University Place Marriage Records Lookup

Marriage records for University Place residents are handled by the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma. University Place is a city in western Pierce County, and while it has its own city government, marriage licensing and record-keeping is entirely a county function under Washington State law. This page explains where to apply for a marriage license, how to get certified copies of certificates, and how to search historical marriage records in state archives.

Pierce County Auditor: Marriage Records Authority

The Pierce County Auditor's Office is the official source for marriage licenses and marriage certificates for University Place. The office is at 2401 S. 35th St., Room 200 in Tacoma. Phone is (253) 798-7435. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to noon and 1pm to 4:30pm.

Both applicants must appear in person together with valid government-issued photo ID. No appointment is needed. Pierce County allows couples to start the application process online before visiting, but both parties must still appear in person to finish the application and pay the fee. If one party cannot appear, the absent party's portion can be notarized and submitted by the other applicant. Call ahead to confirm the exact procedure if this applies to you.

Vital Records for University Place: What the City Handles

The University Place City Clerk maintains some local city records and can assist with copies and verification for certain documents. However, marriage licenses and certificates are not city records. They are county records maintained by the Pierce County Auditor. The City Clerk can help you understand which office handles a particular type of record if you are unsure.

For vital records, University Place residents have two main options: the Pierce County Auditor for county-level certified copies at $3 each, or the Washington State Department of Health for statewide certified copies at $25 through VitalChek. County offices provide faster processing within about one week compared to state-level mail orders.

The county auditor route is generally faster for Pierce County marriages because the office holds the original records. The state DOH route adds a layer of processing and is better suited to situations where in-person visits are not possible.

Public Records for University Place Residents

University Place residents can also use the Public Record Center resource to identify which agencies hold which types of records. The Washington State Department of Health serves University Place residents for birth, death, and marriage certificates at the state level. The University Place City Clerk maintains some local vital records and can assist with copies and verification.

For Pierce County court records, the Washington Court Records portal provides options for requesting marriage records by online lookup, by appointment with the Auditor, or by mail. Mail requests should be sent to: Pierce County Auditor, Attn: Marriage License, 2401 South 35th Street, Room 200, Tacoma, WA 98409.

When using the mail request option, include the names of both parties, the approximate date of marriage, your contact information, and a check or money order for the applicable fee. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to ensure return delivery.

Pierce County Records Available Online

Pierce County makes some marriage certificates available through its online records portal. The county's Records Available Online page lists which document types can be searched and viewed electronically. This is a useful first step before requesting a physical copy, as it lets you confirm whether a record exists and check basic details.

The Pierce County Auditor's Recording Division at (253) 798-7440 is the specific line for recording-related questions. The Recording Division handles not just marriage records but also deeds, liens, plat maps, and other recorded documents. If you are not sure which division to contact, the main Auditor number at (253) 798-7435 can direct you.

For divorce records, University Place residents should contact the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk at 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Room 110, Tacoma, WA 98402, phone 253-798-7455. Marriage and divorce records are kept by different county offices, so knowing which you need before you call saves time.

Washington State DOH: Ordering Marriage Certificates

The Washington State Department of Health maintains statewide marriage records from 1968 to the present. Certified copies ordered through VitalChek cost $25 each. Online orders take 3 to 7 business days. Mail orders take 6 to 8 weeks. Mail requests go to: Dept of Health, Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 9709, Olympia, WA 98507.

The DOH is a good option for University Place residents who cannot visit the Tacoma office in person. The online ordering process is straightforward. You provide the names of both parties, the year and county of the marriage, and acceptable identification before the copy is released.

Records before 1968 are not held by the DOH. For older marriages, the Pierce County Auditor or the Pierce County collection in the Washington State Digital Archives are better resources. The digital archive holds nearly half a million Pierce County records going back to 1889.

Washington Marriage Law Requirements

Both applicants must be at least 18 years old for the standard marriage license process. No blood tests are required. Two witnesses must attend the ceremony and sign the marriage certificate. The ceremony may take place anywhere in Washington, not necessarily in Pierce County.

Authorized officiants under RCW 26.04.050 include judges, retired judges, court commissioners, and ordained ministers. The officiant must return the signed certificate to the Pierce County Auditor within 30 days of the ceremony. Failure to do so can result in administrative complications and, for the officiant, a potential misdemeanor charge.

Washington's Marriage Equality Act took effect December 6, 2012. All licenses issued since then use Person A and Person B terminology. Older records use different language. Both are fully valid legal marriage documents under Washington law. The three-day waiting period between application and ceremony is required by RCW 26.04.180 and cannot be waived for any reason.

Pierce County Marriage Records

University Place is in Pierce County. Marriage licenses for University Place residents come from the Pierce County Auditor. The county page has full office details and historical record resources.

View Pierce County Marriage Records

Nearby Cities

These nearby cities use county auditors for marriage records.