Washington State Marriage License

How to apply for Washington state marriage license

Have you and your loved one recently made the decision to tie the knot and become a permanent part of each others lives?

If you have and are thinking about choosing Washington State as the wedding location, then you have made the right decision, this location is an ideal backdrop for your special day the unique setting will make it one to remember.

Before you can apply for your marriage license there are a few requirements that you will need before things can be finalized.

There are many ways to get legally married, if you are not a religious couple you can simply go down to the registry office, have the paper work filled out and the marriage certificate signed and witnessed by the clerk.

For those wanting a church marriage, you will need the minister to send the signed certificate to the registry clerk within 30 days following the ceremony.

Whatever you plan on doing for your special day, it is advised that you get the application process underway about a month before; this will ensure that you have a Washington State marriage license ready.

Below are a few things that you will need to keep in mind if you want to marry in Washington State.

Cost of marriage license

To get a valid 60 day Washington State marriage license you will have to wait for a minimum of three days, which is compulsory for all applicants.

The standard price is $52, but this can also be a little higher or lower depending on what part of the state you have chosen to get married in; it also depends on the clerk at the registry office.

Though, once you obtain a license you are limited to using it only within the borders of the state and within the above mentioned time limit.

General requirements of a Washington State marriage license

You are required to have some form of identification, this can be the main forms, such as a valid drivers license, U.S. Passport or birth certificate.

Some areas in Washington State may ask specifically for a picture ID, so it’s best to be prepared and bring more than one type if possible. You don’t have to be a resident.

If you’re getting married in a church in front of a minister, he or she must have been officially ordained by a mainstream religious organization and will need to send the signed marriage certificate to the clerk’s office within 30 days or it will become void.

Marriages of minors under the age of 17 will require approval from a superior court judge, if one or both of the couples are 17 years old they can ask their legal guardians to provide a notarized statement giving their blessing.

If either person was previously married they must bring with them a signed and validated original of their divorce papers, or in case their previous partner passed away they are asked to bring that persons death certificate.