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What do you have to do to be "legally" married? Can we just sign a license?

I might be the least traditional girl in the world, but I don't want my wedding to be the happiest day of my life and don't want a big wedding.

So this might be a bit weird and complicated:

My partner in crime, who I am very excited to spend the rest of my life with, and I left our family in Arizona, where we would like to have a tiny non-religious ceremony in December, mainly for the benefit of our family. We would prefer that Washington state get the $65 license fee, not Arizona. Next day, we take off for a cruise of the Bahamas where we read our vows to each other on the beach.

I'm wondering what do I have to do to make it official/legal? Can we just get a piece of paper, pay for it, sign it in AZ, and bring it back to court when we get back from our cruise?

Having not told my parents yet, I don't really have anywhere to go for advice on this, so I'd be grateful for ANY help. THANKS! :)

ThatEagleonthe520 asked in Legal 10 months ago | Report

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  • Card_small
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    Looks like you need an officiant and two witnesses, and the 'ceremony' needs to be performed in Washington State. http://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/marriage.aspx

    But the ceremony in Washington State need not be the only ceremony. So, pay the license fee, wait the 3 days, find someone to officiate (basically, someone qualified to perform weddings in the state), and have them sign it along with you, your partner, and 2 other witnesses. That's your Washington 'ceremony'. Then turn in the license, and go get married in Arizona, and the Bahamas, and anywhere else you like.

    Greg Barnes answered in Legal 10 months ago | Report
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  • Librarians_small
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    I agree with Greg's answer, but you may need to know more, like who is qualified to "officiate". The law allows certain designated state officers (mainly, all elected judges) and all clergy. But in state law there is no definition of clergy, so legally the officiant can be anyone who signs the license and mails the notice to Olympia. It is CRITICAL that the completed form be mailed to Olympia for registration. That registration will be the always-available independent proof of your marriage.

    Why two witnesses? Well, there are two things necessary to make a legally-binding marriage: Consent of each party, and eligibility of each party. "Consent" is the "I do" part. The two witnesses provide the "eligibility" part. The officiant asks if there is anyone present who knows of any reason the parties can't marry. Those reasons would be underage, mentally incompetent, or an undissolved prior marriage. The law presumes that if there are two witnesses present, one of them will know.

    Ballard Pimp answered in Legal 6 months ago | Report
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