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COVID-19 Update:
County courthouses may have restrictions on obtaining a license in person, such as only issuing by appointment. Needless to say, since 2020 we've all had a fluid few years with frequent changes and fluctuations in services. The rules vary from one county to another. Please check directly with the County with whom you wish to do business for further information.
County courthouses may have restrictions on obtaining a license in person, such as only issuing by appointment. Needless to say, since 2020 we've all had a fluid few years with frequent changes and fluctuations in services. The rules vary from one county to another. Please check directly with the County with whom you wish to do business for further information.
Marriage License Information
We are authorized to perform marriages in both Oregon and Washington. First you must obtain a license, in the state in which you are being married, at any County, for use in any County of that State. Most counties currently charge around $60 for a license. The license may be obtained up to 60 days in advance, but no fewer than 3 days before your wedding day, unless a waiver is obtained. Most Oregon counties are willing to waive the 3-day waiting period. If you need a waiver, simply ask the clerk when the license is issued. (Please be aware, however, that Washington State will not waive the 3-day waiting period for any reason.)
Some counties will issue a license by mail; most require both parties to appear. Just ask your clerk for information, as some of the minor rules vary from county to county. The following links are listed below for the three main counties in the Portland metropolitan area, for your convenience. Also listed is Clark County in Vancouver, Washington, an area we serve as well.
Links to the following greater Portland Metro area counties are as follows:
Multnomah County, Oregon
Washington County, Oregon
Clackamas County, Oregon
Clark County, Washington
Some counties will issue a license by mail; most require both parties to appear. Just ask your clerk for information, as some of the minor rules vary from county to county. The following links are listed below for the three main counties in the Portland metropolitan area, for your convenience. Also listed is Clark County in Vancouver, Washington, an area we serve as well.
Links to the following greater Portland Metro area counties are as follows:
Multnomah County, Oregon
Washington County, Oregon
Clackamas County, Oregon
Clark County, Washington
Changing Your Name and/or Proof of your Marriage
After the wedding, it's best to wait 10 days or so to be sure the Marriage License has been recorded. It may be necessary to contact the issuing County to obtain a Certified Copy--they may not automatically send it to you. (Some counties will allow a pre-order of the certified copy when you take out the license.) The Certified Copy, not the decorative or souvenir certificate, is the one you'll need if you are changing your name. Go to the DMV first, then the Social Security Administration, and then your bank(s), etc. The marriage laws in the State of Washington are similar to Oregon's (see the link, above). If you have any questions, the best source of information to start with is always your County Clerk.
