Marriage records in Spokane County, Washington, are available through several channels. SpokaneCourt.us allows you to begin searching publicly available marriage record information in the county. Additionally, certified copies can be ordered through the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), the Spokane County Auditor's Office, as well as in person or by mail. Below is a practical guide for searching, ordering, and obtaining marriage records.
Spokane Marriage Records Search
In Washington State, marriage licenses are issued by the County Auditor. In Spokane County, the Auditor's Office is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and registering returned certificates. Once the ceremony is conducted and the officiant returns the signed certificate, the auditor registers the document and sends a copy to the Washington State Department of Health for inclusion in the centralized vital records database.
The collection of records includes:
- Marriage licenses issued in Spokane County
- Returned and registered marriage certificates
- Historical records — some early documents are digitized and available through the Washington State Digital Archives
To search for registered documents, including marriage licenses, you can use the online index of recorded documents from the Spokane County Auditor. Note: this tool shows index data, not full copies of certificates.
Spokane County Auditor's Office
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Spokane
Certified copies of marriage records can be obtained in two ways: directly from the county (through the auditor) or through the State Department of Health. Fees vary depending on where you apply.
State Level Fees (DOH)
According to the Washington State Department of Health, the following fees apply:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a marriage record | $25.00 |
| Each additional copy (in one order) | $25.00 |
| Expedited processing | additional fee depending on delivery method |
DOH maintains records from 1968. If you need a recent record (from 2023 and later) urgently, the department recommends contacting the county where the license was issued directly.
County Level Fees
The Spokane County Auditor's Office charges a fee for copies of recorded documents. The exact amount should be confirmed by calling (509) 477-2270, as rates may change. Typically, a copy of a recorded document in the county costs less than a certified copy through DOH, but such a document may not have "certified" status for legal purposes.
Processing time through DOH is approximately 4–6 weeks for standard orders. The county processes requests faster — often within a few business days.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Spokane
There are several ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate. Choose the one that is most convenient for you.
Online
The Washington State Department of Health accepts online orders through its portal. Go to the DOH marriage records ordering page and follow the instructions. You will need:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage (or approximate period)
- County where the license was issued
- Payment by credit or debit card
In Person
Visit the Spokane County Auditor's Office at:
Bring a valid photo ID. Payment is accepted on-site. If the marriage was recently registered, the county can provide a copy much faster than the state department.
By Mail
To order through DOH by mail, follow these steps:
- Download and complete the application form from the DOH website.
- Include a copy of a photo ID.
- Enclose a check or money order for $25.00 per copy, made payable to "Department of Health."
- Send the package to the address indicated on the form.
To order directly through the county, call the auditor's office to clarify which documents need to be sent and what form of payment they accept by mail.
Historical records prior to 1968 are often only available through the Washington State Digital Archives or directly from the county. For genealogical research, the archive is the most convenient option as it contains digitized indexes of early Spokane County marriage records. Additional public information about records can be found on SpokaneCourt.us.