Officiate Weddings in Spokane, Washington
For years, we Seattleites looked down on Spokane, but something shifted a few years ago. Our friends began moving there because, unlike in Seattle, it’s possible to work and maintain a balanced life without needing to be a millionaire. Spokane possesses all the qualities that real estate marketers tout to sell Seattle to wealthy tech professionals—namely, soul and spirit.
STEP 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries
The Revised Code of Washington § RCW 26.04.050 states that “…any regularly licensed or ordained minister or any priest of any church or religious denomination…” are authorized to solemnize marriages.
If you have been asked to officiate a wedding and have agreed, the first thing you need to do is get ordained with AMM. Our ordination is free, takes only a few minutes, and meets § RCW 26.04.050, giving you the legal authority to officiate wedding ceremonies.
STEP 2: Prepare For Officiating the Wedding
Getting ordained as an AMM minister is the easy part. The next step is to prepare for the wedding ceremony. If this is your first time officiating, don’t worry! Our wedding training pages are an excellent resource for learning everything you need to know to perform your first wedding ceremony.
STEP 3: Officiate the Wedding
When it comes time to sign the marriage license, the couple has the responsibility to obtain the marriage license, but just be sure to double check that they have a valid marriage license before the ceremony and that all the names and other details are correct.
Once you have performed the ceremony and signed the marriage license, you have successfully performed all of your functions as the wedding officiant. As the officiant, it is your duty to return the marriage license to the Fulton County Clerk’s office after the ceremony, and within 10 days of the ceremony.
For more details on filling in the individual fields such as “religious official title,” check out our guide on how to complete a marriage license.
How To Get Married in Spokane
The Spokane County Auditor’s office hours are Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is where you can apply for your marriage license.
Recording & Marriage Licenses inquiries can be directed to 509-477-2271.
The application fee for a marriage license is $59, with a certified copy fee of $3, making the total $62. Payment can be made in cash, by check, or with a credit/debit card.
The couple must complete an application, and both parties must sign it before a notary public or deputy Auditor. The application will require the following personal information:
The application will require the following personal information:
- Applicant’s name (ensure you have a valid picture ID)
- Applicant’s social security number
- Current and past residence
- Birthplace and birth name
- Parental information: Name of mother and father; state or country of birth (if born outside the United States); the maiden name of each party’s mother. Take special care to provide the correct spelling of names.
Waiting Period & Ceremony: The marriage license will be issued to the parties upon application. The ceremony must take place in the State of Washington and occur between 3 and 63 days from the date of application. This requires applying for the license at least three days before the scheduled wedding ceremony.
Spokane Wedding Planning Tips
Spokane has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, evolving from a small town to a regional hotspot offering amenities akin to larger cities, all at a fraction of the cost. When it comes to wedding planning, the city presents a diverse array of options, catering to both traditional and unconventional preferences.
For those seeking traditional venues, the Historic Fox Theater is renowned, albeit on the pricey side. However, if your ceremony leans towards intimacy, numerous charming hotels, lodges, and camps, such as Camp Fire Camp Dart-Lo, offer picturesque settings amidst nature’s embrace. Imagine exchanging vows beneath a canopy of pines in one of the camp’s secluded groves or gardens.
Looking to trim expenses further? Spokane boasts an abundance of scenic municipal parks where pavilions and open spaces can be reserved for ceremonies. This aligns perfectly with our style, as saving thousands on venue costs alleviates financial strain, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: conveying your shared love to your guests.
Weather
Given Spokane’s northern location and variable weather conditions, it’s essential to consider the seasonal nuances when planning a wedding. Summers are brief but offer warmth, dryness, and clarity, while winters tend to be cold and cloudy. Spring brings rain and occasional cold spells, persisting into April without much warning.
The takeaway? For optimal wedding planning in Spokane, particularly for outdoor events, aim for a window between early July and mid-August when the weather is most favorable.
