Title Info: Department of Health, Marriage Certificates, 1968-1995

As of Monday, July 20, 2020, the Washington State Archives branches in Olympia and Ellensburg are open to researchers by appointment only. For more information, please visit our page regarding the closure

Ask an Archivist « Back to Collection Details
Search This Title:
Marriage Equality Act
Prior to the effective date of the Marriage Equality Act (December 06, 2012), Groom and Bride will be used. After that date, the terms will be Person A and Person B.

Groom or Person A






Bride or Person B






Marriage Year




Search Options
 or 
Record Creator: Health, Department of
Description:
These records are for couples who were married in the State of Washington from 1968-1995. Certificates often include some or all of the following information; name, legal name before marriage, date of birth, location of birth, parents names, location of parents’ birth, officiant information, time, date, location of ceremony, date of license, county of license, and type of ceremony.



On January 1, 2021 RCW 70.58A.510 allows Marriage Certificates to be transferred from the custody of the Department of Health to the State Archives. The Department of Health will still provide certified copies RCW 70.58A.510 (7).
Access Restriction Notes: These records are open for research.
Sources of Transfer State Government Archives
Health, Department of
Agency History: The Washington State Department of Health has been recording birth and death in Washington State since July of 1907, and started recording marriage and divorce in January of 1968. They also license healthcare professionals in the state.
Preferred Citation: Preferred Citation: [Identification of item], Department of Health, Marriage Certificates, Washington State Archives, Digital Archives, http://digitalarchives.wa.gov, [date accessed].
Record Count: 32,633