How Out-of-Towners Get a Marriage License in King County
- lovecraz5
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Thinking about a Seattle elopement, micro wedding or a simple legal ceremony while you’re here for a weekend? You don’t need to live in Washington to get married here! (And yes, we can make the paperwork easy.) Here’s the step-by-step for non-residents to get a Washington State marriage license through King County and how Shotgun Ceremonies can receive and hold your license so it’s waiting for you in Seattle.
The essentials: what the state requires
You don’t need to be a Washington State resident or a U.S. citizen to get a King County marriage license. (And a license from any Washington county can be used anywhere in Washington.)
Washington State details:
Three-day waiting period after the license is issued (not after you mail the application). No waivers.
License valid for 60 days after the waiting period. Plan your travel dates around this window.
Two witnesses sign at the ceremony. (We can provide these for you.)
After the ceremony your officiant (that’s us) must return the signed certificate within 30 days.
You can then order certified copies ($3 each).
The best path for out-of-towners? Apply by mail and have your approved license packet sent to us!
Download the Marriage License Application. Do not sign until you’re in front of a notary.
Sign with a notary, then mail the original notarized application, with payment, to the Recorder’s Office: King County Recorder’s Office, RE: Marriage Application, 201 S. Jackson St., Ste. 204, Seattle, WA 98104.
In your application, list the physical address where you want the packet mailed. That’s where we come in – ask for our MAILING address when you’re planning or booking your elopement. King County will mail your license packet (license + certificate + instructions) to the address you indicate via USPS Priority Mail or FedEx.
We’ll receive your license packet, keep it safe and have it ready for your ceremony - no extra pickup chores for you (and no extra charge).
Here’s a sample timeline:
4-6+ weeks out: Notarize and mail your application with payment. Use Shotgun Ceremonies mailing address as the return address.
When the county issues your license, your 3-day waiting period starts. That window cannot be waived.
Travel to Seattle within 60 days after the waiting period; get married at our Georgetown chapel & gazebo or a photo-friendly Seattle spot.
After the ceremony, we’ll return the signed certificate to the county for filing. Then you can order certified copies online or by mail ($3 each).
Timing note: King County warns they can run a few days behind during busy seasons (summer, holidays, etc.). Mail your application early to avoid stress.
Can you apply online instead?
Yes, but if applying online, you still must finalize (pay) in person at the Recorder’s Office after submitting your application via the online kiosk.
How much does it cost?
King County’s application fee is $169.
International couples (apostille)
If you need an apostille for use abroad, you’ll request it from the Washington Secretary of State after your certificate is recorded. We can point you to the exact steps when you book.
Why out-of-towners use Shotgun Ceremonies:
We can receive your license packet so it’s waiting for you.
We can provide witnesses when needed.
You get a legal, simple, memorable ceremony in our Georgetown shipping-container chapel & outdoor gazebo or on-location around Seattle. (You can even get married by Elvis!)
Clear directions, no courthouse vibes, zero stress.
Ready to lock a date? Call or email us (or fill out our booking form) and tell us you’re applying by mail. We’ll provide the exact mail-to address and help you with other questions that may arise.
Quick FAQ
Do we have to live in Washington? Nope! Non-residents can marry here and use the license anywhere in WA.
How many witnesses do we need? Two. We can help if you’re traveling light.
Can we skip the 3-day wait? Not in any circumsance. Plan around it.
When do we sign? Right after the ceremony with your officiant and two witnesses. We’ll return it to the county.
How do we get proof later? You can order certified copies after the county records your certificate. If you need this immediately, you can get it in-person from the recorder’s office right after your ceremony.
We’ll help make the process simple so you can focus on each other, not the paperwork.
Why plan bigger, just pull the trigger! Come elope with us!
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