Bride and groom live in different state, which state controls marriage license

I am licensed to officiate weddings - a delightful task I reserve only for people I know, usually for a couple one of whom is in the military. Rest assured you are in good company with an arrangment like this.

As you know by reading the application you each need to affirm:
"The undersigned, being first duly sworn, deposes as follows: That I am eighteen years of age or older or if not, have parental, guardian, or court waiver as documented on the attached supplemental application; that if I am afflicted with any contagious sexually transmitted disease, the condition is known to the applicant, and further, that I am not related to the applicant. I understand that this marriage license is not valid for three (3) days from the date the application is filed and is void if the marriage is not solemnized within (60) days of the issuance of the license. I further understand that the marriage must be solemnized in Washington State."

That's it. His portion can be notarized in CA and yours in WA. What needs to happen is that the marriage not take place before the three day waiting period has expired, does take place within 60 days under the auspices of a proper authority and in the State of WA.

I wish you a lifetime of happiness in your marriage relationship.