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Marriage Laws United States Washington Wedding Officiants

Marriage license Laws in the state of Washington, here is what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the Washington marriage laws before filling out the Washington marriage license form.

In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.

You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.

When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, but you'll need to apply for the certificate together, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.

And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement: Valid Driver's License, Certified Birth Certificate or Valid Passport.

If Previously Married: A divorce must be final and filed before applicants can apply for a license. Documents are not necessary.

Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Washington

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.

Fees: $52 approximately - cash only. Varies from County to County.

Waiting Period: Three day waiting period.

Blood Tests: No blood test requirement.

Under 18: Applicants between 17 and 18 years of age need to have a parent (legal custodian) present with them to provide their consent. If you are under 17 years old, you will need to have the age requirement waived by a superior court judge of the county in which one of the parties resides. Proof of age such as a driver's license or birth certificate is also required along with the written permission of the family court. Emancipated minors must present court emancipation papers specifically allowing the minor to marry.

Proxy Marriages: No.

Officiants: Regularly licensed or ordained ministers or any priest of any church or religious denomination anywhere within the state may perform marriages. Ministers must send two certificates of marriage to the county auditor within 30 days after the marriage.

Valid: License is valid for 60 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Washington.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

Washington Clerk's Office

Adams County Ritzville, WA 509.659.3247 Asotin County Asotin, WA 509.243.2084 Benton County Prosser, WA 509.786.5616 Chelan County Wenatchee, WA 509.664.5432 Clallam County Port Angeles, WA 360.417.2222 Clark County Vancouver, WA 360.397.2241 Columbia County Dayton, WA 509.382.4541 Cowlitz County Kelso, WA 360.577.3004 Douglas County Waterville, WA 509.745.8527 Ferry County Republic, WA 509.775.5200 Franklin County Pasco, WA 509.545.3533 Garfield County Pomeroy, WA 509.843.1411 Grant County Ephrata, WA 509.754.2011

Grays Harbor County Montesano, WA 360.249.4232 Island County Coupeville, WA 360.321.5111 Jefferson County Port Townsend, WA 360.385.9115 King County Seattle, WA 206.296.3450 Kitsap County Port Orchard, WA 360.337.7125 Kittitas County Ellensburg, WA 509.962.7503 Klickitat County Goldendale, WA 509.773.4001 Lewis County Chehalis, WA 360.740.1156 Lincoln County Davenport, WA 509.725.4971 Mason County Shelton, WA 360.427.9670 Okanogan County Okanogan, WA 509.422.7240 Pacific County South Bend, WA 360.875.9309 Pend Oreille County Newport, WA 509.447.3185

Pierce County Tacoma, WA 206.591.7440 San Juan County Friday Harbor, WA 360.378.2161 Skagit County Mount Vernon, WA 360.336.9348 Skamania County Stevenson, WA 509.427.9425 Snohomish County Everett, WA 425.388.3444 Spokane County Spokane, WA 509.456.2260 Steven County Colville, WA 509.684.7510 Thurston County Olympia, WA 360.786.5224 Wahkiakum County Cathlamet, WA 360.795.3219 Walla Walla County Walla Walla, WA 509.527.3204 Whatcom County Bellingham, WA 360.676.6741 Whitman County Colfax, WA 509.397.6270 akima County Yakima, WA 509.574.1380