Washington Vital Records:
Marriage and Divorce--pre 1968
The State Archives Regional Branches have multiple types of Washington marriage records that were filed with
county auditors, dating from county formation to 1968, including Marriage Returns, Marriage Registers,
Applications, Licenses, Affidavits, and Certificates.
Additionally, the Regional Archives can provide assistance in locating Washington divorce records from this
period. Contact the regional branch representing the appropriate county.
Marriage and Divorce--1968 forward
Beginning in 1968, the State Department of Health assumed the official duty of recording Marriages
and Divorces for the state.
Statewide indexes to Washington marriage and Washington divorce records, covering 1968-1997, are available throughout
the State Archives system. Contact either the State Government Archives or a Regional Branch for
assistance.
Please note: Copies of Marriage and Divorce Certificates from 1968 forward may only be obtained
through the State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics.
Additional marriage records: The State Archives Regional Branches may have additional marriage
records filed with counties from 1968 forward, such as Applications, Licenses, Affidavits, and
(county) Certificates. Contact the regional branch representing the appropriate county.