University Place Marriage License
University Place is a city in Pierce County, located west of Tacoma along the Puget Sound. Couples who live in University Place apply for a marriage license through the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma. The University Place City Clerk does not issue marriage licenses. This page explains where to go, what to bring, what the fee is, how the waiting period works, and how to find marriage license records tied to University Place and Pierce County.
University Place Overview
Getting a Marriage License in University Place
University Place is part of Pierce County, so all marriage license applications go through the Pierce County Auditor's Office. The auditor is located at 2401 S 35th St, Room 200, Tacoma, WA 98409. University Place residents drive to Tacoma to apply. The two cities are close, making the trip straightforward.
Both applicants must appear in person at the auditor's office. Washington law under RCW 26.04.160 requires that both people be present when the application is submitted. One exception allows a party who has signed the application before a notary public to skip the visit while the other completes it alone, but that situation is uncommon. Pierce County strongly recommends scheduling an appointment. Call (253) 798-7427 to set one up and to confirm current hours.
The University Place City Clerk's office is at 3609 Market Pl SW and handles city records, council minutes, and local code. The city does not issue or record marriage licenses. If you call the city about a marriage license, you will be directed to contact Pierce County. The University Place FAQ page on the city's website confirms this and provides the auditor's contact information for residents who need it.
| 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 |
The City of University Place's website at cityofup.com includes a FAQ section that confirms where University Place residents should apply for a marriage license and provides contact information for the Pierce County Auditor.
Marriage License Requirements
Pierce County follows the statewide rules set by RCW Chapter 26.04. The requirements are the same whether you live in University Place, Tacoma, Spanaway, or anywhere else in the county.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. A government-issued photo ID showing your birth date is required. Valid options include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. You must provide your Social Security number on the application. You do not need the physical card with you, but knowing the number is a must. If either person was previously married, bring the date that marriage ended. The application asks for this, and not having it ready can slow down the process at the counter.
Washington does not require either applicant to be a state resident. You can be from Oregon, California, or anywhere else and still get a Pierce County marriage license. No blood test or health exam is required at any point in the process. Once you have your ID, your Social Security number, and your prior marriage date if needed, you are ready to apply.
Pierce County judges may perform civil marriage ceremonies. Call Superior Court Administration at (253) 798-3654 or check the Pierce County Marriage Ceremony Providers page for options if you need an officiant.
Fees and Waiting Period
The Pierce County marriage license fee is $72. Pay when you apply. The fee is not refunded if the marriage does not take place. Confirm payment options with the auditor's office before your visit by calling (253) 798-7427.
Washington State law at RCW 26.04.180 sets a mandatory three-day waiting period between the license issue date and the earliest date for the ceremony. This waiting period is fixed and cannot be waived or shortened for any reason. If you apply on a Friday, the earliest your ceremony can happen is the following Monday. The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. A license that goes unused within 60 days expires, and you would need to apply again and pay the fee a second time.
After the ceremony, the officiant must complete and return the signed license to the Pierce County Auditor within the time required by law. The auditor records the marriage and it becomes an official public record. Certified copies of the resulting marriage certificate carry a separate fee. Plan to order at least two copies if you need them for name change paperwork, Social Security updates, or a passport application.
The University Place marriage FAQ at cityofup.com directs residents to the Pierce County Auditor for marriage license applications and provides the auditor's contact details for fee and hours information.
Marriage License Records in University Place
Marriage records for University Place residents are held by Pierce County. Once a ceremony is completed and the signed license is returned and recorded by the auditor's office, the marriage becomes an official public record. You can request copies from the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma in person, by mail, or through any online options the county provides.
The Washington State Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov maintains older Pierce County marriage records that can be searched for free online. This is a good place to look if you are researching a marriage from many years ago or doing genealogy work. The archive holds records from before modern electronic systems were in place. For more recent records from 1968 forward, the Washington State Department of Health vital records office is a reliable option for certified copies at the state level.
Third-party services like VitalChek can also process certified copy orders online and connect you with official county or state records. This can be useful if you need a record quickly and prefer not to visit or mail a request to the auditor's office directly.
Note: A certified copy with the official county seal is required for legal purposes like name changes and passport applications. A plain copy may be enough for personal reference only.
Pierce County Marriage License Resources
University Place is in Pierce County, and all marriage license applications for residents are processed by the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma. For complete information on fees, hours, and requirements, visit the Pierce County marriage license page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near University Place. Pierce County cities all use the same auditor's office in Tacoma for marriage license applications.