Choose a Washington county
A Washington marriage license can be used for a ceremony anywhere in Washington. Start with a county recorder or auditor and follow that county’s application instructions.
The practical part
First the license.
Then the “I do.”
In Washington, you obtain the marriage license from a county office. Your officiant helps make the marriage official at the ceremony.
Your license timeline, at a glance
Before you say “I do”
License
issuedApplication complete
issuedApplication complete
3 daysMandatory wait
60 daysValidity window
to get married
to get married
The waiting period starts when the license is issued.
From “I do” to filed
Wedding
daySay vows & sign
with two witnesses
daySay vows & sign
with two witnesses
30 daysDeadline for officiant
to return certificate
to return certificate
After
recordingOrder certified copies
if needed
recordingOrder certified copies
if needed
The return deadline starts on your wedding day.
Use the exact validity dates printed on your license. Timeline is not to scale.
Complete the application
Review eligibility, identification, payment, and signing requirements with your chosen county. An online application may be only the first step. In King County, couples can begin online and finish in person, or follow the notarized mail-in process.
Allow for the three-day wait
Washington has a mandatory three-day waiting period after the license is issued. It cannot be waived. Leave extra time for appointments or mail processing, and use the valid-from and expiration dates printed on your license.
Bring the paperwork and two witnesses
Bring your marriage packet to the ceremony. Both of you must declare that you take each other as spouses in front of your officiant and at least two attending witnesses. The couple, officiant, and witnesses sign the marriage certificate.
Return the certificate, then order copies
The officiant must return the completed certificate to the issuing county within 30 days of the ceremony. Once it is recorded, you can order certified copies from the county if you need them. They are not necessarily sent automatically.
Mind the dates.
County guidance describes a 60-day validity period after the three-day wait. Follow the exact validity dates on your issued license and confirm timing with your county before setting the ceremony.
License fees and application procedures vary by county. They are separate from Aisle Alterations’ officiant fees.
Go straight to the source.
King County marriage licensingSnohomish County marriage licensingPierce County marriage licensingWashington ceremony requirements
Guidance reviewed October 1, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and your license dates with the issuing county.