Marriage License Requirements/Information

The fee for a license in Franklin County is $57.00.  This must be paid in cash (no checks, no credit or debit cards).

We do not process Marriage Applications after 4:30 pm.

Both the Bride and Groom must come to the office and present picture identification with birth date and signature (such as a driver’s license or state ID card).

At Age 17 we require signature from a parent granting permission for the marriage.  Parent must also present picture ID.

Under age 17 you have to get permission (waiver) from a Judge before obtaining a license.  You need to contact the Benton-Franklin Counties Juvenile Justice Center to apply for a waiver. They are located in Kennewick at 5606 W Canal Place.  Their phone number is (509) 783-2151.

The application you complete for the marriage license requires basic demographic information.  You will need your father’s name and birthplace and your mother’s maiden name and birthplace.  When completing the application you need to provide legal names, not nick names.

Once you get your license you will have a three (3) day waiting period before your license is valid and then you will need to use it within sixty (60) days.

The marriage ceremony must take place within Washington State to be valid.

You are not married until you go before a minister, priest or judge and have a marriage ceremony.  You must make your own arrangements for this. 

We do not have a list of judges or ministers.  You can check the yellow pages under “Wedding Chapels” or contact any District Court in Washington State.  The number for Franklin County District Court is (509) 545-3593.

The Marriage Certificate that is handed back to you at the marriage ceremony is a keepsake.  This is not an official record and may not be accepted for legal purposes (such as name change).  If you need a certified copy of the official marriage certificate you must request it from our office.  We do not automatically mail out a copy.  The cost is $3.00.  You or your representative can stop by our office and pick up a copy or you can send us a written request.  Please enclose the groom’s name, bride’s maiden name or legal name at the time the application was done and the date of marriage.  Please make sure we have a contact phone number and return address.

If you have any questions regarding marriage licenses, please call us at (509) 545-3536.

Important: Please complete this application form and bring it with you to Franklin County.

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