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Obtaining a Marriage License
Start the process by applying online for your marriage license. After submitting your application, you will receive an email with instructions for completing the application process.
Completing Application by Mail or Drop Off:
After applying online, contact our office so we can send the Application and Affidavit for Marriage License to you. Both parties must have their signature notarized.
To complete the application, submit the following:
- The notarized Application and Affidavit for Marriage License
- The Marriage Processing Information sheet
- $62.00 payable to Whatcom County Auditor. We accept money orders, cashier's checks, or credit/debit card payment over the phone (an additional fee applies to card payments)
The marriage application and payment can be mailed to our office or placed in our drop box inside the courthouse at 311 Grand Ave #103, Bellingham WA 98225.
Waiting Period
The 3-day waiting period begins the day the marriage application is processed at the Whatcom County Auditor's Office. You may not get married during this waiting period. The marriage license is valid for 60 days following the 3-day waiting period.
It is up to the couple to arrange a ceremony. Once you've received your marriage license, your ceremony must take place in the state of Washington. The license is valid for 60 days following the 3-day waiting period. You cannot get married during the 3-day waiting period. (See Below)
Who Can Officiate a Ceremony?
According to Washington state law RCW 26.04.050, the ceremony can be performed by:
- Any regularly licensed or ordained minister or any priest, imam, rabbi, or similar official of any religious organization
- Court of appeals commissioners
- Judges and commissioners of courts of limited jurisdiction as defined in RCW 3.02.010
- Judges of the court of appeals
- Judges of superior courts
- Justices of the supreme court
- Superior court commissioners
- Supreme court commissioners
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 the Whatcom County Auditor's Office.
The Recording Division will record the certificate and mail a certified copy to the address provided during the application process. One certified copy is included with your application. You can request additional copies of your marriage license by contacting our office.
The certified copy of the Department of Health Certificate of Marriage is required for Social Security name changes, changing driver's license records, updating passports, etc.
| Apply for license on... | First day you can get married |
|---|---|
| Monday | Thursday |
| Tuesday | Friday |
| Wednesday | Saturday |
| Thursday | Sunday |
| Friday | Monday |
Requirements
- Both applicants must be 18 years of age or older and currently unmarried.
- Applicants who are 17 years of age or under must have written consent by one parent or legal guardian. The consent must be sworn to and signed before a notary public or deputy auditor. Applicants 16 years of age or under must also have written consent from a Superior Court Judge.
- Applicants do not have to be residents of Washington State to obtain a marriage license. However, the license is only valid for marriages that are performed in Washington.
- 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 the divorce decree is final before applying for a new marriage license.
Fees
The current fee for a marriage license is $62. We accept U.S. currency, cashier's check, money order and most credit/debit cards (a convenience fee applies).The marriage license is void and the fee is non-refundable if the marriage does not take place within 60 days of issue.