Kennewick Marriage License
If you plan to get married in Kennewick, you need a marriage license from the Benton County Auditor's Office in Prosser. Kennewick sits in Benton County, and the county auditor is the only office that can issue this document for residents of the area. The Kennewick city hall does not handle marriage license applications. Benton County is one of the more affordable counties in Washington for this process, with fees that run lower than most of the state. This page covers where to go, what to bring, how much it costs, and what happens after the license is issued.
Kennewick Overview
Getting a Marriage License in Kennewick
Kennewick residents apply for a marriage license through the Benton County Auditor's Office. The auditor's office is in Prosser, which is the county seat, about 25 miles west of Kennewick on US-12. Both people who plan to marry must appear in person at the same time. You cannot send a representative or mail in an application for a new license. The staff there will review your documents, collect the fee, and issue the license once everything checks out.
Benton County offers an online pre-application option that lets you fill out some of the paperwork in advance of your visit. This can save time at the counter, though the in-person visit is still required before the license is issued. Even with a pre-application on file, both applicants must still show up together. Plan to spend about 30 minutes at the office. Bring everything you need the first time so you do not have to make a second trip to Prosser.
Washington State law under RCW Chapter 26.04 designates county auditors as the sole authority for issuing marriage licenses in Washington. Cities are not part of this process. The Kennewick City Clerk at 210 W 6th Ave maintains city records and handles municipal matters. Call (509) 585-4200 if you have questions about other city services, but the city cannot help you with a marriage license.
| Office | Benton County Auditor's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 620 Market St Prosser, WA 99350 |
| Phone | (509) 786-5618 |
| Website | co.benton.wa.us/auditor |
Call the Benton County Auditor at (509) 786-5618 ahead of your visit to confirm current office hours and any requirements specific to their current process. Walk-ins are generally accepted, but calling first is a smart step before driving to Prosser.
Marriage License Requirements
Washington State sets the rules for marriage licenses under RCW Chapter 26.04. The requirements are the same for all Benton County residents. Both applicants must be at least 18. If either person is between 17 and 18, a court order is required. The state does not allow marriage licenses for anyone under 17.
Both people must appear together at the auditor's office and show a valid photo ID. Accepted forms include a current driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport. The name on the ID should match what you plan to use on the license. If either applicant was previously married, provide the date that marriage ended and whether it ended by divorce, annulment, or the death of a spouse.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. The card is not required, but you must know the number. The application asks for parents' legal names, the mother's maiden name, and parents' birthplaces for both parties. Gathering this information before you go makes the visit faster. Washington does not require a blood test or medical certificate. There is also no residency requirement. Out-of-state couples can apply at Benton County if they plan to hold their wedding anywhere in Washington.
Under RCW 26.04.160, both parties must sign the application at the time they appear before the clerk. The clerk reviews the form and issues the license once all information is complete and the fee is paid.
Fees and Waiting Period
Benton County charges between $59 and $61 for a marriage license. This is one of the lowest fees in Washington State. Many other counties charge more. The exact amount can shift slightly based on state-mandated adjustments, so confirm the current total when you call or visit the office. The fee is paid at the time of application and is non-refundable. Most offices accept cash, check, and credit or debit cards, but verify what Benton County currently accepts before your trip.
Under RCW 26.04.180, Washington requires a mandatory three-day waiting period between the time you apply and the earliest date your ceremony can take place. The waiting period starts the day after you apply. Apply on a Monday and the license is valid starting Thursday. Sundays and holidays count in the three-day window. Once valid, the license stays good for 60 days from the date it was issued.
If your wedding does not happen within the 60-day window, the license expires and cannot be extended. You would need to reapply and pay the fee again. Plan your application date so the waiting period clears before your ceremony. If your wedding is on a Saturday, apply no later than the Tuesday before to be safe.
Note: Confirm the current fee at the Benton County Auditor's website before applying, as the amount can change with state or county policy updates.
Marriage License Records in Kennewick
After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and must return it to the Benton County Auditor within 30 days. The auditor records the document, and it becomes a permanent part of the county's public records. The auditor also forwards a copy to the Washington State Department of Health, where it enters the statewide vital records system. From that point, the recorded certificate is the legal proof of the marriage in Washington.
The City of Kennewick website provides local government services and community information for residents, but marriage records are held at the county and state level, not by the city.
The City of Kennewick website at go2kennewick.com covers local services and city information, though marriage license records are maintained by Benton County and the Washington State Department of Health.
To get a certified copy of your marriage certificate, contact the Benton County Auditor directly or order through the Washington State Department of Health vital records office. Certified copies are needed for name changes, passport applications, and other legal purposes. You can also order online through VitalChek, which handles vital records requests on behalf of state agencies. Fees apply for each certified copy, separate from the original license fee.
For older Benton 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 or locating older family records. Certified copies of historical records can still be ordered through the county or state office even if the record appears in the digital archive search.
Benton County Marriage License Resources
Kennewick is in Benton County, and all marriage licenses for the city are issued through the Benton County Auditor's Office in Prosser. The county page has more details on the auditor's office, services, hours, and the full range of records maintained at the county level.
Nearby Cities
These cities are close to Kennewick. Richland is also in Benton County and uses the same auditor's office. Pasco is in Franklin County and uses a separate auditor.