Marriage license · Free to use

Washington marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What Washington's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished October 30, 2026

Editorial standards

Washington marriage license at a glance

Fee: $169 application fee (cash, check, money order or card). Waiting period: Three days before the license can be used. King County counts from issuance and says it cannot be waived, even by court order. How long it is valid: The license is void if the marriage is not solemnized within 60 days of issuance.

Washington counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from King County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Washington marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked October 30, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $169 application fee (cash, check, money order or card). (Source: kingcounty.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: Three days before the license can be used. King County counts from issuance and says it cannot be waived, even by court order. (Source: kingcounty.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: The license is void if the marriage is not solemnized within 60 days of issuance. (Source: app.leg.wa.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: The ceremony must be performed in Washington. (Source: kingcounty.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: At least two attending witnesses are required. (Source: app.leg.wa.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Who may officiate: Judges and court commissioners, and licensed or ordained clergy or similar religious officials. (Source: app.leg.wa.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: Both people must be at least 18; marriages under 18 are void. (Source: app.leg.wa.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Where to apply: In person at the King County Recorder, 201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, or by mail with a notarized application. (Source: kingcounty.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Yes, an online application exists, but you must finish the process in person and pay the fee. (Source: kingcounty.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Request a certified copy from King County after the certificate is recorded; $3 per copy. (Source: kingcounty.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Washington?

$169 application fee (cash, check, money order or card). Washington counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from King County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Washington?

Three days before the license can be used. King County counts from issuance and says it cannot be waived, even by court order.

How long is a Washington marriage license valid?

The license is void if the marriage is not solemnized within 60 days of issuance.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Washington?

At least two attending witnesses are required.

Who can officiate a wedding in Washington?

Judges and court commissioners, and licensed or ordained clergy or similar religious officials.

How do you get a certified copy of a Washington marriage certificate?

Request a certified copy from King County after the certificate is recorded; $3 per copy.

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