Chelan County Auditor

Requirements for Marriage License

Notice of Fee Increase!

The fee for licenses purchased after 7-27-25 will be $157.00. The $100 increase is at the direction of HB1498, passed by the 2025 legislature, and funds a Domestic Violence Co-Responder program

 

Requirement for Obtaining Marriage License

Additional Marriage Licensing Topics

 

Requirements for Obtaining a Marriage License

  • Fee: $57.00 is payable at the time of application, and is non-refundable. If prepaying for a certified copy of the marriage certificate, add $3.00 for a total of $60.00.
  • Age Requirement: Both applicants must be at least 18 years of age. There are no waivers or exceptions.
  • Waiting Period: There is a mandatory 3-day (calendar day) waiting period before the license becomes valid. No exceptions can be made.
  • Period Valid/Expiration Date: Your ceremony must be performed in any Washington county within 60 days of application.
  • Hours: Licenses are issued by the Recording Department Monday - Friday from 9-5 pm on the street level of the Chelan County Courthouse. The application process takes about 20 minutes.
  • Identification: Government-issued photo ID containing birth date must be presented at the time of application. A driver's license or corresponding ID card works fine.
  • Residency Requirement: None
  • Blood Test Requirement: None
  • Divorce Requirement: Proof of divorce is not required, but your divorce must be final at the time you apply for a marriage license.

 

Additional Marriage License Topics

  • Marriage LawTitle 26.04 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) defines marriage statutes for Washington State
  • Officiant Qualification: Marriage statutes specify that a qualifying officiant be any regularly licensed or ordained minister or any priest, imam, rabbi, or similar official of any religious organization. Additionally, judges as defined in RCW 26.04.050.
  • Officiant Registration: No registration is required to perform a ceremony in Washington State.
  • Officiant Duties - Eligibility requirements and tasks to perform
  • Name Change: Name changes due to marriage are optional and do not require the consent of the court. 
  • Domestic Partnerships: Washington's Office of the Secretary of State oversees a Domestic Partner Registry. 
  • Public Disclosure: All marriage applications and certificates are a matter of public record. The Wenatchee World researches public records and publishes information from each marriage license issued.
  • Family Law Handbook: The Administrative Office of the Courts has compiled information and resources that describe the legal implications of marriage in Washington State.

 

 

Posted: 06/09/2021 01:55 PM
Last Updated: 06/17/2025 02:48 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 19
    Aug 2025
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 19
    Aug 2025
    01:30 PM - 02:00 PM

    Public Meeting: Certify Election

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 13
    Aug 2025
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 13
    Aug 2025
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on August 13, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 08
    Aug 2025
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office