{"id":52,"name":"Seattle","state_id":60,"county_id":2964,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:30:52.906-07:00","updated_at":"2024-09-20T14:17:37.574-07:00","meta_description":"Learn about officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in Seattle, WA","head_tag":"A guide for officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in the greatest city in the PNW","tagline":"Smells like... Seattle","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eForget about the \u0026ldquo;Seattle Freeze,\u0026rdquo; this Pacific Northwest city is a destination for people starting families -- and that means thousands of weddings every weekend. If you are planning your wedding in King County or the Seattle Metro area, or if you\u0026rsquo;ve been asked to officiate a Seattle wedding, then you\u0026rsquo;ll want to read this page.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith sweeping views of the Puget Sound, scenic municipal parks, and wedding venues to suit all tastes, performing a wedding in Seattle can be a rewarding experience, but it\u0026rsquo;s important to comply with local regulations, and make sure that your paperwork is in order.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOur guide to performing weddings in Seattle explains the steps needed to apply for, fill out, sign and submit marriage licenses. We also provide tips for wedding officiants and couples. AMM has thousands of ordained ministers in the Seattle area, and we are excited to have you join our movement.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/marriage-laws/washington\"\u003eThe Revised Code of Washington \u0026sect; RCW 26.04.050\u003c/a\u003e states that \u0026quot;...any regularly licensed or ordained minister or any priest of any church or religious denomination...\u0026quot; are authorized to solemnize marriages.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have been asked and have agreed to officiating a wedding the first thing you need to do is \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\"\u003eget ordained with AMM\u003c/a\u003e. Our ordination is free, takes only a few minutes, and meets \u0026sect; RCW 26.04.050, giving you the legal ability to officiate wedding ceremonies.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMinister Registration in Seattle -- Ministers are not required to register with the King County Auditor\u0026#39;s office or Seattle Municipal government before officiating weddings. Washington state law does not require ministers to register with any government office before or after performing marriage. That being said, we advise that you keep proof of your ordination for your own records. It is good practice to keep your \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store/products/minister-ordination-package\"\u003eministry credentials\u003c/a\u003e on hand in case you are asked to produce them for the couple.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Seattle\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eGetting ordained as an AMM minister is the easy part. Your next step is to prepare for the wedding ceremony. If you will be officiating your first wedding, have no fear! Our \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training\"\u003ewedding training pages\u003c/a\u003e are a great resource for learning everything you need to know to perform your first wedding ceremony.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere we cover everything from explaining the \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/wedding-training/ceremony-scripts/sample-wedding-ceremony-scripts\"\u003estructure of a wedding ceremony\u003c/a\u003e, step-by-step instructions on how to \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training/how-to-write-a-wedding-ceremony-script\"\u003ewrite a wedding ceremony\u003c/a\u003e script, \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/wedding-training/ceremony-scripts/sample-wedding-ceremony-scripts\"\u003esample wedding ceremony scripts\u003c/a\u003e, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBy this point you should be well prepared to conduct the wedding ceremony. Your one legal responsibility is to complete your section of the couple\u0026#39;s marriage license.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the wedding ceremony, the couple, the officiant, and two witnesses must sign the marriage license. For more details on filling in the individual fields such as \u0026ldquo;type of ceremony,\u0026rdquo; please consult our guide on \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training/how-to-fill-out-a-marriage-license\"\u003ehow to complete a marriage license\u003c/a\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the marriage license is properly completed it needs to be returned to King County Auditor\u0026#39;s office within 30 days of the ceremony. The officiant can deliver the completed license to any King County \u003ca href=\"https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/records-licensing/recorders-office/community-service-centers.aspx\"\u003eCommunity Service Centers\u003c/a\u003e in person, or use the self-addressed envelope provided with the marriage license to mail it.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the completed marriage license is returned, you have performed all of your functions as the wedding officiant.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003ch3\u003eFile for the Marriage License from the King County Auditor\u0026#39;s Office\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe couple must apply for their marriage license in person at any \u003ca href=\"https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/records-licensing/recorders-office/community-service-centers.aspx\"\u003eCommunity Service Centers\u003c/a\u003e in King County. The couple can\u003ca href=\"https://recordsearch.kingcounty.gov/LandmarkWeb/MarriageIntro\"\u003e start the process online \u003c/a\u003ethrough the King County website. However, please be aware that Washington State Law requires couples to wait three days following the issuing of the license until the ceremony may be held. Please plan in advance to account for this mandatory waiting period.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen you apply for your marriage license, the following is required.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eCurrent photo ID (driver\u0026#39;s license, state-issued photo ID, U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, U.S. military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign government issued passport)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e$69\u0026nbsp;Application Fee\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nIf it is not possible for both partners to be present to pick up the license at least 3 days before the wedding, then they can also apply by mail.