Search Federal Way Marriage Records
Federal Way marriage records are handled by King County, not by the city of Federal Way. The King County Recorder in Seattle issues marriage licenses for all King County residents, including those in Federal Way. The city clerk's office at Federal Way City Hall handles municipal records but does not issue marriage licenses or hold marriage certificates. This guide covers how to apply for a license, how to request certified copies, how to search digital archives, and which offices handle what.
Federal Way Overview
King County Recorder - Marriage Licenses for Federal Way
Federal Way residents apply for marriage licenses at the King County Recorder's office in Seattle. The office is at 201 S Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104. Both applicants must be present. Each needs a valid government-issued photo ID. No blood test is required.
The fee is $69. Once the license is issued, the mandatory three-day waiting period begins under RCW 26.04.180. No one can waive it. Apply on a Monday and Thursday is the earliest you can hold the ceremony. The license is valid for 60 days and only for ceremonies in Washington State.
The Recorder's website at kingcounty.gov has current hours and lets you pre-apply online. Filling out the online form before your visit can cut your wait time at the counter. Bring the confirmation or your completed form to the office when you go in to finalize and pay.
| Office | King County Recorder's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 S Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Phone | (206) 296-1655 |
| Website | kingcounty.gov/depts/records-licensing/records.aspx |
| License Fee | $69 |
| Certified Copies | $3 per copy |
| Federal Way City Hall | 33325 8th Ave. S, Federal Way, WA 98003 |
| City Clerk | (253) 835-2542; cityclerk@federalwaywa.gov |
What Federal Way City Does and Does Not Handle
The Federal Way City Clerk's public records page confirms that marriage licenses are not issued by the city. All marriage license and certificate matters go through the King County Recorder. The city clerk handles city government records like ordinances, council minutes, and contracts.
The Federal Way public records page at federalwaywa.gov outlines the city's Electronic Records Library and its records request process. 
City records requests typically get a response within five business days. Photocopies cost $0.15 per page; scanned copies are $0.10 per page. But again, the city does not hold marriage records; those go to King County.
The Federal Way Municipal Court at 33325 8th Ave. S., Suite 102 (253-835-3000) handles court records, not marriage licensing. Do not call the municipal court for marriage license questions. Courts can be authorized officiants for marriage ceremonies, but for license questions, contact King County.
Certified Copies of Federal Way Marriage Records
Certified copies from King County cost $3 each. You can request them in person at the Recorder's office, by mail, or through the online portal at kingcounty.gov/recorder. For very recent marriages (within about five months), go to King County directly. DOH may not have the record updated yet for new marriages.
The Washington State Department of Health holds statewide marriage records from 1968 to present. Order certified copies through doh.wa.gov via VitalChek for $25 per copy. VitalChek orders take 3-7 business days. Direct mail orders to DOH take 6-8 weeks. Call VitalChek at 1-866-687-1464 for expedited service. DOH can also issue noncertified informational copies at the same fee.
For marriages before 1968, contact King County Auditor. DOH records only go back to 1968. Pre-1968 records are held by King County and are also available through the Washington State Digital Archives free collection.
Historical King County Marriage Records
King County marriage records go back to 1855. The Washington State Digital Archives holds 1,610,882 King County marriage records spanning 1855 to 2017. That free collection at digitalarchives.wa.gov includes records from the King County Auditor (1855-1969) and King County Recorder (1970-2017).
Federal Way was incorporated in 1990. Before incorporation, the area was unincorporated King County. Any marriages from the Federal Way area before 1990 will appear in the King County unincorporated records. The Digital Archives collection covers all of it. 
Search by name or use the Soundex feature to find records with variant spellings of surnames.
No account or fee is needed to search the archive. You can view images of original documents online. This is the best free starting point for genealogy research involving any King County marriage from 1855 to 2017.
Washington's Marriage Equality Act changed certificate terms after December 6, 2012, from groom and bride to Person A and Person B. Keep that in mind when searching records from around that transition date.
Marriage Rules Under Washington State Law
Two witnesses must attend the ceremony and sign the Certificate of Marriage. Both must be able to observe the ceremony. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed certificate to King County within 30 days. That return creates the official legal record.
Authorized officiants under RCW 26.04.050 include judges, justices of the peace, ordained ministers, and religious officials. Washington's list of authorized officiants is broad, and online ordinations are generally recognized, though you should verify with the county if you have any doubt about a specific type of ordination.
All marriage license applications are public records under RCW 26.04.170. Filed marriage certificates are also public. There is no residency requirement to apply in King County. Anyone can apply and hold a ceremony in Washington regardless of where they live.
King County Marriage Records
Federal Way is in King County. All marriage licenses for Federal Way residents come from the King County Recorder. Visit the county page for full office details, fee schedules, and historical record resources.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Federal Way. Each uses its own county auditor for marriage records.