Congratulations! I’m so excited for you. Here’s a clean, step-by-step guide to getting legally married in Spokane, Washington — with links to the official sources so you can verify everything fast.
How do you get married in Spokane, Washington?
Here’s your checklist.
- Get your Spokane County marriage license (application + payment).
- Wait the 3-day waiting period (cannot be waived).
- Schedule a ceremony (court or officiant).
- Bring two witnesses (18+) for court ceremonies.
- Get married within 3-63 days of the license date.
- Celebrate!
How to get a Spokane County marriage license
Spokane County marriage licenses are issued by the Spokane County Auditor - Recording & Marriage License Office.
Official info:
https://www.spokanecounty.gov/2364/Marriage-License
Marriage license cost
$162 (effective July 27, 2025) and includes one certified copy.
Active military applicants: $159.
Additional certified copies: $3 each.
Where to apply
Recording & Marriage License Office
1116 W Broadway Ave
Spokane, WA 99260
Phone: 509-477-2271
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Application options
Option A — Mail-in application
- Download and complete the Spokane County Marriage Application (each spouse completes a separate form).
- The County asks you to type the information on the form before printing.
- Sign each form in front of a notary.
- Mail both forms together with a single payment:
- Spokane County Auditor - Marriage
PO Box 2353
Spokane, WA 99210
- Spokane County Auditor - Marriage
- Mail-in payments must be check, cashier’s check, or money order (no phone or electronic payments).
Option B — In-person application
- Apply at the Recording & Marriage License Office.
- Payment methods include cash, check, or credit/debit card (processing fee applies).
Marriage Application (PDF)
https://www.spokanecounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/33697/Marriage-Application
Application requirements + waiting period
- Age: Both parties must be 18 or older.
- Spouse/Partner: Applicants cannot have a current living spouse or registered domestic partner (unless the partner is the other party to this marriage).
- Witnesses: Not required to obtain a Spokane County marriage license.
- 3-day waiting period (cannot be waived).
- The ceremony must take place in Washington between 3 and 63 days after the license date.
Where to get married in Spokane
You have two main paths:
- Courthouse wedding (Spokane Municipal Court or Spokane County District Court)
- Hire an officiant and get married anywhere you want
Option 1: Spokane Municipal Court ceremony (weekday 5:00 p.m.)
Spokane Municipal Court judicial officers may perform courthouse ceremonies at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
Check-in is at 4:45 p.m.
Requests must be submitted no more than 8 weeks in advance.
After you submit the request, a Judicial Assistant will contact you within one week with next steps.
Marriage Ceremony Request (City of Spokane)
https://my.spokanecity.org/courts/municipal-court/marriage-ceremonies/request-form/
Municipal Court Marriage Ceremony FAQs
https://my.spokanecity.org/courts/municipal-court/marriage-ceremonies/faqs/
Important: The Spokane Municipal Court does not issue marriage licenses — you must get your license from Spokane County first.
Option 2: Spokane County District Court ceremony (weekday 5:00 p.m.)
Spokane County District Court ceremonies are held on non-holiday weekdays at 5:00 p.m.
Judges may also perform ceremonies outside the courthouse on weekends and holidays.
You’ll submit the Wedding Information Form, and the court will follow up with availability and cost (fees vary by date/time/location).
Judicial staff typically respond within 2-5 business days.
District Court Wedding Information Form
https://www.spokanecounty.gov/FormCenter/District-Court-10/Wedding-Information-Form-261
Marriage Ceremonies (District Court info)
https://www.spokanecounty.gov/491/Marriage-Ceremonies
Witness requirement: District Court requires two witnesses over 18. Security: If the ceremony is inside the courthouse, everyone must complete court security screening (available Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.).
Option 3: Hire an officiant
Spokane County states your ceremony can be performed by a judge, retired judge, or an ordained minister (or similar official).
Neither the couple nor the two witnesses may officiate the wedding ceremony.
If you want to elope on a lakeside dock, at a cabin, or with your closest friends in a private backyard — this is the most flexible option.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a marriage license in Spokane County?
As of July 27, 2025, the marriage license fee is $162 (active military: $159). Certified copies are $3 each.
Can we get married the same day we apply for the license?
No. Washington has a 3-day waiting period, and it cannot be waived.
How long is a Spokane marriage license valid?
Your ceremony must occur in Washington between 3 and 63 days after the license date.
Where do we apply for the marriage license?
Spokane County Auditor - Recording & Marriage License Office, 1116 W Broadway Ave, Spokane, WA 99260. Phone: 509-477-2271.
Does Spokane Municipal Court issue marriage licenses?
No. You must obtain the license from Spokane County first.
What time are courthouse ceremonies in Spokane?
Municipal Court and District Court ceremonies are typically held on weekdays at 5:00 p.m. (Municipal Court check-in is 4:45 p.m.).
Do we need witnesses?
Witnesses are not required to obtain your license, but District Court ceremonies require two witnesses over 18.
Can we request a Municipal Court ceremony far in advance?
No. Spokane Municipal Court only accepts requests up to 8 weeks before your ceremony date.