To become legally married in Washington state, you must: Be at least eighteen (18) years old or older. Apply for and receive a marriage license through Snohomish County Recording at least 3 days before your ceremony. Participate in a civil or religious ceremony in Washington State.
No state permits its citizens to enter into more than one concurrent, legally-licensed marriage. People who attempt to, or are able to, secure a second marriage license are generally prosecuted for bigamy. The terms "bigamy" and "polygamy" are sometimes confused or used interchangeably.
First and foremost, polyamorous relationships are not legally recognized under Washington law. While marriage rights in Washington state and across the country continue to develop, marriage is prohibited between two people where either one of them is married or living in a domestic partnership with another person.
Bigamy means having two spouses. Polygamy, on the other hand, is the general term for having multiple spouses at one time. Both are illegal in California.
In Washington, certain types of marriages are prohibited. These include marrying your first cousin or other close family members, such as a sibling or parent. In addition, you can't get married if you already have a spouse or domestic partner.
If you want the same rights and responsibilities as marriage or state-registered domestic partnership, you must get married or register as domestic partners with the state. But you may still want to register with the City to get possible benefits from your employer that you won't get from state law.
Under RCW 9A. 64.010(1), a person commits the crime of bigamy if he or she “intentionally marries or purports to marry another person when either person has a living spouse.” The statute sets out an affirmative defense if the defendant reasonably believes that he or she is legally entitled to marry. RCW 9A. 64.010(2).
Washington State has a mandatory 3-day waiting period. The 3-day waiting period cannot be waived. The 3-day waiting period does not begin until you have purchased the license. The license is valid for 60 days from the issuance of the license.
Do You Need A Witness To Get Married in Washington State? The simple answer to this is yes! You need two witnesses before your wedding is officially held in Washington State. Some wedding companies will even provide these for you, as you do not need to know the witnesses personally.
Some states enable couples to apply for and obtain this license via an online application, simplifying the administrative process. Nonetheless, even with an online marriage license, the wedding ceremony itself must still be performed in person, adhering to state laws and regulations.