Applying for a Marriage License
Both the potential bride and groom must be present to apply for a marriage license. No appointment is necessary.
Marriage Application Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
| Prosser Office | Kennewick Office |
Benton County Auditor's Office
620 Market St
Prosser WA 99350
(509) 786-5620
| Benton County Auditor's Office
5600 W Canal Pl
Kennewick WA 99336
(509) 736-2727
|
Requirements
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Both applicants must have a current photo ID as proof of your age and identity.
Blood tests and physical exams are not required to obtain a marriage license.
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Applicants do not have to be residents of the State of Washington to obtain a marriage license. The license is only valid for weddings that are performed within the State of Washington.
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Proof of divorce from a previous spouse, or death of a spouse, is not required to obtain a marriage license. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the final decree of divorce is filed before applying for a new marriage license.
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Same sex marriages are not recognized in the State of Washington.
Age Requirements
Waiting Period
There is a three (3) day waiting period beginning the first day after you apply for your license and ending the third day following the date of application. You may not get married during this waiting period. The License is valid for 60 days beginning on the 3rd day after application.
Witnesses
Witnesses are not necessary to apply for a license, but state law requires that at least two witnesses be present at the ceremony. Witnesses should be at least 12 years of age.
Fee
There is a $64 fee, payable at the time of application. CASH ONLY. Checks and credit cards are not accepted at this time. The fee is non-refundable.
You may also want to pre-pay for one or more certified copies at the time you apply. The cost is $3.00 each. The copies will automatically be mailed to you after your officiant returns your marriage certificate to the Auditor's Office for recording. Please bring sufficient cash to pay for both the $64.00 license, as well as any $3.00 certified copies.
Performing the Ceremony
State law prescribes who can perform a marriage ceremony: active and retired Supreme Court justices, Court of Appeals judges, Superior Court judges, Superior Court commissioners, and judges of courts of limited jurisdiction, as well as any regularly licensed or ordained minister or priest of any church or religious denomination. See RCW 26.04.050 for a complete list.
Ministers from any state may perform marriage ceremonies, but the ceremony must be performed in the State of Washington. Neither the bride nor the groom may perform the ceremony.
Marriages are Public Record
All marriage records are a matter of public record. The one exception to this is for those enrolled in the State's Address Confidentiality program. Once a license has been recorded, it cannot be "unrecorded."
Copies of Marriage Licenses
Certified copies of marriage licenses must be requested. Requests may be made in person or by mail.
To request in person, please come to the Recording Department located at the Prosser or Kennewick Office listed above. Department hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday thru Friday.
To request by mail, please send a request with bride, groom, and date of marriage to Prosser or Kennewick Office listed above.
All public documents, including marriage certificates, are available from the Recording Department.