Marriage Paperwork

Many couples ask me about "the paperwork". When do you get it? Do you (meaning me, as the officiant) buy it? How long do we have before we can buy it? These are all very good questions to ask.

The marriage paperwork is a small, yet important, factor on wedding day. I like to say that without the marriage paperwork it's just a nice get together with friends or one big party. With that being said, the marriage paperwork places an important role after the I do's and before the reception gets underway.

A marriage license can be purchased anywhere in Washington state and can be used anywhere in Washington state. You also don't have to be a resident of Washington state to purchase paperwork. Each county has their own rules and regulations that they follow. What is consistent in each county is this: there is a three day wait period before you can use it (WA state law). You also have up to sixty days to be able to use the paperwork, once the waiting period has been met.

Something I offer to each of my couples is the option of having me file the completed paperwork. Regardless of what county you've purchased the paperwork in, I will see to it that the final paperwork is forwarded to the county of origin. This is part of each wedding package I offer. My thought is wouldn't it be nice to be able to go on your honeymoon without the added worry of turning in your paperwork?

For any paperwork purchased in Snohomish county, I hand deliver each document and also offer to pick up any certified copies of the marriage certificate at no additional charge. (The clerks at the Snohomish county auditor's office know me by name!) Just another service I offer to my couples.

I also answer any questions that my couples may have regarding name changes or what to do next, once the paperwork has been filed. For me, it's important to be able to finish my journey with my couples and giving them peace of mind that all i's are dotted and all t's are crossed.

So, rest assured, if I am serving as your officiant I will help you in the process from beginning to end, and sometimes even in the days after wedding day!