Richland Marriage License
Richland is in Benton County, and marriage licenses for Richland residents are issued through the Benton County Auditor's Office in Prosser. The city does not issue marriage licenses at city hall. If you are getting married in Richland or anywhere in Benton County, the auditor's office is your starting point. This page walks through where to go, what documents to bring, how much the license costs, and how to look up Benton County marriage license records once they are on file.
Richland Quick Facts
Getting a Marriage License in Richland
The Richland City Clerk handles city government records and municipal business but does not issue marriage licenses. Residents in Richland apply through the Benton County Auditor's Office, which is located in Prosser, the county seat. Prosser is about 30 miles west of Richland. Plan your trip accordingly and try to arrive with plenty of time before the office closes.
Washington State law under RCW 26.04.160 requires both applicants to appear in person when applying for a marriage license. You cannot mail in the application or complete it fully online. Both people need to be present at the Benton County Auditor's Office at the same time. Benton County offers an online application option to get a head start, which can reduce the time you spend at the counter. Check the auditor's website at co.benton.wa.us/auditor for the current online tools and any updated procedures.
The Richland City Clerk's office number is (509) 942-7380. City hall is at 625 Swift Blvd in Richland. They can direct you to Benton County for marriage license questions but will not be able to process the application themselves.
| Issuing Office | Benton County Auditor's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 620 Market St Prosser, WA 99350 |
| Phone | (509) 786-5618 |
| Website | co.benton.wa.us/auditor |
Marriage License Requirements for Richland Residents
Washington State sets the baseline requirements for all marriage licenses under RCW Chapter 26.04. Benton County applies these statewide rules. The requirements are the same whether you live in Richland, Kennewick, Prosser, or anywhere else in the county.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply without a court order. Each person needs to show a valid government-issued photo ID that includes a birth date. A driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID all satisfy this requirement. You do not have to be a Washington resident to apply. Couples from other states or countries can get a Benton County license as long as they plan to marry in Washington. You will need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, ask the office about the exemption form. The clerk will also ask for your parents' full legal names, your mother's maiden name, and both parents' birthplaces.
If either person was previously married, be ready to provide the date that marriage ended and whether it ended by divorce, annulment, or death. No blood test or medical screening is required under Washington law. Gathering all documents and information before your visit will make the appointment go faster.
The Benton County Auditor's Office in Prosser handles marriage license applications for all Benton County residents, including those in Richland. The office also maintains official marriage records for the county.
Fees and Waiting Period
Benton County charges between $59 and $61 for a marriage license. This puts Benton County among the lower-cost counties in Washington State for marriage license fees. The exact amount may vary slightly, so confirm with the auditor's office when you call. Payment is due when you apply. Ask the office about accepted payment methods before your visit, as not all county offices accept credit cards.
Washington law under RCW 26.04.180 requires a three-day waiting period after the license is issued before the ceremony can take place. There is no way to shorten or waive this. Count the days carefully when scheduling your wedding. The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If the 60-day window passes without a ceremony, the license is no longer good and you would have to apply again.
Once the ceremony happens, the officiant signs the license and sends it back to Benton County for recording. The county records it and the document becomes the official marriage certificate. Certified copies of the certificate are available from the auditor's office. Contact them at (509) 786-5618 for current copy fees and turnaround times.
Note: Richland residents save money compared to King County applicants, where the license fee rose to $169 in 2025.
Searching Benton County Marriage License Records
Marriage records for Richland residents are part of Benton County's official document system. After a marriage is recorded by the Benton County Auditor, it can be searched or copied by request. Certified copies are needed for legal name changes, Social Security updates, passport applications, and other formal purposes. Call the auditor's office at (509) 786-5618 to ask about how to request copies and what the current fees are.
The Benton County Digital Archives is a useful tool for searching older records. You can access the collection at Washington State Digital Archives - Benton County. This collection is maintained by the Washington State Archives and is free to search online. It includes historical marriage records from Benton County going back many decades. Genealogists and family researchers use this regularly to trace marriage histories in the Richland, Kennewick, and Prosser areas.
The Washington State Digital Archives holds Benton County marriage records online. The collection is searchable at no cost and is a key resource for historical record research connected to Richland and surrounding communities.
For marriage certificates filed since 1968, the Washington State Department of Health maintains statewide vital records. You can order certified copies through the DOH vital records office. Third-party ordering is also available through VitalChek, which lets you request official copies without visiting a government office in person. The statewide Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov is another option for older records not yet in the DOH system.
Benton County Marriage License Resources
Richland is part of Benton County. The county page covers the full application process, office hours, and what to expect when applying for a marriage license as a Richland resident.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Richland. Marriage license requirements and fees vary by county for each location.