2015 San Juan Islands Visitors Guide and Web Directory

Every county in every state has different requirements and regulations for marriage licenses, so if you’re planning to get your license in another Washington county,  check the regulations for that county. 

Most licenses are valid anywhere in the state, but they must be issued in Washington if you’re getting married in Washington. Your license for a wedding in the San Juan Islands can be issued anywhere in the state of Washington, and is valid for 60 days. If you’re getting your license in San Juan county, you’ll need to be aware of the following details:

• Two witnesses must sign the license at the ceremony
• If you’re divorced, you won’t need to show divorce papers, but the divorce MUST be final.
• Apply for your license at least three days prior to the ceremony, because there is a three-day waiting period before the license is actually issued.
• Every county in every state has different requirements and regulations for marriage licenses, so if you’re planning to get your license in another Washington county, check the regulations for that county.
• Both of you must be over 18, and if you’re not, a parent or guardian must accompany you to apply for the license.

After the ceremony, the officiant is responsible for filing the paperwork with the county. You will receive a certified copy of the license in the mail within a few weeks. The certified copy is required for legal actions on a federal level, such as changing your name on your social security guard, military paperwork and immigration. Everything else, such as changing your name on a drivers license or proving evidence of marriage to a health insurance company, can be done with a photocopy.

To apply for your license, visit the San Juan County Auditor’s office at Friday Harbor. For more information on marriage licenses in the San Juan Islands, visit www.sanjuanco.com/auditor/marriage.aspx © 2010 Terri Daniel