State guide
Washington
Washington marriage licenses are county-auditor records, but a license from any county can be used anywhere in Washington. State law imposes a three-day waiting period and requires two witnesses at the ceremony, so Washington is less flexible than Vermont or Virginia for same-day ceremonies.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- county auditor
- Waiting period
- 3 days
- License valid for
- 60 days after issuance
- Witnesses
- 2 required
- License fee
- $123-$138 depending on county
Official resources in Washington
State statute for issuance timing, the three-day waiting period, and license expiration.
State statute listing who may solemnize a marriage in Washington.
State statute requiring at least two attending witnesses at the ceremony.
State fee statute showing the marriage-license fee components collected by county auditors.
Large-county official licensing page residents often use for application details and timelines.
Key facts for Washington
- Apply with any county auditor; the license may be used anywhere in Washington, but only in Washington.
- Washington has a mandatory three-day waiting period before the license can be used.
- The license becomes void if the marriage is not solemnized within 60 days of issuance.
- At least two attending witnesses are required at the ceremony.
- State law authorizes judges, certain court commissioners, tribal judges, and ordained or licensed religious officials to solemnize marriages.
- The statutory marriage-license fee totals $123, and a county may add up to $15 for family services.
Courthouse ceremonies in Washington
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| King County | King County District Court publishes judges who perform weddings and explains scheduling, witness, and fee details. |
| Pierce County | Pierce County District Court publishes judges who perform weddings and explains how to schedule a civil ceremony. |
| Snohomish County | Snohomish County publishes a local officiant page listing judges and commissioners available for civil ceremonies. |
| Kitsap County | Kitsap County District Court provides wedding-information instructions and an online request path for judge-officiated ceremonies. |
What to do next
- Apply more than three days before your ceremony; same-day legal weddings are not allowed after application.
- Line up your officiant and two witnesses before you buy the license so you stay within the validity window.
- Confirm the total fee with the county auditor you choose, because counties may add an extra local family-services charge.
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?