Spanaway Marriage License
Spanaway is an unincorporated community in Pierce County, and couples who live here apply for a marriage license through the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma. There is no city hall in Spanaway that handles license applications. This page explains where to go, what to bring, how much the fee is, how the waiting period works, and where to find marriage license records tied to Spanaway and Pierce County.
Spanaway Overview
Getting a Marriage License in Spanaway
Spanaway does not have its own city government. It is an unincorporated part of Pierce County, which means county services handle most official functions here. To get a marriage license, couples from Spanaway must go to the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma. The office is at 2401 S 35th St, Room 200, Tacoma, WA 98409. That is the only location in Pierce County where marriage licenses are issued.
Both people planning to marry must appear in person at the auditor's office. Washington law under RCW 26.04.160 requires that both applicants be present when the application is filed. You cannot send only one person or have a third party submit the forms on your behalf. Appointments are available and Pierce County strongly recommends scheduling one before you visit. Call the office at (253) 798-7427 to book an appointment or ask about current wait times.
Washington does not require either applicant to be a state resident. So if one or both of you live out of state but plan to marry in Washington, you can still apply here. The license is good statewide once issued, meaning your ceremony does not have to happen in Pierce County or in Spanaway specifically.
| Office | Pierce County Auditor's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 2401 S 35th St, Room 200 Tacoma, WA 98409 |
| Phone | (253) 798-7427 |
| Website | piercecountywa.gov - Marriage Licensing |
Note: Spanaway is unincorporated, so there is no Spanaway city clerk. All marriage license questions should go to the Pierce County Auditor at (253) 798-7427.
Marriage License Requirements
Washington sets clear rules for who can get a marriage license. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Someone under 18 can only marry with court approval, and that process is more involved than a standard application. You do not need to be a resident of Washington or Pierce County to apply.
Each person must bring a valid government-issued photo ID that shows a birth date. A driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID all work. You will also need your Social Security number, though the physical card is not required. If either person was previously married, bring the date that marriage ended. The application form asks for that information, and having it ready speeds things up at the counter. Washington does not require a blood test or medical exam of any kind.
The state framework for marriage is found at RCW Chapter 26.04. This chapter covers eligibility rules, what the license must contain, and the duties of officiants after a ceremony is performed. It is the legal backbone for every marriage license issued in Washington, including those issued to Spanaway couples through the Pierce County Auditor.
You do not need a witness to apply. Witnesses may be required at the ceremony itself depending on your officiant's requirements, but that is separate from the license application process at the auditor's office.
Fees and Waiting Period
The Pierce County marriage license fee is $72. Pay when you apply. The fee is not refunded if the wedding does not happen, so confirm that all plans are in place before filing. Check with the auditor's office about accepted payment methods before your visit.
After the license is issued, Washington law requires a three-day waiting period before the ceremony can take place. This is set out in RCW 26.04.180. The waiting period is not optional. If you apply on a Wednesday, the earliest possible ceremony date is Saturday. The license stays valid for 60 days from the issue date. If the 60-day window passes without a ceremony, the license expires. You would then need to apply again and pay the fee again.
After your ceremony, the officiant must complete and return the signed license to the Pierce County Auditor. The auditor records the marriage and the license becomes the official marriage certificate. Certified copies of that certificate can be ordered separately and carry their own fee. If you need copies for a name change or legal matter, order at least two or three to have extras on hand.
The Pierce County Auditor's marriage licensing page at piercecountywa.gov has current fee information, office hours, and details about scheduling an appointment for your Spanaway marriage license application.
Marriage License Records in Spanaway
Marriage records for Spanaway residents are held by Pierce County. Once a license is returned and recorded after a ceremony, it becomes a permanent county record. You can request copies from the Pierce County Auditor's Office directly. The office keeps records for marriages that occurred in Pierce County, regardless of where in the county the couple lived at the time.
Washington State keeps vital records at the state level too. The Washington State Department of Health vital records office holds statewide marriage records going back to 1968. If you need a certified copy and do not want to visit the county auditor, you can request one through the DOH. Third-party services like VitalChek also allow online ordering for certified copies from state and county offices.
For older records, the Washington State Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov maintains historical Pierce County marriage records. These can be searched and viewed online for free. If you are doing genealogy research or trying to find a record from decades ago, the digital archives is a good first stop. Records go back many years and cover marriages filed before modern electronic systems existed.
Note: Plain copies of marriage records can confirm a marriage took place, but for legal use such as name changes or passport applications, you need a certified copy with the auditor's official seal.
Pierce County Marriage License Resources
Spanaway falls within Pierce County, and the Pierce County Auditor handles all marriage license applications for the area. The auditor's office can answer questions about requirements, scheduling, fees, and records. For a complete overview of Pierce County marriage license rules and office details, visit the county page.
Nearby Cities
These qualifying cities are near Spanaway. Each one also applies for marriage licenses through its county auditor's office.