Applying for a Marriage License:
Both the bride and groom must be present to apply for a marriage license. No appointment is necessary. Current photo ID is required.
There are no blood tests, witnesses, birth, or divorce certificates required to apply for a marriage license. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the final decree of dissolution is filed before applying for a new marriage license.
Applicants do not have to be residents of the State of Washington to obtain a marriage license. The license is only valid for weddings that are performed within the State of Washington.
If it is not possible for both the bride and groom to come in together you may download an application and the instructions from our website. Your signatures on the completed application must be acknowledged by a notary public. Click the links below to print the instructions, application and certificate.
Age Requirements:
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Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
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Applicants 17 years of age must have their parent or legal guardian sign a release form.
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Applicants 16 years of age or younger must obtain a court order from the Superior Court.
Waiting Period and Expiration:
There is a 3 day waiting period beginning the first day after you apply for your license and ending the third day following application. The license is valid for 60 days beginning on the 3rd day after application.
License Fee:
There is a $58.00 fee for marriage licenses due at the time of application. Cash, money orders, or checks are accepted at this time.
Performing the Ceremony
State law prescribes who can perform a marriage ceremony: active and retired Supreme Court justices, Court of Appeals judges, Superior Court judges, Superior Court commissioners, and judges of courts of limited jurisdiction, as well as any regularly licensed or ordained minister or priest of any church or religious denomination. See RCW 26.04.050 for a complete list.
Ministers from any state may perform marriage ceremonies, but the ceremony must be performed in the State of Washington. Neither the bride nor the groom may perform the ceremony.
Marriages are Public Record
All marriage records are a matter of public record. The one exception to this is for those enrolled in the State's Address Confidentiality program. Once a license has been recorded, it cannot be "unrecorded."
Copies of Marriage Licenses:
Certified copies of marriage licenses can be requested. Requests may be made in person or by mail.
To request in person, please come to the Recording Department located at 223 E 4th St, Suite 1 in Port Angeles.
To request by mail, please click here for a request form with mailing information.
- Certified Copies: $3 each
- Photocopies: $1 each
All public documents, including Marriage Licenses, are available from the Recording Department.