Whether you get married with us or another wedding venue, we want to help.
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How to get a Marriage License in Washington State
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a marriage license in Washington State, from where to apply to the required documents and fees.
Everything you need to know to get your
Marriage License
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to obtain a marriage license in Tacoma (or anywhere else in Washington State!), from where to apply to the required documents and fees. Let's dive in!
Where to Apply for a Marriage License in Washington State
The first step in getting a marriage license in Washington State is knowing where to apply. Luckily, the process is quite straightforward. You can apply for a marriage license at any county auditor's office in Washington State. It's important to note that both you and your partner must be present to apply. You can choose any county auditor's office in the state, regardless of where you plan to have your wedding ceremony. This flexibility makes it convenient for couples who may have different hometowns or wedding destinations.
When to Apply for Your Marriage License in Washington State
While the idea of running away to get married 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.
what are the legal Requirements for Getting a Marriage License in Washington State?
While the process of obtaining your marriage license might be a little different from county to county, the rules of getting married in Washington remain the same across the board. Here are some of the highlights:
Washington State has a mandatory 3-day waiting period - and this waiting period can not be waived.
Marriage Licenses are valid for 60 days after the 3-day waiting period - This waiting period begins when the auditor’s offices issues the license.
You can apply in-person or via mail for most counties. The in-person application is usually easier since if you are applying via mail, both parties must sign the printed application in front of a Notary Public before mailing it into the Auditor’s office.
Both applicants must be currently unmarried and at least 18 years old
Both applicants must not be nearer of kin to each other than second cousins, whole or half blood.
Both applicants must have current photo ID: U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, U.S. military ID, permanent resident card, driver's license or state photo ID card issued by the Department of Licensing (DOL), or foreign government issued passport.
Application fee applies - The fee varies from county to county ranging from $33 to $72.
You do not need to be a resident of Washington State to get married here but you do need to get your license from a Washington State County.
A marriage license from ANY Washington State county can be used to get married anywhere in Washington.
These are just the highlights… please check out the Auditor’s websites listed below for more details.
How can we obtain a marriage license in Pierce County for our Tacoma elopement?
Elope 253 is located in Tacoma, Washington in Pierce County so it just makes sense that the majority of marriage licenses we see are from the Pierce County Auditor. Their website is one we often refer to when for marriage license questions, so if you are wondering how to get a marriage license in Tacoma - they are a great resource! They have put together an instructional video about how to get your marriage license and it has been so helpful. Please take a moment to review the video below or you can find more details here.
How to Obtain Your Marriage License - Pierce County, Washington
Links to each Washington State
Auditor’s Office
Whether you are getting married at the Courthouse, having an intimate ceremony in your backyard, having a formal wedding at a big venue, or eloping with us at Elope 253… Our goal is to help couples get married with the least amount of stress possible. With that in mind, here is a complete list of all 39 Washington State Counties with links to each County’s Auditor’s office. These links will provide details for obtaining your marriage license from each county. It’s important to note that every Washington county has a little bit of a different process so please check out your county’s website for details and instructions specific to you.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
If you are interested in learning more about eloping with Elope 253, please please click the button below to fill out a contact form. We’d love to hear from you!
Donuts or Cupcakes?
Traditional weddings include a big fussy cake with it’s cutting and plating and using proper utensils. At Elope 253, we aim for easy and fun!
It’s a tough decision
Traditional weddings include a big fussy cake with it’s cutting and plating and using proper utensils. At Elope 253, we aim for easy and fun! Everyone still wants a sweet treat and bubbles after they walk down the aisle, though, so we partner with a couple of other awesome Tacoma small businesses to provide your choice of cupcakes or donuts to accompany your champagne toast. Which will you choose?
Cupcakes
Everyone loves cupcakes, and they’re just so dang pretty! We source our specially ordered cupcakes from either downtown Tacoma’s original cupcakery Hello, Cupcake, or from the best bakery in town, Corina Bakery.
Beautiful Gluten Free Cupcakes from Corina Bakery. Image by Melanie Faun Photography
Donuts
If donuts are more your speed, we make them look just as lovely. We just love donuts as a unique and non-traditional wedding treat. Our donuts are sourced from The Original House of Donuts and they never disappoint.
Fun and delicious donuts from Original House of Donuts. Image by Lisa Monet Photography
So which will it be? Your choice of donuts or cupcakes are included in our most popular package Let’s Elope, and our largest package, Elope & Celebrate. Contact us at the link below so that we can begin customizing your ceremony today.
That time I was on a Podcast
On the Move to Tacoma podcast talking about the City of Tacoma and opening up my elopement chapel, Elope 253.
Talking with Marguerite Martin about launching an elopement business
Cheers to podcasts, eloping and longtime friends! Image by: Grit City Photo
Recently, I re-listened to a podcast I was on back in 2017. I was a guest of the infamous, Marguerite Martin, Tacoma Real Estate Agent and creator of Move to Tacoma. Also, full disclosure, she has been one of my BFF for 20+ years.
On the podcast, we start out by talking about why my co-eloper and I moved to Tacoma in 2014. This is the first question she asks all her guests. Then we go into how I came up with the idea for my little wedding place and some of the mental hurdles that comes along with starting a business.
It’s fun to remember how this business came together and how many people helped me along the way. Tacoma is truly an amazing community filled with creativity, kindness and that “grit” that is needed to make things happen. I am especially grateful to Spaceworks who taught me so much about being an entrepreneur and still offers professional and emotional support to me today .
You can check out the podcast* here. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
* Please note that this podcast was recorded in 2017 so some of the wedding packages and prices have changed. For the most up to date information, check out details on our wedding package page.
Just a few photos from Elope 253 origin story.
