Who Issues Marriage Licenses in Pierce County?
Marriage licenses in Pierce County are issued by the Pierce County Auditor's Office, Recording Division, 2401 S. 35th Street, Suite 200, Tacoma, WA 98409. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
In Washington state, marriage licenses are issued by county auditors rather than county clerks — an important distinction. Pierce County's auditor recording office is in the County-City Building in Tacoma.
The $63 Fee
Pierce County's marriage license fee is $63.00. Certified copies of the marriage certificate cost $25.00 each from the Washington Department of Health's Center for Health Statistics.
Required Documents — What to Bring
Both applicants must appear together and each bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Must not be expired. Foreign passports accepted.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application. Physical card generally not required — just know your number.
- Prior marriage documentation: If either party has been divorced, provide the exact date and state of the divorce. For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Waiting Period
Washington law (RCW §26.04.140) imposes a 3-day waiting period. Pierce County Superior Court can waive it upon petition showing good cause. The waiver process requires a short hearing before a duty judge — contact Pierce County Superior Court at (253) 798-7455 to ask about the current waiver procedure.
Pierce County is the closest county to Mount Rainier National Park, making it the natural choice for couples planning a Rainier elopement. Account for the 3-day waiting period when planning your timeline — apply at least 4 days before your planned Rainier ceremony, or arrange a waiver through Pierce County Superior Court.
License Validity — 60 days
Your Pierce County marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue, for ceremonies performed anywhere in Washington. Plan your application date carefully. Use our expiration calculator and Wedding Date Planner to find your exact window.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must complete and return the signed marriage license to the Pierce County issuing office within the timeframe required by Washington law (typically 10–30 days). After recording, certified copies of the marriage certificate are available for $25 each. Order at least 4–6 copies — you'll need them for Social Security, driver's license, passport, and bank account name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A Pierce County marriage license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Washington state, including Mount Rainier National Park. The park itself requires a marriage permit from the National Park Service — apply separately at nps.gov/mora.
Contact Pierce County Superior Court (253-798-7455) after receiving your license and ask about the waiting period waiver process. Both parties typically need to appear before a duty commissioner. The process usually takes less than an hour.
Washington law (RCW §26.04.060) requires at least two witnesses, both at least 18 years old, to be present at the ceremony and to sign the marriage license.
Government offices change hours, fees, and appointment policies without always updating their websites. Call the Pierce County office directly the day before your visit to confirm current hours, fees, and whether you need an appointment.
Planning Your Visit to the County Auditor / Recorder
The County Auditor / Recorder handles marriage license applications for Pierce County. Washington's certified copy fee is $25 — one of the highest in the country. Order all copies at once.
Washington issues licenses through county auditors (recorders), not county clerks. The 3-day waiting period can be waived by a superior court judge. Washington requires two witnesses at the ceremony.
Step-by-Step: Application to Certified Copies
Here is the complete sequence for a Pierce County marriage license, from the day you apply through receiving certified copies for name changes:
- Gather documents: Both parties need valid, unexpired photo IDs and their Social Security numbers. If either party has been previously married, have the divorce date and state ready (bring a certified decree if divorced within the past 6 months).
- Visit the office: Both parties appear together at the County Auditor / Recorder. The application takes 15–25 minutes. Pay the $63–$75 fee.
- License issued: You receive a physical paper marriage license. Keep it safe — it is the document your officiant will sign after the ceremony.
- Waiting period: 3 days (waivable by superior court) from the moment of issuance. Plan your ceremony date accordingly.
- Ceremony anywhere in Washington: Your license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Washington within the 60 days validity window. Your officiant signs immediately after the ceremony.
- Return the license: The signed license must be returned to the issuing office within the timeframe required by Washington law (typically 10–30 days). Confirm responsibility — you or your officiant.
- Order certified copies: After the marriage is recorded (2–4 weeks post-ceremony), order certified copies from the County Auditor / Recorder or through VitalChek. Order at least 4–6 copies at once.
- Name changes: Use certified copies for Social Security, DMV, passport, and financial accounts. Start with Social Security first — other agencies verify against SSA records. See our name change guide for the complete sequence.
Use our Wedding Date Planner to calculate the exact window for applying in Washington. Download the Day-Of Checklist PDF to bring to your appointment. Use the Cost Calculator to estimate your total expenses including certified copies and name change fees.