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
Marriage licenses are issued in person at the Auditor’s Office during regular business hours.
How to Apply
👉 Online Application
👉 Printable Application
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and both applicants should appear in person with a valid photo ID. If one party cannot appear, forms may be completed before a notary and returned. No birth certificates, blood tests, or additional documentation are required.
A license becomes valid three (3) days after issuance and will expire after 60 days. The marriage license fee is $170 and certified copies are $3 each (cash or money order only). Certified copies can be ordered online. https://ghceagle2.co.grays-harbor.wa.us/web/user/disclaimer.
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office maintains records such as county commissioner proceedings, marriage licenses, military discharges, and selected historical documents.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.
Deputy Auditor
Legal Requirements
The Auditor’s Office Verifies:
- Correct fees are submitted
- Indexing information is complete
- The document is legible
- Formatting meets recording standards
The Auditor’s Office Cannot:
- Provide legal advice
- Help complete documents
- Recommend document types
- Accept illegible documents
- Record documents not authorized by state or federal law