Marriage Licensing

Applying for a Marriage License

Marriage licenses issued by Benton County are valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Washington State. There is a 3-day waiting period after the marriage license is issued, and the marriage license is valid for 60 days from validation date.

Application Options

Option 1:  Apply In Person (Most Common)

Kennewick Office

• 7122 W Okanogan Pl., Bldg. E120-First Floor, Kennewick, WA 99336
• Open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Steps:

1. Prior to visiting our office, submit your information via the online portal here.  Or, if you prefer, we have a public terminal in our office that can be used.  This step ensures your paperwork will be populated with the information you key in.  Upon completion, a 5-digit reference code will generate. (e.g., “Document Submitted – Online Marriage XXXXX”).
2. Write down the 5-digit code displayed at the end of the online process.
3. Visit the Benton County Auditor’s Office in person to complete the application at least 3 days before your ceremony, but not sooner than 60 days before.
   • Both parties must be present with valid identification
   • A marriage license fee of $172.00 will be collected (cash or card only*; no checks)
   • Pre-paying for certified copies of the marriage certificate will be optional at time of payment (mailed after the ceremony)

Important: If you choose to complete the online portion in advance, you must still visit our office to complete the application.  A visit is required to issue the marriage license unless you are applying entirely by mail.

There is a 2.5% convenience fee to use a card

Option 2:  Apply by Mail

You may apply by mail if both applicants are unable to appear in person. This option requires notarization of a separate paper application and payment by phone after submission.

Steps:

1. Submit your information via the online portal here.   This step ensures your paperwork will be populated with the information you key in.Upon completion, a 5-digit reference code will generate. (e.g., “Document Submitted – Online Marriage XXXXX”).
2. Write down the 5-digit code displayed at the end of the online process.
3. Download the required Paper Marriage Application form.
4. Note:  The online submittal does not generate this form.
5. Have both applicants sign the paper form in front of a notary public.
6. Mail the notarized application, your 5-digit code, and a phone number to:
   • Benton County Auditor
   • Attn: Recording Division
   • 7122 W Okanogan Pl., Bldg. E120
   • Kennewick, WA 99336
7. We will call you to collect the $172.00 marriage license fee via bankcard.*
8. After payment, we will mail your marriage license packet to you.

There is a 2.5% convenience fee to use a card

Option 3:  Make an Appointment (Prosser Location Only)

Prosser Office (By Appointment Only)

Email  auditor@co.benton.wa.us or call (509) 786-5620 to schedule.

Instructions will be emailed to you with confirmation of appointment time. 

Marriage License Fees & Copies

• Marriage License: $172.00 (cash or card only*; no checks)
• Certified Copies: $3.00 each
• Photocopies: $1.00 each

There is a 2.5% convenience fee to use a card

You may pre-pay for certified copies of your marriage certificate at the time of application.

Certified copies will also be available after your certificate is processed, by one of the two options:

• In person at the Kennewick Office (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
• By mail - Make sure to include both parties’ names, as well as dates of birth.
  • Benton County Auditor
  • Attn: Marriage License Copies
  • 7122 W Okanogan Pl, Bldg. E-120
  • Kennewick, WA 99336

Requirements

• Both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid photo ID is required for each applicant.
• No blood tests or physical exams are required.
• You do not need to be a Washington resident.
• Proof of divorce or death of a former spouse is not required, but the prior marriage must be legally dissolved before applying.

Waiting Period

• There is a 3-day waiting period before your ceremony can take place.  Use this handy tool to determine when you should apply.
• The waiting period begins when the marriage license is issued, not when the application process is started.
• There are no exceptions to this waiting period.

When should I obtain my marriage license?

A license issued today would be valid for use between:

April 2, 2026 and May 31, 2026

Don't wait until the last minute! Enter the date of your ceremony to see when you should obtain your marriage license:

Witnesses

• Witnesses are not needed to apply, but two witnesses are required to be present at the ceremony.

Washington law does not specify a minimum age for witnesses. However, they must be considered competent to observe and sign legal documents, so we strongly recommend that witnesses be at least 18 years old.

Who Can Officiate?

Washington law allows the following individuals to perform marriages:

• Judges and court commissioners (active or retired)
• Licensed or ordained religious officials (ministers, priests, rabbis, imams, etc.)
• See RCW 26.04.050 for the full legal list

A qualifying officiant from any state may perform the ceremony, but it must take place within Washington State.

Washington State does not “license” officiants. Individuals ordained through online ministries are commonly used, but the Auditor’s Office cannot verify or endorse specific organizations.

Neither applicant may perform the ceremony.

Finding an Officiant

The Auditor’s Office does not perform civil ceremonies, but there are many options:

• Search online for "wedding officiants Tri-Cities WA"
• Check wedding listings in the Tri-City Herald
• Contact Benton County District Court at (509) 735-8476 to schedule a judge

Public Record

Marriage licenses are part of the public record, except for individuals enrolled in the Washington State Address Confidentiality Program.  Once recorded, a marriage license cannot be "unrecorded."