How to Get a Marriage License in King County (Without Losing Your Mind)
Updated: Sep 4
Ready to Tie the Knot in Seattle? Your Guide to a Stress-Free Elopement!
Are you ready to tie the knot in Seattle? If you’re thinking about eloping with a little flair, check out our funky little shipping container chapel at Shotgun Ceremonies in Georgetown! Whether you’re planning an Elvis-officiated vow exchange, a quick “let’s do this” moment under our gazebo, or a romantic mini-ceremony with just the two of you and your dog, there’s one very non-negotiable step: getting a marriage license.
But don’t worry! We’ve walked hundreds of couples through this process, and we’re breaking it down right here so you don’t have to stress.
Let’s talk licenses: how to get one, what it costs, how long it’s valid, and how to avoid any last-minute “wait, what?” moments before your wedding.
First Things First: Where Do You Get a Marriage License in King County?
Each county has a recorder’s office; this is where wedding licenses are issued. In King County, you’ll need to apply for your marriage license through the King County Recorder’s Office. (The information here pertains to King County, but the application is the same at any county office. You can apply at any office in the state.)
In King County you have four ways to do this.
Both of you walk in together to 201 S. Jackson St., Suite 204 and sign at the counter.
One of you walks in with the other's notarized application.
You both notarize and mail it in.
Or a third party brings both notarized applications in for you.
There is no phone finalization, and the county does not accept scans or faxes of anything. Originals only.
What’s It Going to Cost Me?
It’s $169 to apply for a marriage license in King County.
That (Annoying but Important) 3-Day Waiting Period
Washington State law requires a three-day waiting period from the time you receive your license, and then it is valid for 60 days. That means:
Day 1: Apply and pay on a Monday and Thursday is your first legal day.
Day 4: You can get legally married. From here the license is good for 60 days. The affidavit you sign spells this out: not valid for three days from the date the application is filed, and void if the marriage is not completed within 60 days of issuance. King County issues at the counter when you pay, so those clocks start together. Here is a calculator that shows you when you need to apply, based on your ceremony date.
At Shotgun Ceremonies, we’ll ask to see your license before the ceremony. BE SURE you’ve applied in time. No wedding officiant can perform a legal ceremony without it, no matter how cute you look in your wedding outfits.
Planning tip: couples often pay for the license first and then discover the date they wanted is gone. If you know roughly when you want to get married, check availability before you pay. Our calendar is here, and booking takes about two minutes.
What Do I Need to Bring?
You can begin the application process online, but must complete it in the recorder’s office.
Once your online Marriage License Application has been submitted, keep your transaction number. You will finalize the process at:
King County Customer Service Center
201 S. Jackson St., Ste. 204
Seattle, WA 98104
Both applicants have to be verified. If you are both at the counter, a deputy auditor swears you both in and you show photo ID. If one of you cannot be there, that person signs the paper application in front of a notary first and the other brings the original in. The notary does the same job the deputy does.
Bring photo ID and payment for the $169 fee. They take cash, check, money order and debit or credit. Your application and the three-day wait both begin the day it is filed and paid.
Also: you don’t need to live in Washington to get married here. Tourists, road-trippers, and cross-state lovers - all welcome!
Can I Get Married at Shotgun Ceremonies with This License?
Heck yes, you can! Once your 3-day wait is up, your King County marriage license is valid anywhere in the state of Washington for 60 days. That includes our Georgetown chapel, our outdoor gazebo, or even your favorite dive bar down the street.
We provide licensed officiants, legal filing, and witnesses at no extra cost, if needed. Seriously… bring your dog, your besties, or no one at all. We’ve got your back.
What if we cannot both get downtown?
You have options, and none of them cost extra.
The partner who cannot come signs the paper application in front of a notary, and the other partner carries that original document to the counter.
Or you both notarize and mail everything in, and the county mails your license packet back.
Or a third party, including your officiant, brings both notarized applications in.
One catch worth planning around: both applicants share a single sheet of paper. If the two of you are in different cities, that page has to travel to one notary and then the other before it goes to Seattle. Build in the mail time.
Heads up if you have done this recently or heard about it from a friend. King County recently changed the rules back. During COVID nobody showed ID. For a couple of years after that, only one person had to come in and no notary was needed. As of this year the county is back to its older procedure and every applicant is verified, at the counter or by a notary. (This is the current policy as of September 2026.)
How Many Witnesses Do I Need?
You need two. Just two humans. If you don’t have any with you, we’ll provide them for free. We love pets too! Please bring them... but know that the County does not consider them appropriate witnesses.
What Happens After the Ceremony?
Once you say “I do” at Shotgun Ceremonies, you, your officiant, and witnesses will sign your marriage certificate. Then we’ll return it to the county for official recording.
Want a certified copy for your records (or to change your name)? You can request one from King County for just a few bucks.
Here’s What You Need to Remember:
Apply online or in person at King County.
Pay the fee ($169).
Wait 3 days for the license to be valid.
Get married anywhere in Washington State within 60 days.
Have your officiant return the signed license.
Order certified copies (if needed).
You have the license. Now what?
The license is the paperwork. The ceremony is the part you will remember.
Once your three-day wait is up, that license is good anywhere in Washington for 60 days. Some couples go to the courthouse. Some come to us. We are a pink shipping container chapel in Georgetown with a licensed officiant, witnesses if you need them, your music, your dog if you want, and paperwork we file for you afterward. $500, and you are married in under an hour.
If your license is already valid, call us. We can often marry you the same day.
Still Have Questions?
We’ve done thousands of elopements here at Shotgun Ceremonies, and we’ve seen just about every possible license question, deadline mix-up, and county-related panic attack. If you’re not sure what to do or need help with the process, send us a message (lovecrazy@shotgunceremonies.com). Getting married should be fun, not frustrating.
Comments