How to Get Married Online in Washington (Step-by-Step Guide)

In a world increasingly reliant on technology, the concept of marriage has evolved to embrace new forms. Online marriages, for instance, have emerged as a convenient option for couples seeking to tie the knot remotely. This trend is particularly notable in Washington, where couples can choose from a variety of picturesque locations for their ceremonies.

For in-person weddings, iconic venues such as the Space Needle in Seattle or the historic Thornewood Castle offer couples stunning backdrops for their special day. Alternatively, adventurous couples opting for online weddings might choose remote locations like the Olympic National Park or the San Juan Islands, offering breathtaking scenery and a unique setting for their virtual ceremonies.

This article delves into Washington's specific regulations regarding online marriages, exploring the legalities and considerations that affect the recognition of such unions across different regions.

In-Person Wedding Requirements in Washington

To have an in-person wedding in Washington State, couples must meet several requirements. Regarding age and marital status, both applicants must be at least 18 years old, or have parental consent if they are 17. Additionally, both applicants must be currently unmarried and not closely related by blood.

When it comes to the marriage license application, couples need to:

• Apply for a marriage license at least three days before the ceremony and no more than 60 days in advance
• Complete the application online
• Pay the involved fees
• Both parties must also provide government-issued photo ID when applying for the marriage license.

Two witnesses are required for the wedding ceremony to be valid. There may be additional requirements or steps specific to certain counties, so it is essential to check with your local county office for detailed information.

Obtaining a Washington State Marriage License Online

To get a marriage license online in Washington State, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Online Application:
   • Visit the website of the county where you plan to apply. All counties offer online marriage application forms on their respective websites.
   • Fill out the required information, including personal details and information about your partner.
2. Pay the Application Fee:‍
   • Each county has a specific fee for the marriage license. For instance, King County charges $69, and Pierce County charges $72. Fees vary slightly by county.‍
3. ‍Submit the Application:‍
   • Once the application is complete and the fee is paid, submit the application online. In some cases, you may need to visit the county office to finalize the process.
4. ‍Wait for the License to be Issued:‍
   • After submitting the application, there is typically a waiting period before the license is issued. For example, Snohomish County requires a 3-day waiting period before the license is valid.‍
5. ‍Receive and Use the Marriage License:‍
   • Once the waiting period is over, you will receive your marriage license. This license is valid for use within Washington State only and must be used within a specific timeframe, usually 60 days.

Understanding Online Marriage Licenses vs. Online Marriages

An online marriage license and an online marriage are fundamentally different. An online marriage license is simply the document that authorizes a couple to get married. Some states enable couples to apply for and obtain this license via an online application, simplifying the administrative process. Nonetheless, even with an online marriage license, the wedding ceremony itself must still be performed in person, adhering to state laws and regulations.

Conversely, an online marriage, like those offered by Courtly, enables the entire marriage process to occur online. This allows both the legal documentation and the wedding ceremony to be conducted virtually, offering a convenient and contemporary alternative to traditional in-person ceremonies. At the end, you also receive a digitally-certified copy of your marriage certificate as well as a physical copy.

Courtly: Simplifying the Online Marriage Process in Washington

Courtly offers a straightforward solution for couples seeking a simplified marriage process. It allows couples the flexibility to complete the entire procedure remotely, eliminating the need for extensive documentation. Through Courtly's efficient approach, couples can swiftly obtain a valid U.S. marriage certificate with ease.

Step-by-Step Guide for Getting Married Online in Washington with Courtly

1. Create an Account

To start, create an account on Courtly. Click on the "Get Married" icon at the top right corner of the website and follow the prompts. Once the account is set up, you gain access to the Courtly platform.

2. Choose Ceremony Format, Setting, and Officiant

Choose your preferred ceremony format, venue, and style to align with your preferences. Depending on the selected date and time, Courtly will pair you with one of their legally qualified U.S. officiants.

3. Confirm and Make Payment

After choosing your wedding package, proceed to make the payment. Upon successful completion of the payment process, you will receive an email confirmation from Courtly, confirming the initiation of your wedding plans.

4. Celebrate Online

Gather your family and friends online to celebrate your marriage. Whether you decide to tie the knot from the comfort of your home or any location with a reliable internet connection, the online ceremony typically concludes within about 15 minutes.

Following your online wedding, you will promptly receive a digital copy of your U.S. marriage certificate. Courtly will also deliver a printed copy within 1 to 2 weeks. Additionally, you can download your digital marriage license within 24 hours after the ceremony.

The Legality of Online Marriages in Washington

Before the pandemic, certain jurisdictions had strict laws requiring the officiant and the couple to be present in person for the marriage to be deemed lawful. Couples also had to go in person to the county clerk's office to get a marriage license.

Then in 2019, the Utah County marriage license office and the information technology departments collaborated to create an innovative and fully digital marriage license application procedure. This innovative system successfully eliminated the need for couples to physically visit the office to get and return their marriage licenses.

One important feature of Utah's online marriage process is that it is available to everyone, regardless of residence. In general, marriages performed legally in one state are accepted across the United States of America. Both state and federal laws must be followed by them. This means that a couple that lawfully weds online using Utah's system will also have their marriage recognized by other states.

The Legality of Online Marriages Outside the US

To have your wedding recognized in another country, you might need an Apostille certification. An apostille is a special certificate that serves as a guarantee that your marriage license is valid, legally authentic, and acknowledged in all nations that have ratified The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. It ensures that your marriage document holds international validity and can be easily verified.

In the U.S., court officials can legally perform ceremonies online. However, other countries may not accept them. This is especially true if your partner is from another country. Sometimes, you may need to take extra steps to meet the specific rules of another country.

Getting an Apostille certification can address these concerns and ensure your marriage license is accepted abroad. But before using your marriage certificate, research and consult the authorities or embassies of that country to understand their recognition requirements.

Conclusion

This guide has equipped you with the knowledge to navigate online marriage in Washington State. We've covered the legal requirements for both in-person and online marriage applications, compared online marriage licenses to fully virtual weddings, and outlined the step-by-step process to get married online with platforms like Courtly. By prioritizing clear communication with your chosen platform and meticulously planning your legal ceremony, you can ensure a smooth experience. Ultimately, this guide simplifies the online marriage journey in Washington, allowing couples to begin their new life together with confidence and ease.

FAQs

Is online marriage legal in Washington?

‍Yes, you can get legally married online through Courtly using a marriage license from Utah County, the only place in the world that allows fully remote marriages. A marriage recognized in one state is legally valid throughout the entire United States.

Can I use this marriage certificate to change my name after marriage?

Yes, your marriage certificate can be used to change your name. If you’re in the US, you may also consider using a Courtly Name Change Kit to quicken the process. Each kit contains essential documents and instructions for changing your name after marriage.

Can I apply for a marriage license online if I am not a resident of Washington State?

Applicants do not have to be residents of Washington State to obtain a marriage license. But the license is only valid for weddings that are performed within the state.

Is it possible to expedite the application process?

Yes, it is possible to expedite the marriage license application process in Washington State. According to Skamania County's official website, couples can request expedited service for an additional fee. This allows the marriage license to be issued immediately upon approval, rather than waiting the standard processing time.

If you need to get married as soon as possible, you may also consider using Courtly’s Rush Processing service which allows you to get married online in less than 24 hours. You can learn more about adding this service to your package on our Pricing Page. 

What should I do if I make a mistake on the application?

If you make a mistake on your marriage license application in Washington State, it's important to contact the county officials promptly. Corrections typically involve submitting a request to amend the error, which may require completing a specific form and providing supporting documentation. Be prepared for a possible small fee associated with the correction process.