Getting married in Washington State is super simple, but it does require a little bit of planning ahead. Follow these steps + you’ll be ready for your elopement in no time!

How to get a marriage license in Washington State

1. Apply for your marriage license – this can typically be done online
2. Appear in-person to pick up your license
3. Get married (at least 3, but less than 60 days after your license was issued)
4. Your officiant will drop-off or mail the signed license to the county

Apply for your marriage license

A marriage license from any county in Washington State can be used to get married anywhere in the state. If you’re from out-of-state and plan on flying to Seattle, your best bet is to get your license soon after you arrive in Seattle, which is in Kings County. The reason I recommend picking up your license right away is because you need to wait 3 days after you pick it up before you can get married (more on that below).

Appear in-person to pick up your license

Both of you will have to appear together, in-person, and at least 3 days before your wedding to the county office to pick up your marriage license. This is when you’ll need to show them your photo ID. If you haven’t already paid the application fee, you’ll do that here too.

Get Married!

Finally, the fun part!! First look, vows, kiss, celebrate 🎉

Mail in the license

The officiant will fill out the marriage license, collect the necessary signatures, then drop it off (or mail it in) to the appropriate county office.

Washington State marriage license application requirements

• Both of you must be over the age of 18 and currently unmarried
• Both of you will need a photo ID (license, passport, etc.)
• There is no residency requirements – neither of you needs to be a Washington state resident
• Marriage license application fee (varies by county, but averages $45-$70)

Washington State marriage ceremony requirements

Washington State law requires a 3 day waiting period. That means that you’ll have to wait at least 3 days after your marriage license is issued to get married. The license expires 60 days after it’s issued.

After the ceremony, the marriage certificate must be signed by the couple, the officiant, and two witnesses. After it’s signed, the officiant will complete the rest of the form and return the license to the county within 30 days after the ceremony.

Who can officiate weddings in Washington State?

Washington state recognizes marriages performed by judges, officials of a religious organization (ie: minister, priest, rabbit, etc), or an ordained minister. Luckily, it’s super easy to be ordained by the Universal Life Church, so that means you can even have a friend or family member marry you!

Eloping just the two of you? Have no fear! I’m ordained and I LOVE when I get to marry couples, so I gottchuuuu. You may be wondering how I photography + perform a ceremony at the same time, but I’m a pro by now 🤙🏽

Washington State does not recognize self-solemnization.

Is same-sex marriage legal in Washington State?

Heck ya! Same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states 🎉