Learn Where a Seattle Marriage Certificate Is Filed

People have lived in the Seattle area for more than 4000 years, but it was the Europeans who were the first to permanently settle here. Over time the state and the city has grown tremendously and today it is a major seaport in the Pacific Northwest region of the US. With 602,000 people living here as of April 2009, Seattle is now the 25th most populated city in the country. With so many people coming to the city over time and living here, it is not surprising that the vital statistics maintained would be quite extensive.

Are you searching the Internet for marriage certificates in the city of Seattle? You are in luck because not only are these records being maintained and updated in the city, but you can also get a copy when you place a request.

Marriage records and records of other vital statistics in Seattle and other areas in the US are in the public domain. This means that the state, city and the county authorities are legally obliged to maintain the records, and to provide a copy to you when you place the request.

Since it is the government that is maintaining the records, you can be sure that the information contained in your copy will be accurate. So all you need to do is just know where to put in your request how to do it. In time you will surely get what you need.

Where Do You Need to Request Seattle Marriage Certificates?

Before 1891, there was no legislative provision to record vital statistics including the marriage records. However, some counties and cities did keep the records before that. Between 1891 and 1907, the records were kept at the county level. Since the creation of Washington Territory in 1853, marriages have been recorded with the appropriate county officials.

For marriage records from January 1968, you will need to write to:

Department of Health
Center for Health Statistics
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA 98507-9709

For prior records, you have to write to the clerk of the county in question.

Please remember that though the office is legally obliged to help you find your record, this service is not free. You must also know that the fee that is charged is not the same all across the country. It tends to change from state to state and from one city to another.

Normally, in Seattle, the fee you must pay is $20.00 since January of 1968. If you however have a special request and need the database of vital statistics to be searched for more years, you will have to pay a higher fee.

To Request a Marriage Certificate In Seattle, Do Keep the Following in Mind:

•    Mention the full name of the husband (last name in caps)
•    Include the full maiden name of the wife (last name in caps)
•    The date of marriage
•    The place of marriage
•    The relationship to party
•    Mention the reason why you need the record
•    Include your name and address
•    There are some counties that will also want your driver's license number and state
•    Finally, you must include your signature