planning and bridal fashion—a field that blends timeless elegance with contemporary trends.

Her articles are meticulously researched and designed to provide thorough answers and innovative ideas for all things wedding-related.