King County Marriage Records, 1855-1990 - John W Hardin - Ethel Tompkins

These records include indexing and images for marriage certificates (complete 1855 to 1989, incomplete 1990), and marriage returns (1891-1947) with the bulk of the records between 1891 and 1915, filed with the King County Auditor between 1855 and 1969 and with the King County Recorder’s office between 1970 and 1990. Please note there are few marriage returns between 1916 and 1947.

Marriage certificates are filed with the county auditor following the marriage ceremony and provide marriage license number, date, and county; place and date of marriage; names and county of residence of bride and groom; names of witnesses; and name, residence, and official station of the person performing the marriage.

Marriage returns were returned to the county auditor from the person performing the ceremony and contain more information than marriage certificates. Marriage returns generally provide the names and birthplaces of the bride and groom and their parents; residence, age, race, number of previous marriages, and occupation of both parties; place and date of marriage; name and official station of the person performing the marriage; and names of witnesses.

Learn about the documentation of marriage in Washington and what information is found in the various record types by selecting the tab that says "About this Collection" here.

King County government was organized in 1852. The county seat is Seattle.

All records are in English.

These records are open for research.

Indexed and imaged by Washington State Archives, Eastern Region Branch staff, Eastern Washington University student interns, and Puget Sound Region Branch staff and volunteers.

Preferred Citation: [Identification of item], King County Department of Executive Services, Records and Licensing Division, Marriage Returns, 1891-1947, Marriage Certificates, 1855-1990, Office of the Secretary of State, Washington State Archives, Digital Archives, http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/, [date accessed].

Source: King County Auditor, Marriage Certificates, 1855-1969; Marriage Returns, 1891-1947. King County Archives, Seattle, WA.

Source: King County Records and Licensing Division, Marriage Certificates, 1970-1990, Seattle, WA. All other original King County Marriage records held by the King County Archives.

For further information on these or other records not included on this website, or to order marriage records not included on this website, please contact the King Co. Archives at archives@kingcounty.gov.