If you’re getting married in Kitsap County, Washington, here are four easy steps to help you get a marriage license and get married!
How to get a legal marriage license and get married in Kitsap County:
1) Take a trip to the Kitsap County Courthouse in West Sound: Grab your Sweetie and take a trip to the Kitsap County Courthouse on Division Street in Port Orchard, WA and visit the County Auditor’s Office. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and is closed on Fridays. Both of you must apply for the license together, and if you cannot apply in person, you can call the Auditor’s office and begin the process of obtaining your marriage license by mail.
To apply for a marriage license, both of you must be at least 18 years old and have a current photo ID as proof of identification. If one of you is 17 years old, one of your parents must accompany you to court. Happily, no blood work or physical exam is required!
When you get your marriage license in Kitsap County, you must use it within 60 days in Kitsap County or any city, town, or county within Washington State. Yes that’s how it is! You can purchase your marriage license in any county in the state of Washington and your license is valid for up to 60 days in any county in the state. Oh, and don’t forget ~ there is a three day waiting period to use the marriage license from the date of your initial application.
So, to recap: You have 60 days to use your marriage license. And once she has her license, she must wait 3 days for her waiting period to expire before she can get married.
2) Find a witness! Well, find two witnesses! yes you must have two people over the age of 18 to witness your wedding ceremony and sign your legal documents.
3) Find someone to marry you: If you are getting married within a recognized religious institution, church, or organization, a person to marry you usually comes along with the facility. If you are getting married outside of an established institution or organization, you will most likely need to find someone to marry you.
In Kitsap County, non-denominational wedding ministers and officiants are available to create and perform your wedding ceremony. Start Google and search under “Wedding Officiant Kitsap County” or “Wedding Minister Kitsap County” and create a short list of candidates.
If you have time, arrange to have coffee/tea with your prospects and make your best selection. Officiants and ministers come in all shapes and sizes, so your job is to select someone whose personality and approach to crafting and performing a ceremony resonates with you.
And if time is short, do it over the phone. Officiant fees vary widely and there is usually no set price range for services.
4) Get married and present your signed legal documentation: Once you are married, be sure to send your signed legal documentation back to Kitsap County so that your marriage can be officially and legally registered. Your Officiant or Minister will most likely do this and if you are sending your signed documents by post, please allow 10-14 days for processing.
For your records and/or for all official name change parties, you will need a certified copy of your marriage license once you register. Contact the Auditor’s office for a copy at 360.337.4935.
For more information on the marriage license, visit the Kitsap County Auditor’s website: http://www.kitsapgov.com/aud/records/marriage.htm
Happy wedding day!