Tumwater Marriage License
Tumwater is a city in Thurston County, located just south of Olympia, the state capital. Couples in Tumwater apply for a marriage license through the Thurston County Auditor's Office, which is a short drive away in Olympia. The Tumwater City Clerk does not issue marriage licenses. This page covers where to apply, what documents to bring, the current fee, the waiting period, and how to find Thurston County marriage license records.
Tumwater Overview
Getting a Marriage License in Tumwater
Tumwater sits just south of Olympia in Thurston County. All marriage license applications for Thurston County go through the Thurston County Auditor's Office, which is in Olympia. Tumwater residents make the short drive to 2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502 to apply. The drive is generally quick since Tumwater and Olympia are adjacent cities.
Both people planning to marry must show up at the auditor's office together. Washington law under RCW 26.04.160 requires that both applicants appear in person when the application is filed. Sending only one person is not permitted unless one party has signed the application before a notary. Thurston County may offer an online pre-application tool, which lets you enter your information before arriving so the in-person visit goes faster. Call the auditor's office at (360) 786-5408 to confirm current procedures and whether appointments are needed.
The Tumwater City Clerk's office is at 555 Israel Rd SW. The city clerk handles municipal records, city council documents, and the local code. Marriage license questions directed to the city will be referred to the county auditor. The city has no role in issuing or recording marriage licenses.
| 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 |
Note: Washington does not require state residency to apply, so couples from out of state can get a Thurston County marriage license as long as the ceremony takes place in Washington.
Marriage License Requirements
Thurston County follows the same rules as every other county in Washington. State law under RCW Chapter 26.04 sets the requirements for all marriage licenses issued in the state. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply without court involvement.
Each person must bring a valid government-issued photo ID showing a birth date. A driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID all meet this requirement. Social Security numbers are needed for both parties. You do not need the physical card, but have the number ready. If either applicant was previously married, bring the date that marriage ended, whether through divorce, annulment, or death of the spouse. The application will ask for this date, and not having it ready can slow things down. Washington does not require a blood test or medical exam of any kind.
Parents' full legal names, the mother's maiden name, and parents' birthplaces for both parties are also collected on the application. Gathering this information ahead of time is worth the effort. Showing up with everything prepared makes the whole visit much shorter and smoother.
Fees and Waiting Period
The Thurston County marriage license fee is $172. This is higher than most other Washington counties due to local surcharges. The fee is due at the time you apply and is not refundable if the wedding does not take place. Verify accepted payment methods with the auditor's office before your visit by calling (360) 786-5408.
Washington law at RCW 26.04.180 requires a mandatory three-day waiting period between when the license is issued and the earliest the ceremony can happen. This waiting period is fixed and cannot be shortened or waived. If you apply on a Tuesday, the earliest possible ceremony date is Friday. The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. An unused license expires after that window, and you would need to pay the fee again and reapply.
After the ceremony, the officiant is required to sign and return the completed license to the Thurston County Auditor. The auditor records the marriage and creates the official marriage certificate. Certified copies cost a separate fee and must be ordered from the auditor's office or through the state. Get at least two or three certified copies if you need them for a name change or other official purpose.
Tumwater Marriage License Records
Marriage license records for Tumwater residents are filed with Thurston County. Once the ceremony takes place and the signed license is returned and recorded, it becomes a permanent public record held by the Thurston County Auditor. Copies can be requested by visiting the office in Olympia, by mail, or through any online request options the county offers.
For older historical records, the Washington State Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov holds Thurston County marriage records going back many decades. The archive is free to search online and is a good starting point for genealogy research. Records filed before modern electronic systems are particularly well represented in the archive.
The Washington State Digital Archives provides free online access to historical marriage records from Thurston County, making it a useful resource for Tumwater residents searching for older marriage license records.
The Washington State Department of Health vital records office maintains statewide marriage records from 1968 forward. If you prefer a state-level request over going directly to the county, the DOH can supply certified copies. For online ordering from a third-party service, VitalChek offers access to official copies from both state and county agencies.
Note: If you need a marriage record for a name change, passport, or other legal use, request a certified copy rather than a plain copy. Only certified copies carry the official seal that government agencies require.
Thurston County Marriage License Resources
Tumwater falls within Thurston County, and the Thurston County Auditor processes all marriage license applications for the area. For a complete overview of Thurston County marriage license requirements, fees, and office details, visit the county page.
Nearby Cities
These qualifying cities are near Tumwater. Cities in Thurston County apply through the same auditor's office in Olympia.