Marriage records in Cowlitz County, Washington, can be accessed through several channels. CowlitzCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Cowlitz County Auditor's office, which issues marriage licenses and records marriage certificates under Washington state law. Records are available in person at the Auditor's office in Kelso, by mail, or through the Washington State Digital Archives, which hosts indexes and images of Cowlitz County marriage records from 1986 to the present.
Cowlitz County Marriage Records Search
In Washington, the county auditor is the official custodian of marriage licenses and certificates at the local level. The Cowlitz County Auditor issues marriage licenses, records returned marriage certificates, and maintains the county's marriage records collection. These records include marriage license applications, issued licenses, and filed marriage certificates.
The Washington State Archives Digital Archives provides free online access to indexes and scanned images of Cowlitz County marriage applications and certificates from 1986 forward. For older records or records not yet digitized, you will need to contact the Auditor's office directly. The Washington State Department of Health also maintains statewide vital records, including marriage certificates, for events occurring from 1968 onward.
Cowlitz County Auditor's Office
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Cowlitz County
Fees for marriage record copies in Cowlitz County are set by Washington state statute (RCW 36.18.010) and Auditor's office policy. The Washington State Department of Health charges separately for state-level certified copies.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage license | $70.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (county) | $5.00 per page |
| Certified copy from WA Dept. of Health | $25.00 (first copy) |
| Additional certified copies (same order, Dept. of Health) | $25.00 each |
County-level copy fees are based on the Auditor's recording fee schedule under RCW 36.18.010. The Department of Health fee applies when ordering a state-issued certified copy, which is often required for legal purposes such as name changes, immigration, or Social Security updates. Processing times at the county level are typically same-day for in-person requests. Mail requests may take one to two weeks. Department of Health orders may take several weeks depending on volume.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Cowlitz County
Online
- The Washington State Digital Archives offers free access to Cowlitz County marriage record indexes and images from 1986 to the present. These are informational copies and are not certified.
- For certified copies, the Washington State Department of Health accepts online orders through its vital records ordering portal. You will need the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and the county where the license was issued.
In Person
Visit the Cowlitz County Auditor's Office during business hours:
Bring a valid photo ID. Copies are typically available the same day. Payment is accepted at the counter — call ahead at (360) 577-3005 to confirm accepted payment methods.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate copy by mail, send the following to the Cowlitz County Auditor:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage (or approximate date), and your contact information.
- A copy of your valid photo ID.
- The applicable fee (check or money order payable to the Cowlitz County Auditor).
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
Mail to:
For questions about the public records request process, visit the county's website or call the Auditor's office. If you need a state-issued certified copy for legal use, submit your request to the Washington State Department of Health rather than the county Auditor.