Chelan County Auditor

Requirements for Marriage License

Notice of Fee Increase!

The fee for licenses purchased after 7-27-25 will be $157.00. The $100 increase is at the direction of HB1498, passed by the 2025 legislature, and funds a Domestic Violence Co-Responder program

 

Requirement for Obtaining Marriage License

Additional Marriage Licensing Topics

 

Requirements for Obtaining a Marriage License

  • Fee: $57.00 is payable at the time of application, and is non-refundable. If prepaying for a certified copy of the marriage certificate, add $3.00 for a total of $60.00.
  • Age Requirement: Both applicants must be at least 18 years of age. There are no waivers or exceptions.
  • Waiting Period: There is a mandatory 3-day (calendar day) waiting period before the license becomes valid. No exceptions can be made.
  • Period Valid/Expiration Date: Your ceremony must be performed in any Washington county within 60 days of application.
  • Hours: Licenses are issued by the Recording Department Monday - Friday from 9-5 pm on the street level of the Chelan County Courthouse. The application process takes about 20 minutes.
  • Identification: Government-issued photo ID containing birth date must be presented at the time of application. A driver's license or corresponding ID card works fine.
  • Residency Requirement: None
  • Blood Test Requirement: None
  • Divorce Requirement: Proof of divorce is not required, but your divorce must be final at the time you apply for a marriage license.

 

Additional Marriage License Topics

  • Marriage LawTitle 26.04 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) defines marriage statutes for Washington State
  • Officiant Qualification: Marriage statutes specify that a qualifying officiant be any regularly licensed or ordained minister or any priest, imam, rabbi, or similar official of any religious organization. Additionally, judges as defined in RCW 26.04.050.
  • Officiant Registration: No registration is required to perform a ceremony in Washington State.
  • Officiant Duties - Eligibility requirements and tasks to perform
  • Name Change: Name changes due to marriage are optional and do not require the consent of the court. 
  • Domestic Partnerships: Washington's Office of the Secretary of State oversees a Domestic Partner Registry. 
  • Public Disclosure: All marriage applications and certificates are a matter of public record. The Wenatchee World researches public records and publishes information from each marriage license issued.
  • Family Law Handbook: The Administrative Office of the Courts has compiled information and resources that describe the legal implications of marriage in Washington State.

 

 

Posted: 06/09/2021 01:55 PM
Last Updated: 06/17/2025 02:48 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 23
    Jul 2025
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - July 23, 2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person.
  • 12
    Jul 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - July 12, 2025

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is July 12.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 09
    Jul 2025
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on July 9, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 11
    Jun 2025
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on June 11, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1