Marriage License Fees

Washington · 2026

Washington Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

A marriage license in Washington costs $162–$172, depending on the county, and you wait 72 hours before the ceremony. The license is good for 60 days.

Washington marriage license fees by county

Fees for the 10 counties we have verified, largest first. Each row links to a county page with where to apply and the official clerk link.

CountyLicenseCertified copyCourthouse ceremonyWait
King County$169$3Not offered72 hours (3 days)
Pierce County$172$3—72 hours (3 days)
Snohomish County$170$3—72 hours (3 days)
Spokane County$162$3—72 hours (3 days)
Clark County$172$3$10072 hours (3 days)
Thurston County$172$3$8072 hours (3 days)
Kitsap County$172$3—72 hours (3 days)
Yakima County$176$4—72 hours (3 days)
Whatcom County$162—Not offered72 hours (3 days)
Benton County$172$3—72 hours (3 days)

— means the figure is not in our data. Check the county's official page.

Washington marriage license rules

License fee

$162–$172 (RCW 36.18.010)

Fees run $162 (Spokane) to $172 (Pierce); King County charges $169. The base is set in RCW 36.18.010 plus state surcharges.

Source: kingcounty.gov

Waiting period

72 hours (3 days)

There is a 3-day wait before the license can be used, and it cannot be waived.

Source: kingcounty.gov

How long the license is valid

60 days

State law says the license is void 60 days after issuance; one King County line says 60 days after the 3-day wait.

Source: app.leg.wa.gov

Minimum age and parental consent

18

Both people must be 18. A 2024 law ended exceptions for 17-year-olds.

Source: app.leg.wa.gov

Do both of you have to appear?

No

King County lets couples apply by mail with notarized signatures, so in-person appearance is optional there.

Source: kingcounty.gov

Applying online

Varies by county

King County takes online applications but you finish in person, or you can apply by mail with notarized signatures. Other counties set their own process.

Official online application

Source: kingcounty.gov

Who can officiate

Clergy and active or retired judges can officiate. Self-uniting is not allowed.

Source: kingcounty.gov

Witnesses

2 required

Two witnesses must attend the ceremony.

Source: app.leg.wa.gov

Out-of-state couples

Out-of-state couples can get a Washington license, but the wedding must take place in Washington.

Source: kingcounty.gov

Who issues the license

County auditor / recorder

The county auditor or recorder's office issues licenses (in King County, the Recorder's Office).

Source: app.leg.wa.gov

Not in our data yet: premarital course discount, what to bring, blood test, proxy marriage. Ask your county office.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a marriage license in Washington?

$162–$172, depending on the county. Fees run $162 (Spokane) to $172 (Pierce); King County charges $169. The base is set in RCW 36.18.010 plus state surcharges.

Is there a waiting period in Washington?

Yes, 72 hours (3 days). There is a 3-day wait before the license can be used, and it cannot be waived.

How long is a Washington marriage license valid?

60 days. State law says the license is void 60 days after issuance; one King County line says 60 days after the 3-day wait.

How old do you have to be to get married in Washington?

Both people must be 18. A 2024 law ended exceptions for 17-year-olds.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Washington?

Two witnesses must attend the ceremony.

Sources

Last verified . Fees and rules change; confirm with your county before you go. Spot an error? Report it.

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