Marriage License in Graham
Graham is an unincorporated community in Pierce County. There is no city hall in Graham and no local office that issues marriage licenses. Couples in the Graham area apply for a marriage license at the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma. This page covers how the process works, what to bring, how much the license costs, how long you must wait before the ceremony, and where to find marriage records after the wedding.
Graham Overview
Getting a Marriage License in Graham
Graham does not have its own government or licensing office. The community is unincorporated, so Pierce County handles all government services for residents here, including marriage licensing. The Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma is where you go to apply. Tacoma is the county seat, and the auditor's office at 2401 S 35th St is the only location in Pierce County that issues marriage licenses.
Washington State law under RCW Chapter 26.04 designates county auditors as the issuing authority for marriage licenses throughout the state. Cities and unincorporated communities have no role in the process. The auditor takes your application, verifies your documents, collects the fee, and issues the license. After your ceremony, the completed license goes back to the same office to be recorded.
| Office | Pierce County Auditor's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 2401 S 35th St, Room 200 Tacoma, WA 98409 |
| Phone | (253) 798-3801 |
| Website | piercecountywa.gov/356/Marriage-Licensing |
The drive from Graham to the auditor's office in Tacoma typically takes about 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic and your exact starting point. Both people who plan to marry must appear at the office together. You cannot send someone else in your place. Call the office at (253) 798-3801 ahead of time to confirm current hours and whether walk-ins are accepted or appointments are preferred.
Graham Marriage License Requirements
Requirements for a Pierce County marriage license are set by Washington State and apply equally to all county residents regardless of whether they live in an incorporated city or an unincorporated community like Graham.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. If either person is 17, a parent or legal guardian must provide written consent. The state does not issue marriage licenses to anyone under 17. Washington has no residency requirement, which means couples from other states can apply at Pierce County if they plan to hold their wedding in Washington.
Each person must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. A current driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport all work. Expired IDs will not be accepted. The clerk also needs your Social Security number. You do not have to bring the Social Security card itself, but you must know the number. If either of you was previously married, you need to provide the date that marriage ended and the reason, whether by divorce, annulment, or the death of a spouse.
Under RCW 26.04.160, both parties must be present and sign the application at the time of filing. The application asks for legal names, dates of birth, birthplaces, and parents' information. Gathering this ahead of time makes the visit smoother. No blood test is required in Washington.
The Washington State Digital Archives holds historical marriage records from Pierce County going back many decades, and records are available to search online at no cost.
The Washington State Digital Archives is a free resource for searching historical marriage records from Graham, Pierce County, and other areas of Washington.
Fees and Waiting Period
The Pierce County marriage license fee is $72. You pay at the time you submit your application. The fee is non-refundable. The auditor's office accepts several forms of payment. Check the current accepted methods by calling ahead or checking the Pierce County website before you visit.
After you apply, a three-day waiting period begins. During this time, the license is not yet valid and your ceremony cannot take place. This rule is set by RCW 26.04.180 and applies throughout Washington State. The waiting period cannot be shortened or waived. Sundays and holidays count as part of the three days. If you apply on a Wednesday, the license is valid starting Saturday.
Once the waiting period ends, the license is valid for 60 days. Your ceremony can take place anywhere in Washington State during that 60-day window. If no ceremony occurs before the license expires, you have to apply again and pay the fee again. You cannot extend or renew an expired license.
Certified copies of a Pierce County marriage certificate are a separate cost and are not included in the license fee. You can order them through the county or through the Washington State Department of Health after the marriage is recorded.
Note: Fees can change based on state law or county policy. Verify the current fee at the Pierce County Auditor's marriage licensing page before applying.
Marriage License Records in Graham
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and must return it to the Pierce County Auditor within 30 days. The auditor records it, and the document becomes part of the county's official public records. From that point forward, it is the legal proof of the marriage in Washington State. A copy is also forwarded to the Washington State Department of Health, where it becomes part of the statewide vital records system.
To get a certified copy of your marriage certificate, contact the Pierce County Auditor's Office or order through the Washington State Department of Health at doh.wa.gov. Certified copies are needed for name changes with the Social Security Administration, Department of Licensing, or other government agencies. Third-party services like VitalChek can process your order online if you prefer not to visit or mail an application.
For older Pierce County marriage records, the Washington State Digital Archives holds historical records going back many decades. The archive is free to search online and is useful for genealogy research or locating records from earlier generations. Certified copies of historical records can still be ordered through the county or state even if a record appears in the digital archive.
Pierce County Marriage License Resources
Graham is in Pierce County, and all marriage licenses for the area come from the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma. The Pierce County page on this site has a full breakdown of the county licensing process, fees, office hours, and records access.
Nearby Cities
These communities near Graham are also in Pierce County. All Pierce County residents apply for a marriage license at the same auditor's office in Tacoma.