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Marriage licensing
How to apply for a King County Marriage License
Marriage licensing general questions
Changing your name after marriage
Obtaining copies of marriage licenses
Marriage license application outlets/hours

Effective January 1, 2008, the marriage license fee will increase to $64 to include a $4 increase set by the State Legislature in 2007 to support the Washington State Heritage Center.

Marriage and domestic partnership

Domestic partnership

Register your domestic partnership with the Washington Secretary of State beginning July 23, 2007. Forms are also available at the Licensing Office located in the King County Administration Building in downtown Seattle (500 4th Ave.) and at seven King County Community Service Centers. Learn more...

How to Apply for a King County Marriage License

Requirements:

  • Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
  • No blood test, identification, birth certificates or divorce papers are required
  • A witness is not required.
  • If you are divorced, the divorce must be final and filed before applying for the license.

Washington State law requires a three-day waiting period before the marriage license becomes valid. This means that you must wait at least three full days after the application is filed before the marriage ceremony can be performed. The license is valid for only 60 days. The marriage ceremony must be performed before the 60-day expiration of the license.

By State law, any minister or priest of any church or religious denomination, and any Washington State judge or justice can perform a marriage ceremony. Download the list of King County District Court judges (PDF) and the list of King County Superior Court judges who perform marriage ceremonies. Consult the governmental listings in the telephone directory for State or municipal court judges.

Applications in Person:

Both the groom and bride can visit any location. A $64 fee (cash only) must accompany the completed the application. The license will be issued at the time of payment.  The license is not valid until the three-day waiting period has expired.

Applications by Mail:

Applications by mail are processed at the downtown Seattle office only. Send completed and notarized application along with money order or cashier's check for $64 made payable to King County Marriage Licenses, 500 4th Avenue, Room 403, Seattle, WA 98104. We recommend calling the Seattle office at 206-296-4021 to verify receipt of the application. Marriages licenses will not be mailed; the license must be picked up in person.

Download a copy of the Marriage License Application:

Receive a copy of the application form via fax by calling 206-296-3933 ext. 21.

For general questions regarding marriage licensing call 206-296-4021.

 
 

Updated: Jan. 2, 2008


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