Detailed Washington Wedding Law Notes
These notes summarize state marriage-license, ceremony, witness, and officiant guidance for the new map experience.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: Generally 18
- Residency: Not Required
- Marriage Equality: Yes
- Where to Apply: County auditor or recording office
Washington marriage licenses are handled by county auditor or recording offices. Couples may apply through a county office and should confirm local application and identification rules.
Marriage License Requirements
- Waiting Period: 3 days
- License Validity: 60 days after the waiting period
- Where Valid: Washington State
- Issued By: County auditor or recording office
Washington requires a three-day waiting period before a marriage license can be used. The license is then valid for a limited period for ceremonies performed in Washington.
Minister and Officiant Requirements
- Authorized Officiants: Ordained ministers and other officials listed by state law
- Minister Licensing: Washington does not generally license ministers
- Out-of-State Ministers: May perform ceremonies in Washington
County guidance explains that ministers from any state may perform Washington ceremonies, but the ceremony must occur in Washington and the couple may not perform their own ceremony.
Ceremony Requirements
- Witnesses Required: Two adults
- Ceremony Location: Must be in Washington
- License Signing: Couple, officiant, and witnesses complete the license
Washington ceremonies require a valid license and two adult witnesses. Ceremony wording can be personalized as long as the license is completed correctly.
Final Steps
- Return Office: Issuing county office
- Return Deadline: Commonly within 30 days
- Responsible Party: Officiant should ensure return
The completed license should be returned to the issuing county office so the marriage is recorded.