Figuring out how to get a Washington marriage license is one of those things that feels more complicated than it actually is. The good news? Washington keeps it pretty straightforward—you can apply online before you even arrive, and the whole process only takes a few minutes. There is a 3-day waiting period, but that’s easy to plan around when you know it’s coming. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know so you can focus on the fun parts of planning your elopement.
Getting Started
Washington State actually has a helpful website to walk you through the marriage license process. You can visit the King County Marriage License website and follow their steps. You can file and pick up your marriage license for any county in Washington. Most couples file and pick up their marriage license in King County (Seattle) even though they’re eloping in a National Park or somewhere else in the state. It’s really convenient for couples who live in Seattle or who are planning a few days to visit the area during their elopement.
What You Need to Do:
- You’ll need to schedule an appointment in-person, online, or via mail via the website I linked above.
- If you’re from out of state, I highly recommend using the online/mail option. It’s so much easier already having the marriage license and not having to make an extra stop during your trip! If you need to get it notarized, call a local UPS Store and schedule a time to come in and use their notary service.
- If you’re local, it’s easiest probably just to do this in person setting up your appointment using QLess (they have instructions on the site).
- Go pick up your marriage license from the County Clerk Office before your wedding day or receive it in the mail.
- Remember to bring it on your day so you can sign it and make it official.
Marriage License Details:
- Washington State requires an officiant + 2 witnesses. I am ordained and can act as your officiant.
- There is a 3-day waiting period to pick up your marriage license. It’s valid to sign within 60 days.
- It costs $69 with an added fee for certified copies. You can pay with cash or credit card in most counties.
- I always advise emailing the County Clerk’s Office if you’re ever confused (KCROMarriage@kingcounty.gov)
Marriage License Tips:
For some reason, the “Social Security section” of the application is printed on the backside. When you receive your official marriage license, just double-check the backside to see if it auto-filled your social security numbers (or if you need to write it). It’s really easy to miss.
When you receive your marriage license, it’ll have a lot of other documents/papers with it. The only one that matters is the one that looks like an application. The “pretty” document included is your marriage certificate which is just for decoration (not an official document). You can fill it out as a keepsake if you’d like but it’s not required.
Washington Marriage License Logistics
I am an ordained minister and can legally sign your marriage license on your elopement day. Since both Washington and Oregon require an officiant, having your photographer already able to sign—especially in a remote setting—is one less thing to figure out. If you’d rather have a family member or friend lead your ceremony, it’s easy for them to get ordained beforehand. Or you can hire a local officiant if you want more structure to your ceremony.
Washington also requires two witnesses to sign. If you’re eloping just the two of you, I’ll walk you through how other couples have handled that during the planning process.
Marriage License vs Marriage Certificate
A lot of couples get confused by having both a marriage license and a marriage certificate. A marriage license is the official document making you legally married. A marriage certificate however is just for decoration. It holds no legal significance. You’re welcome to fill out the marriage certificate on your day if you want to frame it or just have it signed for personal reasons. You’ll need to return the marriage license to the County Clerk office, but you can hold onto the marriage certificate as soon as you fill it out.
Washington Marriage License Tips
1) Start The Process Early: Fill out the application early and get a gist of the steps and instructions. Some couples procrastinate here and it ends up causing them anxiety. Just put in your online application, read the instructions, and you’ll just feel better.
2) Remember to Bring Your Marriage License: I know this sounds simple but some couples forget their paperwork at their Airbnb. It’s usually not a big deal if we’re already going back to your Airbnb for cake, photos, etc. But if you want photos in the best lighting after your ceremony, be sure to put your paperwork in your backpack, in the car, or next to your car keys so you don’t forget.
3) Use A Padfolio: I always love it when officiants or a couple have a padfolio to sign their marriage license. Not only does it look more official for photos, but it’s also really practical. Padfolios usually have a clipboard clip to hold the paperwork down on a windy day and it gives you a flat surface to write on. If you’re having witnesses or a dog sign it, it’s also a lot more convenient for them. Plus, you can go ahead and store a black ink pen in the padfolio so you don’t forget! But in case you do, I always have a black ink pen in my fanny pack for this very reason.
Reminder Emails
My goal as always is to help you focus more on planning the adventure than getting caught up in the paperwork. So as part of the planning process, I do send helpful reminder emails as we get closer to your elopement date to remind you to file for your marriage license, and a reminder to check out the Writing Vows Guide I’ll send you to start working on your vows. I’ll be here every step of the way to make sure you know what to expect when filling out your Washington marriage license.
One Less Thing to Worry About
While the paperwork is the least exciting part of eloping, it’s pretty straightforward and easy to do. I walk all my couples through this during planning so nothing gets missed. If you have questions or want help thinking through timing, reach out—I’m happy to help. And if you’re in the planning mode, you can check out my Elopement Gear Guide which goes over the outdoor gear and items I recommend bringing for your adventure elopement.
