Washington marriage license: cost and requirements
Apply for the license at least 3 days before the wedding: that wait cannot be skipped. You need two witnesses.
Washington summary
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Confirmed in the law or on the official website.
- Cost
- Varies by county; King County $169.
- Waiting period
- 3 days after the application; it cannot be waived.
- Validity
- 60 days from issuance.
- Witnesses
- At least two witnesses present (RCW 26.04.070).
How much is a marriage license in Washington?
Varies by county; King County $169.
What do you need to get the license?
- ID: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
- Minimum age: 18, with no exceptions (RCW 26.04.010).
Where do you get it, and who issues it?
County auditor (in King County, the Recorder's office).
Where it is valid: Ceremony inside the state of Washington.
Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?
- Waiting period: 3 days after the application; it cannot be waived.
- Validity: 60 days from issuance.
How many witnesses, and who can marry you?
- Witnesses: At least two witnesses present (RCW 26.04.070).
- Who can officiate: Active or retired judges and commissioners, and ministers, priests, imams, rabbis or similar officials of a religious organization (RCW 26.04.050). Neither of the people marrying can officiate.
Washington counties with an AltarPlan guide
We haven't published Washington county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.
Other counties couples often look up
We haven't verified these counties yet. The Washington rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.
- King County (Seattle)State rule No guide of its own yet.
- Pierce County (Tacoma)State rule No guide of its own yet.
- Yakima CountyState rule No guide of its own yet.
How to get a marriage license in Washington
- Confirm where to apply: County auditor (in King County, the Recorder's office).
- Get your payment ready: Varies by county; King County $169.
- Count the waiting period: 3 days after the application; it cannot be waived.
- Marry within the validity period: 60 days from issuance.
- Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Washington marriage license valid anywhere in the state?
Ceremony inside the state of Washington.
What is the minimum age to marry in Washington?
18, with no exceptions (RCW 26.04.010).
Who can officiate a wedding in Washington?
Active or retired judges and commissioners, and ministers, priests, imams, rabbis or similar officials of a religious organization (RCW 26.04.050). Neither of the people marrying can officiate.
Does AltarPlan issue the license?
No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.
Sources and review date
- Revised Code of Washington, ch. 26.04 (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- King County Recorder's Office (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.
AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.