Search Whatcom County Marriage Records
Whatcom County marriage records are maintained by the County Auditor in Bellingham, with an online search index covering marriages from 1980 to the present, a Digital Research Room for in-office access to images from 1890 onward, and a Digital Archives collection of nearly 90,000 historical records spanning from 1891 through 1995. The county offers one of the more layered online search systems in Washington, with different tools providing access to different date ranges.
Whatcom County Overview
Whatcom County Auditor's Office
The Whatcom County Auditor handles marriage licensing and official record-keeping for the county. The office is at 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103, in downtown Bellingham. The phone number for the Recording Division is (360) 778-5298. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10 each in Whatcom County, which is notably higher than many other Washington counties.
The license fee is $64. Birth and death records for Whatcom County residents are maintained separately by the Whatcom County Health Department rather than the Auditor's office. If you need vital records other than marriage or divorce, contact the Health Department separately.
| Office | Whatcom County Auditor, Recording Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 Bellingham, WA 98225 |
| Phone | (360) 778-5298 |
| Certified Copy Fee | $10 per copy |
| License Fee | $64 |
| Website | whatcomcounty.us/199/Auditor |
Note that Social Security numbers are redacted from any marriage record copies provided online or through the county. This is consistent with Washington State public records privacy protections.
Online Marriage Records Search
Whatcom County provides an online index for marriage records from 1980 to the present. This search tool provides name and date index data only. It does not display images of the actual certificates. To get the physical document or a certified copy, you must contact the Auditor's office. The online index is a good first step to confirm whether a record exists before making a formal copy request.
The Whatcom County online marriage records search covers marriages from 1980 to the present. It returns index data including names and dates but does not include images of certificates.
For records before 1980, the online search tool does not apply. You will need to use the Digital Research Room (for in-office access) or contact the Auditor's office directly for older records. The Digital Archives collection at the state level covers returns from 1891 to 1947 and certificates from 1899 to 1995, which is a useful range for historical research.
Digital Research Room
The Whatcom County Auditor maintains a Digital Research Room that allows in-office access to images of recorded documents from 1890 to the present. This system is available at the office on Grand Avenue in Bellingham. You can view actual document images on-site, which is more detailed than the online name-only index. SSNs are redacted from all copies produced through this system.
The Whatcom County Digital Research Room provides in-office access to images of recorded documents from 1890 to present, including marriage certificates with SSNs redacted.
The Digital Research Room is the most complete source for Whatcom County marriage record images, covering a longer span than the online name index. If you need to view or obtain a copy of a marriage certificate from before 1980, this is the primary in-county option. Call (360) 778-5298 to confirm access hours and procedures before visiting.
Washington State Digital Archives
The Washington State Digital Archives holds 89,998 Whatcom County marriage records. The collection covers marriage returns from 1891 to 1947 and marriage certificates from 1899 to 1995. This is a large collection for a county of this size and is free to search at digitalarchives.wa.gov.
The Digital Archives Whatcom County collection holds nearly 90,000 records covering marriage returns from 1891 to 1947 and certificates from 1899 to 1995. The collection is searchable free of charge.
For marriages from 1996 to 1979 that may not be in the Digital Archives, or for records after 1995 not covered by the Digital Archives collection, use either the county's online index (for 1980 to present) or contact the Auditor directly. The Digital Research Room fills in the gap for in-office access covering 1890 to present.
Marriage License Process
Washington State requires a three-day waiting period after a marriage license is issued before the ceremony can take place. This is required by RCW 26.04.180 and cannot be waived. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. Both applicants must be 18 or older and must bring valid government-issued photo ID. No blood test is needed.
Two witnesses must be present at the ceremony and sign the completed certificate. No witnesses are required at the application stage. Authorized officiants under RCW 26.04.050 include judges, retired judges, court commissioners, and ordained ministers. Washington's Marriage Equality Act has been in effect since December 6, 2012. Records before that date list a Groom and Bride; records after use Person A and Person B.
After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed certificate to the Whatcom County Auditor within 30 days. Failure to return it is a misdemeanor. All marriage license applications are public records under RCW 26.04.170. If you are in Washington's Address Confidentiality Program, notify the office at the time of application.
The Washington State Department of Health holds statewide marriage records from 1968 to present. Certified copies can be ordered through DOH VitalChek for $25 each. This is one option if the county copy is not readily available or if you need a broader record search.
Recording Division Services
The Whatcom County Auditor Recording Division page covers all recording services, fees, and how to access the county's document index for marriage and other recorded documents.
The Recording Division maintains all real estate documents, marriage records, and other official recorded documents for Whatcom County. Certified copies of marriage certificates are $10 each. To request a copy, contact the division at (360) 778-5298 or visit the office at 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103, Bellingham. For mailed requests, include the names of both parties, approximate marriage date, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Cities in Whatcom County
Whatcom County includes several communities in northwestern Washington. Bellingham is the county seat and the largest city.
Other communities in Whatcom County include Lynden, Blaine, Ferndale, Birch Bay, Everson, and Sumas. All residents of the county apply for marriage licenses at the Whatcom County Auditor at 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103, in Bellingham.