Recordings & Marriage Licenses
The Recording Section of the Grays Harbor County Auditor’s Office serves as the official repository for documents affecting real property and many of the county’s permanent public records. The office records, indexes, and preserves documents so they are accessible for public research and legal reference.
Real estate records establish the chain of ownership dating back to the county’s earliest history. Documents include deeds, mortgages, contracts, liens, titles, surveys, and plat maps. Historical records—some dating back to 1856—along with early birth and death records (1892–1907), are valuable resources for researchers and genealogists.
Marriage Licenses
Both parties may apply in person for their marriage license at the GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY AUDITOR’S OFFICE during normal business hours (8:30am to 4:30pm).
· Please arrive no later than 4:15pm as the application process takes up to15 minutes to be completed.
· Both parties must present valid photo identification.
· Age Requirements: the applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
· Marriage license fee is $170, cash only in the Auditor’s Office. Checks or credit cards are not accepted.
It is recommended that the Application for Marriage be completed before you visit this office. A link to the Application for Marriage document is provided for you below:
If an individual or couple desiring to be married cannot appear in person at the GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY AUDITOR’S OFFICE, please use the Printable Form below:
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This form must be completed and signed by both individuals in the presence of a Notary Public. Once the form has been signed and notarized, you (one or both) may bring the completed form to the Auditor’s Office to be processed, or:
· The completed form can be mailed to the Auditor’s Office
o The application fee is $170, payable by cashier’s check or money order
o Include a return address for the issued license to be mailed to
o Include a telephone number for any questions that may arise.
Helpful information regarding the marriage license process:
· Birth certificates, blood tests or other documents are not necessary to apply for a marriage license.
· WAITING PERIOD: the license is not valid until three (3) days after the date issued.
· Certified Copies: copies of marriage certificate are available after the paperwork has been returned and filed.
o Copies are $3 each, cash or check
To order a certified copy of the marriage certificate online, click here
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Document Recordings
Each year, the Recording Section processes more than 20,000 transactions and maintains hundreds of thousands of indexed records. In addition to land records, the office maintains records such as county commissioner proceedings, marriage licenses, military discharges, and selected historical documents.
Use the Recorded Document Search Portal to search and view recorded documents by name, recording number, or other indexing information. The responsibility for preparing documents rests with the submitter.
Accepted payment methods:
- Cash
- Check (exact amount, payable to Grays Harbor County Auditor — personal, cashier’s check, or money order)
Credit and debit cards are not accepted.
👉 Recording Fees (effective July 27, 2025)
Legal Responsibilities
Under Washington law, county auditors are designated as custodians of public records. Recording requirements are governed by the Revised Code of Washington, including RCW 65 and RCW 36 that outline document standards and recording fees.