The Marriage License
Photo by: Mark One Studios“We take this earliest opportunity to say thanks for officiating and gracing our wedding, we were happy for your patience, guidance and encouragement. I wouldn’t hesitate to refer to anyone who might be in need of same service.”
You can't be legally married without a marriage license.
ALL you need to be married is a signed marriage license and a simple "I do".
Schedule a license signing here!
I get so many questions about marriage licenses. As a wedding officiant, I don't issue marriage licenses or obtain them for you. Your county clerk does. There are state websites and county websites with the information you need. They can be difficult to navigate and understand so I've created this page to help explain everything in a way that I hope will help.
I am also an appointed Notary Public.
*****
This information is offered to you to be helpful.
I am not a lawyer and I am in no way associated with the clerk's offices so please contact your clerk directly if you have specific questions.
Thank you.
*****
Applicant Requirements*
Both applicants must currently be unmarried.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old or can meet the age requirements.
Both applicants must not be nearer of kin to each other than second cousins, whole or half blood.
Both applicants must have current photo ID: U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, U.S. military ID, permanent resident card, driver's license or state photo ID card issued by the Department of Licensing (DOL), or foreign government issued passport.
Age Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, unless they satisfy the requirements for underage applicants listed below.
17-year-olds can apply if one of the following conditions is met:
A parent or legal guardian submits a notarized statement of consent (available at any marriage licensing location). Please bring a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate or documents establishing legal guardianship.
The applicant is legally emancipated and takes the court-certified copy of the emancipation document with them to apply.
Applicants under age 17 can apply only when the age requirement is waived by a superior court judge of the county in which one of the parties resides. Each party to the marriage that is under 17 years of age must present a waiver specifically naming them.
Residency and Citizenship Requirements
Marriage license applicants do not have to reside in Washington State.
A marriage license purchased from any county in Washington State can be used to get married anywhere in Washington State.
Applicants do not have to apply for their marriage license in the county where the wedding ceremony will take place.
A marriage license obtained in Washington State cannot be used to get married in another state or country.
Applicants are not required to have a U.S. Social Security number in order to obtain a marriage license. However, one of the marriage license forms requires the inclusion of one's Social Security number OR the applicant's signature on a declaration that they do not have a U.S. Social Security number. This will not impair the couple's ability to receive their marriage license.
*Information from the King County Marriage Licensing Page: Kingcounty.gov
Apply Online/In person - Snohomish County
The fastest way to receive a marriage license is to submit your application online, then pick up and pay for your license.
Fill out an online marriage license application at least 3 days before the ceremony.
Make note of your confirmation number. You will need it to complete step 2.
Visit the Snohomish County Customer Service Center in person to complete the process.
No appointment is needed, but both parties must be present unless one party has already signed the application in front of a notary.
Sign your completed application and pay the $70.00 fee by cash, check, money order, or card.
Recording staff will give you your marriage license, a Certificate of Marriage, and an information packet.
Once you have received your marriage license, your ceremony must take place within 60 days after Recording issued your marriage license. The license is also not valid until three days after being issued. Please bring the entire packet with you to the ceremony or rehearsal.
Apply Online - King County
Please visit King County Marriage Licensing to apply
The couple must pay a $69 application fee.
King County Records and Licensing Services is moving to a new location in Pioneer Square, King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St., in preparation for the opening of a new Customer Service Center in early 2023.
Apply Online/In Person/Mail - Kitsap County
Application: Couples start the application process for a marriage license online. The application is completed either in person or by mail. Both parties must sign the application before a deputy auditor (or notary public if the application is by mail). A marriage license will be issued to the parties upon receipt of the completed marriage application and $72.00 fee. You must wait 3 days after the license is issued to get married. A marriage license is valid from 3 days after the license is issued for 60 days in the State of Washington.
Online Marriage Application: For fast and efficient service, complete this online form and visit us at the Kitsap County Auditor's Office to make it all official. If you are unable to visit us in person, first complete the online application, then complete the printable marriage application PDF (1 page, 12 KB). This paper application must be notarized and mailed to us along with the $72 payment and a phone number with instructions where to return the Certificate of Marriage.
Please visit Kitsap County for more information.
Apply In Person/Online - Skagit County
IN PERSON at M-F 8:30am – 4:00pm.
700 S. Second Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: (360) 416-1700
Marriage license forms and affidavits are available in the office lobby. Payment of $64.00 for the marriage license and the (optional) $3.00 for a certified copy, can be made in person with a money order, cash or cashier’s check.
Online Marriage License Application
Now you can apply online and both parties will need to be present for signature to pick up license at the Auditor’s Recording Department.
Marriage License fee is $64.00 (cash or credit cardaccepted). You have an option to pre-pay $3.00 for a certified copy that will be automatically mailed to you.