Olympia Marriage License Search
Olympia is Washington's state capital and the county seat of Thurston County. Getting a marriage license in Olympia means visiting the Thurston County Auditor's Office, which handles all applications for couples in the area. The city clerk does not issue marriage licenses. This page covers where to go, what to bring, how much it costs, and how to find marriage license records tied to Olympia and Thurston County.
Olympia Overview
Getting a Marriage License in Olympia
Olympia is the county seat of Thurston County, and the Thurston County Auditor's Office issues all marriage licenses for couples in the area. The auditor's office is at 2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502. Because Olympia is both the state capital and the county seat, residents do not have to travel outside the city to apply. The auditor is right here in town.
Both people who plan to marry must appear together. Washington law under RCW 26.04.160 requires both applicants to be present when the application is submitted. You cannot send a representative or complete the process by mail. Thurston County offers an online pre-application option through its website, which lets you fill in information ahead of time and can cut down time spent at the counter. Check the Thurston County Auditor's marriage license page for instructions on using that tool before your visit.
The Olympia City Clerk's office at 900 Plum St SE handles city records, council minutes, and municipal code. They do not issue marriage licenses. Calling the city at (360) 753-8440 for marriage license questions will result in a referral to the county auditor. Reach the auditor directly at (360) 786-5408.
| Office | Thurston County Auditor's Office - Licensing Services |
|---|---|
| Address | 2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Building 1 Olympia, WA 98502 |
| Phone | (360) 786-5408 |
| Website | thurstoncountywa.gov - Marriage Licenses |
Thurston County Superior Court judges may perform civil marriage ceremonies. If you want a courthouse ceremony, contact the court to ask about scheduling and fees. That is a separate step from the license application, but worth knowing if you have not yet arranged for an officiant.
Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. A person under 18 can marry with a court order, but that involves a separate legal process beyond a standard application. Washington does not require state residency. Couples from other states or countries can get a license here as long as the ceremony takes place in Washington.
Each applicant needs a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Bring your Social Security number, though the card itself is not required. If either applicant was previously married, you must have the date that prior marriage ended, whether by divorce, annulment, or the death of the spouse. That date goes on the application, so have it ready before you arrive at the office. You will also need to know both applicants' parents' full legal names, mothers' maiden names, and parents' birthplaces.
Washington law under RCW Chapter 26.04 sets the full framework for marriage in the state. It covers eligibility, what must appear on the license, and how the officiating person must return paperwork after the ceremony. No blood test or health exam is required anywhere in Washington.
Note: Washington does not require a blood test or any medical exam to receive a marriage license.Fees and Waiting Period
The fee for a Thurston County marriage license is $172. That is higher than many other Washington counties, reflecting local surcharges tied to county programs. Pay at the time of application. The fee is not refundable if the wedding does not happen. Confirm payment methods with the auditor's office at (360) 786-5408 before your visit.
Washington State law requires a three-day waiting period after your license is issued before the ceremony can take place. This rule is in RCW 26.04.180. The waiting period cannot be waived. If you apply on a Monday, the earliest your ceremony can occur is Thursday. The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. A license not used within that window expires, and you must apply again and pay again.
After your ceremony, the officiant must return the completed license to the Thurston County Auditor within the time required by law. The auditor records the marriage and issues the official marriage certificate. Certified copies of that certificate are available from the auditor and are needed for name changes with the state Department of Licensing, Social Security Administration, and for passport applications.
The City of Olympia's official website at olympiawa.gov has city contact information and services, though marriage license applications are handled by the Thurston County Auditor's Licensing Services division.
Olympia Marriage License Records
Marriage license records for Olympia residents are held by Thurston County. Once the ceremony is complete and the license is returned and recorded, it becomes part of the county's official records. You can request a copy from the Thurston County Auditor directly by calling (360) 786-5408 or visiting the office at 2000 Lakeridge Dr SW.
The Washington State Department of Health maintains statewide marriage records going back to 1968. You can get certified copies through the DOH vital records office. For online ordering, VitalChek is an authorized third-party service that processes certified copy requests for Washington state marriage records. Both are valid options depending on the age of the record and what you need.
For older records going back many decades, the Washington State Digital Archives holds Thurston County marriage records that can be searched online at no cost. You do not need to create an account to search, and many records include images of the original documents. This is one of the best resources for genealogy research tied to the Olympia area.
Certified copies cost more than plain copies and carry a legal guarantee of authenticity. Use a certified copy for name changes or any official government purpose. A plain copy is sufficient for informal uses like confirming that a marriage took place.
Thurston County Marriage License
Olympia is the county seat of Thurston County, and the county auditor handles all marriage license applications for the area. Visit the Thurston County page for full details on hours, steps, and what to bring to the office.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Olympia. Each handles marriage license applications through its own county auditor's office.