Getting married at the courthouse in Whatcom County is a fairly straightforward process. To start, you will need to complete a marriage application. The application form can be obtained online from the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office website or by visiting their office at 311 Grand Ave #103, Bellingham WA 98225.
Once you have the application form, you will need to fill it out with accurate and complete information. It is essential to provide all the necessary details, including your full legal names, addresses, dates of birth, and social security numbers. Make sure to double-check the information for any errors or typos to avoid delays in the application process.
After completing the application form, you will need to submit it to the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office. You can either mail the application or drop it off in person at their office. If you choose to mail it, send it to the following address: 311 Grand Ave #103, Bellingham WA 98225.
It is important to note that there is a 3-day waiting period after the application is processed at the Auditor’s Office. This waiting period begins on the day the application is received and processed. During this time, you are not allowed to get married. Therefore, plan accordingly and keep this waiting period in mind when choosing your wedding date.
Once the waiting period has passed, you can proceed with your marriage ceremony. At this point, you have a few options. You can choose to have a judge or court commissioner perform the ceremony at the courthouse, or you can bring your own officiant. If you decide to have a judge or court commissioner perform the ceremony, you will need to schedule an appointment with the courthouse.
To schedule an appointment, contact the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office or visit their website for more information. They will guide you through the process of setting a date and time for your ceremony. Make sure to inquire about any additional requirements or documents you may need to bring on the day of the ceremony.
On the day of your marriage ceremony, make sure to bring your marriage license with you, as it will need to be signed by both parties, the officiant, and any required witnesses. After the ceremony, the officiant will submit the signed marriage license to the Auditor’s Office for recording.
In terms of payment, there is a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license in Whatcom County. As of my knowledge, the fee is subject to change, so it is best to check with the Auditor’s Office for the current cost. You can typically pay the fee when you submit your application either by cash, check, or credit card.
To summarize, getting married at the courthouse in Whatcom County involves filling out a marriage application, submitting it to the Auditor’s Office, and waiting for the 3-day waiting period to pass. Once the waiting period is over, you can schedule a ceremony with a judge or court commissioner at the courthouse or bring your own officiant. Remember to bring your marriage license on the day of the ceremony and be prepared to pay the associated fee.