How to Legally Elope in Washington State

Trying to figure out exactly how to get legally married in Washington State? Not sure where to start, what forms you need to fill out, or who needs to be there to witness the elopement? I'VE GOT YOU, FRIEND. It's not super complicated, but a lot of people are getting married for the first time and aren't sure exactly what to do!

If you live in Washington or are traveling here from your home state or country, the steps are all going to be very similar. You don't need to spend hours researching or filling out paperwork, I promise!

That's where I come in. I've done this a time or two (including getting married in Washington!) and can walk you through every step. Let's do this!!

Things you need to know to get started:

  1. You don't need to be a resident of Washington state to get legally married here.

  2. You don't have to get married in the county you apply for a marriage license in (which makes things super easy for eloping!).

  3. You need to plan for the ceremony to happen between 3 days and 60 days after your license is issued.

  4. The application fee is $69!


First things first: Application for Marriage License

Washington makes it suuuuuper easy to apply for your marriage license: it's an online application! You'll fill out information about each applicant and submit right there in the kiosk. That info is what will be printed on your marriage license, and you'll need to bring a printed copy along on your elopement day.

Once that's submitted, you'll email the state with your application information so they can give you a call to pay the application fee over the phone via credit card.

*Note: You can still apply by mail if that's more your thing! You'd fill out the application, have it notarized, and send the application and check to the state for them to start processing. Of course, this option takes longer but is still just as valid.

GET MARRIED!

The next thing on our to do list is to get you two married. On the day of your ceremony, you'll bring the marriage license that the state sends you, along with a black pen for your witnesses and officiant to sign.

You have a few options when it comes to choosing your officiant:

  1. Hire a minister, priest, officiant, or judge to lead your ceremony

  2. Have a friend get ordained and lead your ceremony

    1. This is actually super easy through the Universal Life Church! Anyone can become ordained and it only takes a couple of days to be official. Then someone you know and love can get you married

  3. Have your photographer (me!) sign as the officiant on your marriage license. While I can't be the one to walk you through traditions and talk about your relationship, at the end of the ceremony I can legally sign as the officiant. This is a great option for couples who are eloping alone!

What About Witnesses?

Washington state requires two witnesses to sign on your marriage license. This could be friends and family you invite to the ceremony, but it doesn't have to be! I can sign as a witness (if I'm not already the officiant), or other people in the area can sign as witnesses as well. Park rangers, hikers, tourists, anybody! As long as they're over 18 years old, they're able to be a witness!

What Happens Next?

After the ceremony ends and the officiant and witnesses have signed the marriage license, the officiant will be responsible for returning the marriage license to the state for official processing. Once it has been processed, you can request official copies (for a small fee) so you have a marriage certificate in your possession.

THAT'S IT. Seriously.

Washington is one of the easier states to get married in and makes things super duper simple for eloping couples.

If you're unsure of any of the processes, there are tons more information that the state has provided, so feel free to head to the Marriage Licensing page to read more.

Need help with other stuff related to eloping? I got you.

How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Washington?

Elopement and Booking FAQ

A Complete Guide to Eloping in North Cascades National Park