Trying to figured out exactly how to get legally married in Washington State? Not sure where to start, what forms you need to fill out, or who needs to be there to witness the elopement? I’VE GOT YOU, friend. It’s not super complicated, but a lot of people are getting married for the first time and aren’t exactly sure how to go about it!

If you live in Washington or are traveling to Washington from your home state or country, the steps are all going to be very similar. You don’t need to spend hours researching or filling out paperwork, I promise!

I’ve done this a time or two and have married dozens of couples in Washington and am here to walk you through every last step.

Things to Know:

You don’t need to be a resident of Washington State to get legally married here
You don’t have to get married in the county you apply for a marriage license in (which makes things super easy for everyone!)
You need to plan for the ceremony to happen between 3 days and 60 days after your marriage license is issued. For example if you want to get married on June 30th, you can apply for your marriage license between April 29th and June 27th. King County has a great calculator so you know exactly where that window is for you!: https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/records-licensing/recorders-office/marriage-licensing

Step 1: Apply for your marriage license

Washington State makes it super easy to apply for your marriage license: it’s an online application! You’ll fill out information about each applicant and submit right there in the online kiosk. That info is what will be printed on your marriage license, and you’ll need to bring a printed copy of this along on your elopement day.

You can apply through any county in Washington - the only difference I’ve seen is that the decorative copy of your marriage license that you keep (just for fun!) looks different from every county. King County, Snohomish County, or Pierce County are great options, but any county is fine!

Once the application is submitted, you’ll email the state with your application information so they can give you a call to pay the application fee over the phone via credit card.

*Note: You can still apply by mail if that’s your thing! You would fill out the application, have it notarized, and send the application and a check to the state for them to start processing. Of course, this option takes longer and has that extra step of needing to be in front of a notary, but it’s just as valid as applying online.

Step 2: Get married!

Make sure to bring along your entire packet of paperwork on your elopement day. There is a ton of info in there, some of which you will keep, some of which your officiant (who could be me!) will keep or send to the state.

On the day of your ceremony, you’ll bring the marriage license packet and a black pen for you, your witnesses, and your officiant to sign.

You have a few options when it comes to choosing your officiant:

Hire a minister, priest, officiant, or judge to lead your ceremony
Have a friend get ordained and lead your ceremony
- This is actually super easy through the Universal Life Church! Anyone can become ordained and it only takes a couple of days to be official. Then someone you know and love can get you married.
Have your photographer (me!) sign as the officiant on your marriage license. While I can’t be the one to walk you through traditions and talk about your relationship, at the end of the ceremony I can legally sign as the officiant. This is a great option for couples who are eloping alone! Read more about eloping alone and witness requirements in step 3.

Step 3: Can I get a Witness?

Washington state requires two witnesses to sign on your marriage license. This could be friends and family you invite to the ceremony, but it doesn’t have to be! I can sign as a witness (if I’m not already the officiant), or other people in the area can sign as witnesses as well. Park rangers, hikers, tourists, anybody! As long as they’re over 18 years old, they’re able to be a witness!

I’ve photographed many couples who don’t have any guests attending their elopement, and we’ve never had an issue finding two people to be the witnesses for us. They don’t need to be present at the ceremony, but just present when they sign the marriage license in front of your chosen officiant.

Step 4: After the ceremony

After the ceremony ends and the officiant and witnesses have signed the marriage license, the officiant will be responsible for returning the marriage license to the state for official processing. Once it has been processed, you can request official copies so you have a marriage certificate in your possession.

THAT’S IT. Seriously.

Washington is one of the easier states to get married in and makes things super duper simple for eloping couples!

If you’re unsure of any of the processes, there are tons more information that the state has provided, so feel free to head to the Marriage Licensing page to read more.