Marriage records in Pierce County, Washington, are available through several channels. PierceCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about county marriage records. Additionally, certified copies are issued by the Washington State Department of Health and the Pierce County Auditor's office. Records can be ordered online, in person at the relevant office, or by mail — with the necessary documents and payment included.
Pierce Marriage Records Search
In Washington State, marriage licenses are issued and registered by the County Auditor's office. In Pierce County, this function is performed by the Recording Department of the Pierce County Auditor's office. The collection includes marriage licenses, returned marriage certificates, and historical records.
Digitized marriage certificates from 1889–1947 are stored in the Washington State Digital Archives — they can be viewed for free. For more recent records, you should contact the county auditor directly or the Washington State Department of Health, which issues certified copies of vital records, including marriages.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Pierce
Certified copies of marriage records can be obtained through both the Pierce County Auditor's office and the Washington State Department of Health. Fees depend on the chosen channel and type of copy.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (via State DOH) | $25.00 |
| Additional copy (in one order, DOH) | $25.00 |
| Expedited processing (DOH, additional) | $16.50 |
| Certified copy (via County Auditor) | Check with office |
Fees are set according to RCW 70.58A (Washington State vital records law). The standard processing time through the Department of Health is two to four weeks. Expedited processing shortens this period. Contact the county auditor if you need a copy of a specific document registered locally.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Pierce
There are three main ways to order a certified copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
The Washington State Department of Health accepts orders through its Vital Records online portal. You need to complete an electronic application, provide the spouses' details, marriage date, and registration county, and then pay the fee by card.
In Person
Visit the Pierce County Auditor's office at the address below. You need to bring a photo ID.
By Mail
To order by mail, send:
- A completed application for a copy of the marriage certificate (form available for download on the DOH website).
- A copy of a photo ID.
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, payable to "Department of Health."
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (optional, for expedited delivery).
Mailing address for orders through the state:
For genealogical research, historical records from 1889–1947 are available for free through the Washington State Digital Archives. These copies are not certified and are not suitable for legal purposes, but they are useful for finding information about ancestors. If you need further assistance in finding records, use the resources at PierceCourt.us.