It is recommended that both the potential bride and groom be present to apply for a marriage license. Our office hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:30 - 4:30, except holidays. No appointment is necessary.
Whatcom County Auditor
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 676-6740
Requirements
- Both applicants must be at least 18 years of age or older and must have a current photo ID as proof of your age.
- Applicants who are 17 years of age must have written permission by one parent or legal guardian. Such consent must be sworn to and signed before a notary public.
- Applicants 16 years or under must have written consent from Juvenile Court as well as written permission of a parent or guardian.
- The license is only valid for weddings that are performed within Washington State. Applicants do not have to be residents of the State of Washington to obtain a marriage license.
- Proof of divorce from a previous spouse, or death of a spouse, is not required to obtain a marriage license. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the final decree of divorce is filed before applying for a new marriage license.
- Witnesses are not necessary to apply for a license, but state law requires that at least two witnesses be present at the ceremony.
Waiting Period
It takes 3 days until a license is valid!
The three (3) day waiting period begins the day you apply. You may not get married during this waiting period. The License is valid for 60 days following the 3 day waiting period.
Current License Fee
- $58.00
- Cashier's Check, Money Order or U.S. Currency Only, No Personal Checks
- Marriage license is void and non-refundable if marriage does not take place within 60 days of issue.
Marriage Application by Mail
You may receive a marriage license application packet via mail by submitting a request to Auditor@co.whatcom.wa.us. Please include your name, mailing address and phone number when submitting your request. You may also download the Marriage Application and the Health Certificate of Marriage by following the links below.
Please type or print clearly in black ink on both forms.
(1) The Marriage Application:  Complete and sign in front of Auditor staff or a Notary Public.
(2) The Health Certificate of Marriage: Certificate must be one-page (double-sided) when printed. The Groom completes sections 8 through 19 and the Bride completes sections 22 through 34. Additional information is required on the back page.
Please type or print clearly in black ink on all forms. Upon payment, this health certificate will be date stamped and returned to you. This form will be signed and dated by all parties on the day of your ceremony.
When submitting your marriage application packet by mail, please provide your telephone number and address where you want your marriage license sent.
IMPORTANT: Your marriage license is valid for 60 days after the three-day waiting period. When you mail the Marriage Application and Health Certificate, along with a money order or cashier's check for the $58 fee (we do not accept personal checks), you will need to allow enough mail time for us to receive this packet. Remember, once we receive the application, certificate and license fee, the three-day waiting period will begin.
If you have any questions, please contact the Recording Office at (360) 676-6740.
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