How to Find Washington Marriage Records

How To Find U.S. Marriage Records Washington Marriage Records

The Washington Territory was established in 1853. Marriages were recorded by the county auditor as each county was created. Statehood was granted in 1889. Statewide registration of marriages in Washington began in 1968.


 * 1848 – Oregon Territory created, including present day Washington state
 * 1853 – Washington Territory organized
 * 1889 – Washington granted statehood as the 42nd state of the Union
 * 1968 - Statewide registration of marriages began on July 1

The State of Washington is an open record state. Anyone may order copies of Washington marriage certificates, as long as they can provide the required information.

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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1853
 * 1853 to 1968
 * 1968 to present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1853

 * Before 1853, no marriages were recorded by the county or state
 * 1853 to 1968 marriages were recorded by the county

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in other records.



Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1853 to 1968
Marriage Records on Microfilm Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.


 * Search the FHLC by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.

Order marriage records from the county auditor. If you do not find your ancestor in a marriage index contact the county auditor where you think the marriage took place. Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1968 to present
Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index
Some marriages records after 1968 with digital images are found in the following databases.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
If you did not find your ancestor in the above database, follow the instructions below.

PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage


 * If you know the county of marriage, request a search for a fee from the county auditor.
 * If you don't know the county or date of marriage, request a search for a fee from the Washington State Department of Health.
 * If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in other records.

PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records


 * Order copies from the county auditor –OR–
 * Order copies from the Washington State Department of Health

Request the marriage license or the marriage register, rather than the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information. Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles

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