4 Requirements

for Getting Married in Washington State

  1. Your Marriage License

While the idea of running off to elope is very romantic, the truth is we can only be a little bit spontaneous here in Washington.  Washington State has a mandatory 3-day waiting period which can not be waived. This means you and your co-eloper need to apply for your marriage license at least 3 days before you are allowed to wed. And no more than 60 days before your wedding day.  

Also, you don’t have to live in Washington to get married here. You can obtain your marriage license from any county auditor in Washington state to be used anywhere here in Washington. However, it must be used within the borders of the state. 

For more details, check out How to get a Marriage License in Washington State. We have a complete list of links to each Auditor’s office in each county in Washington. 

 

For more details on how to obtain your marriage license, check out this informational video from the Pierce County Auditor’s office.

 

2. Ceremony & Someone to Officiate it

According to the Washington State Legislature, here is the list of those who may officiate a wedding ceremony: 

Justices of the supreme court, judges of the court of appeals, judges of the superior courts, supreme court commissioners, court of appeals commissioners, superior court commissioners, judges and commissioners of courts of limited jurisdiction as defined in RCW 3.02.010, judges of tribal courts from a federally recognized tribe, and any regularly licensed or ordained minister or any priest, imam, rabbi, or similar official of any religious organization.

There are countless versions of ceremonies out there in the world and you can make your ceremony as simple or as elaborate as you would like.  The ceremony can include a welcome, stories about the couple, readings, movie quotes, vows, prayers, ring exchanges, songs, and the list goes on.  

BUT…The one thing that is legally required for your wedding ceremony is that each couple verbally declare “that they take each other to be spouses” in front of the person performing the ceremony and two witnesses.  That is all that is required… the rest is up to you!

This leads to the next requirement…

3. Two Witnesses

Two witnesses are required to be present at the wedding ceremony and sign the marriage certificate after the ceremony. They are also required to cheer for the couple when they are pronounced married. 

4. Your Favorite Person

Last but certainly not least, you need a person to share your life with.