How to Legally Elope in Washington State: Your 2026 Guide
Trying to figured 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 complicated, but a lot of first-time couples aren’t sure where to begin.
Whether you live in Washington or are traveling from out of state (or out of the country), the process is straightforward. You don’t need hours of research or piles of paperwork—I promise. I’ve helped dozens of couples get legally married in Washington and will walk you through every step.
Quick Checklist
Apply for your marriage license (online, in person, or by mail)
Pay the $169 fee and start the 3-day waiting period
Choose your officiant (professional, friend, or photographer)
Line up two witnesses
Have your ceremony and sign your license
Submit your license to the county and get your official certificate
Things to Know Before You Start:
Residency isn’t required – anyone can apply for a marriage license in Washington.
County flexibility – you don’t have to elope in the same county where you get your license.
Timing matters – your ceremony must occur 3 to 60 days after your license is issued. For example, if you want to marry on June 30th, apply between April 29th and June 27th. King County has a great calculator so you know exactly where that window is for you!: https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/records-licensing/recorders-office/marriage-licensing
Step 1: Apply for Your Marriage License
You can apply for a marriage license in any county in Washington. The only real difference is the decorative copy you get to take home (just for fun, not legally binding), as each county has its own design. King County, Snohomish County, or Pierce County are popular choices, but any county works perfectly.
Washington makes this fairly straightforward with three options:
Online:
Start your application online, then complete it in person at the county’s recording office. Only one applicant needs to appear, pay the $169 fee, and begin the 3-day waiting period. Bring your transaction number and payment.In Person:
Apply directly at the county’s recording office, most are open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. ($169 fee). Fill out the application in advance (don’t sign it) and bring payment. Both applicants will sign at the office.By Mail:
Download and fill out the application (don’t sign it at home). Sign in front of a notary, have them seal it, and mail it with a $169 check/money order to the county’s recording office. They will process and mail your license and certificate packet.
Step 2: Choose Your Officiant
Officiant options:
Hire a minister, priest, officiant, or judge to lead your ceremony
Have a friend get ordained and lead your ceremony
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.
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! Read more about eloping alone and witness requirements in step 3.
Not sure how to structure a wedding ceremony without an officiant? My blog post will help: Creating The Perfect Elopement Ceremony Script Without an Officiant
Step 3: Can I Get a Witness?
Washington state requires two witnesses to sign 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.
No guests? No problem. It’s easy to find two willing witnesses for your ceremony. They just need to sign in front of your officiant; they don’t need to attend the entire event.
Pup Pro tip: Your pup can’t sign the legal marriage license… but they can leave a paw print on the keepsake copy! I keep an inkless paw print kit in my backpack so your furry sidekick can officially “sign” your elopement day—because no wedding adventure is complete without them.
Step 4: After the Ceremony
Once your officiant and witnesses sign, the officiant returns the license to the state for official processing. After processing, you can request your official marriage certificate. That’s it—you’re legally married!
THAT’S IT. Seriously.
Washington is one of the easier states to get married in and makes things super duper simple for eloping couples!
Washington Marriage License FAQs:
Do I have to be a Washington resident?
Nope! Residency isn’t required.
Do I need a birth certificate?
No, a photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military ID) is enough.
Can I officiate my own wedding?
Self-solemnization is legal in many states, but unfortunately not in Washington state.
How much does a marriage license cost?
$172 in any county.
How old do I have to be?
You must be 18. Washington no longer allows 17-year-olds to marry, even with parental consent.
One Last thing: Hire an Elopement Photographer!
**Make sure to do this one BEFORE you get married 🤪
There’s no doubt you’re going to want your incredible day documented through photographs that you’ll be able to keep forever, and that’s where I come in!
Washington elopement packages start at $6,200 in 2025
and include the following:
A minimum of 4 hours of elopement photography coverage
Travel to ANYWHERE in Washington
Unlimited support (both knowledge and moral!)
Access to my library of resources on how to elope
Detailed and custom location suggestions based on your needs
Elopement day timeline creation
Recommendations for outstanding vendors
High-resolution files that are yours to keep
Complimentary officiating services
Elopement Photography Resources
Around here, we’re all about making sure you have one hell of an adventure and know exactly how to achieve that. I’ve put together some incredible blog posts with loads of information that’s going to help you feel cool, calm, and collected the entire time.
