Marriage Licenses
To become legally married in Washington state, you must:
- Apply for and receive a marriage license
- Participate in a civil or religious ceremony in Washington State
- Complete and return the Department of Health Certificate of Marriage
Couples may apply for a Washington State marriage license through Snohomish County Recording. After receiving a completed application and fee, we will issue a license to use at your ceremony.
The license is valid (can be used) the third full day after Recording issues you the license and expires 60 days after being issued. The three day waiting period cannot be waived under any circumstance, including court order.
In person
The fastest way to receive a marriage license is to submit your application in person at least three days before the wedding.
- Download the Marriage License Application (PDF). If you're unable to print an application from home, blank copies are available at the Customer Service Center.
- The application is a fillable form. Please type your information into the fields provided. If you are unable to complete the top portion of the form electronically, please write legibly using blue or black ink.
- Print the application and visit the Snohomish County Customer Service Center to complete the process. Both parties must be present unless one party has already signed the application in front of a notary.
- Sign your completed application and pay the $70.00 fee by cash, check, money order, or card.
- Recording staff will give you your marriage license, a Certificate of Marriage, and an information packet.
By mail
Approximate processing time: Two weeks. We recommend submitting your completed application and payment at least three weeks before your marriage ceremony in order to receive the marriage license by that date.
- Download the Marriage License Application (PDF).
- The application is a fillable form. Please type your information into the fields provided. If you are unable to complete the top portion of the form electronically, please write legibly using blue or black ink.
- Print the application, then sign it in front of a notary and have them sign and attach their seal.
- Include a check, money order, or cashier’s check for $70.00, payable to the Snohomish County Auditor. Write your current phone number on the memo line or next to your name.
- Mail the completed application and fee to:
Snohomish County Recording
3000 Rockefeller Ave M/S 204
Everett, WA 98201 - Snohomish County Recording will process your application and mail you your marriage license, a Certificate of Marriage, and an information packet.
Once you've received your marriage license, your ceremony must take place within 60 days after Recording issued your marriage license. The license is also not valid until three days after being issued. The three day waiting period cannot be waived under any circumstance, including court order. If your ceremony does not take place in this window of time, the license becomes void and you must apply again.
The ceremony can be performed by:
- Licensed or ordained ministers or priests of any church or denomination
- Supreme Court Justices and Commissioners
- Court of Appeals Judges and Commissioners
- Superior Court Judges and Commissioners
- Judges and Commissioners of courts of limited jurisdiction
- Judges of tribal courts from a federally recognized tribe
Recording maintains a list of local judges and commissioners available to perform ceremonies. Please contact the judge or commissioner directly. A fee may apply.
The officiant who performs your ceremony has 30 days from the date of the ceremony to return the Department of Health Certificate of Marriage to Recording. The certificate must be returned to Snohomish County Recording, even if the ceremony took place in another county.
Recording will verify and record the certificate. Once this process is complete, you may request certified copies of your marriage certificate. Certified copies can be used as proof of marriage. Certified copies are not automatically sent to married couples.