Washington State Marriage Laws and Marriage License Rules

Marriage laws in Washington State

When getting married in Washington State, the following rules apply:

Age. Both you and your fiancé must be 18. If an applicant is 17, a parent or guardian must be present and provide consent. If an applicant is under 17, a superior court judge from the county where the applicant lives must waive the age requirement.

Kinship and gender. The nearest relative you can marry is your second cousin. In most states, members of the same gender cannot marry.

Waiting period. You must wait three days after your license is filed to have your marriage ceremony.

Officiants: Washington State judge or justice; any minister of any denomination.

Witnesses to marriage. Two

Property Ownership: Community Property State. Neither party may give away more than half the community assets. Separate property and debt may be divided in divorce if court orders.

Health Insurance: Must be extended to spouse.

Dissolution of marriage: Court-ordered divorce required.

Marriage license rules in Washington State

When obtaining a marriage license in Washington State, the following rules apply:

Expiration. The license is good for 60 days.

Witnesses. Two witnesses must be present at your ceremony and sign the marriage license.

Blood Test. No blood test is required. However, both parties must sign an affidavit showing that if either person has a contagious sexually transmitted disease, the other knows about the condition.

Additional resources:

Washington State Legislature: state rules