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe King County website provides a PDF of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/depts/records-licensing/recorders-office/documents/MLAPPpdf.ashx?la=en\"\u003email-in wedding license application\u003c/a\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe couple will need to have the application notarized. Once notarized,the original notarized application must be mailed to:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKing County\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n500 4th Ave Room 430\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nSeattle, WA 98104\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe couple must also include a check or money order in the amount of $67 payable to King County Recorder.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the application has been processed, either partner or an authorized person can pick up the license at the downtown Seattle office (500 4th Ave Room 430, Seattle, WA 98104).\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Basics\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSeattle has it all. Mountains, Forests, Coastline, and wildlife if you\u0026rsquo;re willing to get out of the city (orca whales!). All things considered, it\u0026rsquo;s a great place to get married. August is the most popular month to tie the knot in Seattle, according to WeddingWire.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBefore choosing a date, take some time to research the events and festivals going on in the city, if you want to avoid traffic and crowds, there are days you might want to pass on. Or, that might be just what you\u0026rsquo;re looking for. Major events include Seattle Pride Parade, the Seattle International Beerfest, Emerald City ComiCon, the Seattle Marathon, and the Seattle Street Food Festival.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTransportation\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003eSeattle\u0026rsquo;s closest airport is Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), about 13 miles south of downtown Seattle, and is connected by a light rail transit system.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003ePublic transportation in Seattle is easy to navigate. The light rail system runs throughout downtown and greater Seattle, including the airport. There are also streetcars, buses, and ride sharing companies.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWeather\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Seattle has a reputation for being one of the rainiest places in the country, there\u0026rsquo;s one important caveat. During Summer, Seattle is one of the sunniest, and most picturesque locations in the country. That doesn\u0026rsquo;t mean there isn\u0026rsquo;t the lingering chance of rain, but most Summer days are beautiful. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, have a contingency for rain.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSeattle winters are colder with more rain. The average high temperature during the winter is around 50 degrees and it can dip into freezing territory...\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTips For Finding The Right Wedding Officiant\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFinding the right wedding officiant starts with a conversation about what sort of wedding ceremony you want to have. Will it be a big, public event, or a small intimate ceremony with family and close friends? Once you\u0026rsquo;ve got that square away, here are some points to consider when choosing an officiant:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eYou want an officiant who is compatible with the ceremony you\u0026#39;re planning. That means someone who is articulate, who is not afraid to speak in front of an audience, and who understands the honor of being asked to deliver your ceremony.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eFind a friend or family member who is going to create and deliver a wedding ceremony that fits you.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eFind an officiant who shares your values and beliefs. You want someone who will work with you to create a ceremony that is meaningful and personal to you. Consider asking someone who has known you since you were both kids, has grown with you, and who shares your vision and spiritual disposition.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eMake sure to give the family member or friend time to think about their answer, and (this is a tough one!) don\u0026rsquo;t take it personally if they say \u0026lsquo;no.\u0026rsquo;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSeek seek guidance and assistance, especially if this is the friend or family member\u0026rsquo;s first time delivering a wedding ceremony.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe want a relative or friend to perform our ceremony. What should we do?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs long as the relative or friend meets the criteria for wedding officiants described in Washington state law -- such as being ordained by AMM -- they can officiate your wedding ceremony without registration with King County or Washington State.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan a child to be one of our witnesses in Washington State, if they are under 18?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe witness that signs a marriage license is putting their signature on a civil contract. That means they must be considered \u0026quot;competent,\u0026quot; and for this purpose, the age of 18 is usually considered the cutoff. If you want to have persons under the age 18 witness the ceremony, we recommend having two other witnesses, who are over 18, who also observe the vows and sign the marriage certificates, since more than two witnesses can sign the certificate.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan the three day waiting period be waived?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Washington State law mandates the license validity period of three days, and this cannot be waived for any reason. The license is only considered valid between the first and last dates on the license.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e King County Auditor\u0026#39;s Office\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $69\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/strong\u003e 3 Days to Receive\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 60 Days\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturn:\u003c/strong\u003e Before Expiration\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","meta_description_esp":null,"head_tag_esp":null,"tagline_esp":null,"intro_section_esp":"","officiant_section_esp":"","couple_section_esp":"","wedding_tips_esp":"","faq_esp":"","content_live_esp":false,"marriage_licensing_info_esp":""}