Washington Marriage License Fee & Waiting Period

In Washington State, the marriage license fee varies by county and typically ranges from approximately $60 to $72. The exact fee should be confirmed directly with the county auditor's office in the jurisdiction where the license will be issued, as each county sets its own fee schedule. The application process requires two witnesses to be present.

After a marriage license is issued in Washington, a mandatory three-day waiting period must elapse before the license becomes effective. The license becomes valid on the fourth day following issuance, and this waiting period cannot be waived. Once effective, the license remains valid for 60 days, after which it expires if the marriage has not been solemnized.

The fee is representative. Marriage-license fees here are county-set and vary; confirm the exact, current amount on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. Informational only — not legal advice.

Where the fee is actually set

In most states the marriage-license fee is set by the county, not the legislature, so a single statewide number can be wrong for you. The license document itself is issued by the county clerk — that office’s own fee schedule is the authoritative source for the current amount and any waiting period.

Full Washington license guide → · Compare fee models by state →