Officiating a wedding in Washington
Registration, the license, and who returns it — the essentials for officiants.
Informational only. Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm the current rule with the county clerk or issuing office that handles the license.
Reviewed August 2026 · Issuing office: clark.wa.gov
Can you officiate, and is registration required?
Washington sets no officiant registration, and one county auditor states that officiants need not register or file documents with the county. Justices, judges, court commissioners, tribal court judges and any regularly licensed or ordained minister, priest, imam, rabbi or similar official of any religious organization may solemnize; there is no self-solemnization provision. The three-day waiting period is the thing to plan around, because county auditors state it cannot be waived under any circumstances, including a court order. The license is void if the marriage is not solemnized within sixty days of issuance, and two attending witnesses sign.
Who returns the license, and by when
The person solemnizing the marriage delivers a certificate to the county auditor of the issuing county and a certificate for the state registrar of vital statistics within thirty days. The auditor then transmits filed certificates monthly. Confirm the window with the issuing auditor.
Suggested return window: about 30 days after the ceremony. Confirm the current deadline with the issuing clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to register to officiate in Washington?
No. A county auditor states that officiants need not register or file documents with the county. Ministers from any state may officiate provided the ceremony takes place in Washington.
Can Washington’s waiting period be waived?
No. County auditors are emphatic that the three-day wait cannot be waived under any circumstances, including a court order, which is unusual among states that have a waiting period at all.
When is a Washington marriage certificate due back?
Within thirty days, delivered to the county auditor of the issuing county along with the certificate for the state registrar.
Never miss a return deadline
RiteBinder's license tracker keeps every state's note in front of you (free, no card). On Solo it also turns the signed license into a task and reminds you before the deadline.
Confirm the current rule with the issuing office:clark.wa.gov.