Beginning Memories Weddings

by The Reverend Joseph T. Evans
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Washington Counties
Marriage License
Packet
 
Marriage License: The person who performs the marriage ceremony (officiant) will retain this copy for their records.
 
 Please also see Applying for A Marriage License. to understand how to apply for a marriage license at your local county office as well as name change.
 
The Marriage License provides notice to the officiant that he/she is authorized to perform the marriage ceremony of the parties named on the license only between (and including) the dates specified on the license.
 
The Officiant can be any justice of the peace or judge of Washington State Supreme court, court of appeals, courts of limited jurisdiction or superior court commissioners or any regularly licensed or ordained minster or priest of any church or any religious denomination.
 
Commemorative Certificate of Marriage: The officiant will give this copy to the couple following the marriage ceremony.
 
The certificate is for commemorative and decorative purposes.  Although it is not an official copy, some companies will accept for name change.
 
Department of Health Certificate of Marriage: The officiant will return this original copy to King County Marriage Licensing.
 
After review to confirm the form has been completed correctly, it is scanned and recorded by the County Records Department, and then forwarded to Washington State Department of Health, Vital Statistics Division. A certified copy of this record is considered your official copy.
 
Name Change:  You must sign the marriage license documents in the name with which you applied (your legal name).  Do not use your new last name to sign these documents.
 
Traditionally, the bride has taken the groom's last name; however, Washington State Driver's Licensing will accept a groom assuming the bride's last name provided a certified copy of the name change is anything other than the traditional name change. 
 
U.S. Marriage Laws
Washington
State

ID Requirement: Valid Driver's License, Certified Birth Certificate or Valid Passport.

If Previously Married: A divorce must be final and filed before applicants can apply for a license.  Documents are not necessary.

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.

Common Law Marriages: Not recognized in Washington state.

Fees: Vary from county to county, generally $52 - cash only.

Same Sex Marriage: Not Recognized in Washington State.

Blood Tests: No blood test requirement.

Under 18: Applicants between 17 and 18 years of age must have a parent (legal custodian) present with them to provide their consent.  If you are under 17 years old, you will need to have the age requirement waived by a Superior Court judge of the county in which one of the parties resides.  Proof of age, such as a driver's license or birth certificate, is also required along with the written permission of the family court.  Emancipated minors must present court emancipation papers specifically allowing the minor to marry.

Proxy Marriages: NOT permitted.

Officiants: Regularly licensed or ordained ministers or any priest of any church or religious denomination anywhere within the state may perform marriages.

Valid: License is valid for 60 days.  The license can only be used with in the State of Washington.

Waiting Period: There is a three day waiting period from date of license issuance.
 
  

  

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