Pierce County to Extend Licensing Hours in December to Accommodate Same-Sex Marriage Applicants

The Pierce County Auditor's Office is ready to officiate same-sex marriage licenses and has a system in place for those ready to get hitched on Dec. 6, when the law goes into effect.

"We know that some couples will want to be among the first in Pierce County to apply for a same-sex marriage license,” said Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson. “To prevent long wait times and to eliminate the need for overnight camping, we’ll allow Dec. 6 marriage applicants to get their queue number in advance.”

Marriage license applicants who want to reserve a spot in line for the morning of Dec. 6 can pick up a reserved queue number on Wednesday, Dec. 5.

Those who want to be among the first applicants on the morning of Dec. 6 should:

1. Visit the Auditor’s Office in person on Wednesday, Dec. 5, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to secure a reservation number.
2. Go to www.piercecountywa.org/marriage to complete and submit the online marriage application.
3. Return to the Auditor’s Office with reserved queue number and necessary documents on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 6:20 a.m. (before the 6:30 a.m. opening).

Extended Hours

The Pierce County Auditor’s Office will extend licensing and passport service hours for four days in December to accommodate the expected influx of customers.

Here are the dates:

• Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (note: auto licensing is not available on Sunday)

“This year, we’ve timed our licensing fair to coincide with the effective date of the marriage equality act,” said Anderson. “We expect 150 couples to apply for a marriage license on December 6. Extending our hours will speed service in our office. ”

Marriage License Requirements:
• Fill out your application online before you come to the Auditor's Office.
• Driver's license, Military ID, or State ID required.
• License fee is $64 in cash, cashier’s check, or money order (checks not accepted).
• Both parties must appear in person together and be at least 18 years old.
• You must wait at least three days to have your ceremony.
• The license is valid for 60 days.

Are you getting hitched on Dec. 6? Tell us in the comments.