Weddings

Weddings & Washington State Law

ULC Reverend James Jacobsen

I'm not an attorney, nor am I any kind of para-legal professional. The following is my interpretation of the law, as one who is legally authorized by the State of Washington to perform legal wedding ceremonies.

All state and local governments within the United States have regulations or codes pertaining to the legal requirements of marriage. Washington State, as one such government, does not recognize same-sex marriages. Disregarding the legalities respective of the recognition of such personal unions, couples of the same gender should feel no less compelled to make a verbal, public commitment to their partners than anyone else. In many ways, these ceremonies can be more beautiful and special because of the difficulties they may encounter and the willingness to be joined in spite of possible future suffering. They demonstrate to each other and to all of us, a strength of character not common in these times.

If you would like to have the recognition of a "legal" marriage in Washington State, the complete codified law may be found in Revised Code for Washington, (RCW) Chapter 26.04. I have listed the main points here:

A couple may be legally married subject to the following:

The couple must obtain a marriage license from their local county auditor. Each county charges a fee for the marriage license. (The minister or officiant does not obtain the license, nor does he or she validate the license. The minister or officiant only provides the Marriage Certificate - see below)

The couple must file an affidavit of non-affliction with contagious venereal disease; however, no medical exam or blood tests are required.

After obtaining the marriage license, a period of at least three days, and not more than sixty days must pass prior to the wedding ceremony. After 60 days, a new license is required.

The Minister, Judge, Justice of the Peace, or other Official must complete and provide a Marriage Certificate to the county auditor within 30 days after the ceremony.

The Bride and Groom must declare in the presence of the Officiate and at least two other attending witnesses that they take each other to be husband and wife.

May you find great joy and peace in each other as you begin your journey together.