Getting married in Washington State involves a clear process that begins with obtaining a marriage license from your local county auditor's office. While specific details may vary slightly by county, the general steps ensure your marriage is legally recognized.
Understanding the Marriage Process in Washington State
The journey to marriage in Washington typically involves three main stages: applying for and receiving your marriage license, conducting your marriage ceremony, and finally, registering your marriage.
Steps to Obtain a Marriage License
The core of getting married in Washington is securing a valid marriage license. Here’s a detailed look at the process:
Step 1: Complete the Application
You'll need to fill out an application for a marriage license. Most counties offer several convenient ways to do this:
- Online: Many county auditor's offices provide an online portal to complete the initial application.
- In-Person: You can visit the county auditor's office in person to fill out the application.
- By Mail: Some counties allow you to request and submit the application via mail.
Step 2: Submit Your Application and Fee
Once your application is complete, you must submit it along with the required fee.
- Fee: The standard fee for a marriage license is around $72.
- Submission: Depending on your county, you may need to schedule an appointment to submit your application and payment in person. Always check your specific county's website for their current submission procedures.
Step 3: Receive Your Marriage Packet
After your application and fee are processed, the county will prepare and issue your official marriage packet.
- This packet, containing your marriage license and other necessary documents, will typically be sent to you by mail.
- Crucially, you cannot legally get married until you have received this marriage packet. This allows for a mandatory waiting period, which is typically three days in Washington State, before the marriage ceremony can occur.
Step 4: Conduct Your Marriage Ceremony
With your marriage packet in hand, you are ready to get married.
- Your ceremony must be officiated by an authorized person, such as a judge, commissioner, or an ordained minister.
- The marriage license from your packet will need to be signed by you, your spouse, your officiant, and typically two witnesses.
Step 5: Register Your Marriage
Following your ceremony, the final step is to ensure your marriage is officially recorded.
- Return Signed Certificate: It is the responsibility of the officiant, or sometimes the couple, to return the signed marriage certificate to the county auditor's office within a specific timeframe (usually within 30 days of the ceremony).
- Get Certified Copies: Once your marriage has been recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate. These copies are often required for changing names on official documents, insurance, and other legal purposes.
Important Considerations
- Waiting Period: There is a three-day waiting period between the time you obtain your marriage license and when you can legally get married.
- License Validity: A marriage license in Washington State is typically valid for 60 days from the date of issue. This means your ceremony must take place within this two-month window.
- County-Specific Details: While the general process is consistent, it's always best to check the official website of the county auditor's office where you plan to obtain your license for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fees, office hours, appointment requirements, and specific forms.
For general information on marriage records and related services in Washington State, you can refer to resources provided by the Washington State Department of Health.
