How to Apply for a Marriage License in Washington

A wedding is even more special when the events are planned well in advance and it goes off without a hitch. Getting a marriage license is one thing you do not want to put off until the last minute. Here's how to apply for a marriage license in Washington.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Contact the Office of the Auditor in the county in which you want to get married. You can find this information online by county (see Resources below). Decide on a date and then make sure that the officiant performing the ceremony will be available.
2. Download the forms online and submit them online or through the mail. Very few states permit this, but Washington is one of them. However, you will need to pick them up your license in person, and if you apply in person, both parties need to be present.
3. Marriageable age in Washington is 18. If you are 17, you can also be married if you have your parents' consent. You will not need to show any identification, birth certificates and or divorce papers if applicable. A pending divorce must be finalize before you can apply for a marriage license.
4. Receive your marriage license right away (if you apply in person). You must wait 3 days, however, before the wedding ceremony can take place.

Tips & Warnings

• Expect to pay $52 to $60 for your license.
• You are not required to take a blood test or be a resident of Washington to be married there.
• You must get married within 60 days after you have applied for the license. It expires after that.
• Washington state does not permit marriage between cousins or same-sex, covenant, proxy and common-law marriages.

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