Marriage License Information
Note: The issuing of Marriage Licenses is subject to COVID-19 Restrictions. Please contact your County for current information, which, like everything else in these uncertain times, frequently changes!
Here is some basic general information about obtaining your marriage license in Oregon and Washington. You must obtain it in the State in which you are being married, at any County within that State, and it may be used in any County in that state. It needs to be acquired no more than 60 days before, and no fewer than 3 days before, your wedding day. Most Oregon counties are willing to waive the 3-day waiting period--just ask the clerk when you take out the license. (However, be advised that Washington State will not waive it under any circumstances.)
Some counties will allow you to apply for your marriage license by mail. Just ask your clerk for information. For your convenience, the following links are listed below to the three main metropolitan counties for the Portland area and one for Clark County in Vancouver, Washington, which is an area we also serve.
Multnomah County, Oregon
Washington County, Oregon
Clackamas County, Oregon
Clark County, Washington
Here is some basic general information about obtaining your marriage license in Oregon and Washington. You must obtain it in the State in which you are being married, at any County within that State, and it may be used in any County in that state. It needs to be acquired no more than 60 days before, and no fewer than 3 days before, your wedding day. Most Oregon counties are willing to waive the 3-day waiting period--just ask the clerk when you take out the license. (However, be advised that Washington State will not waive it under any circumstances.)
Some counties will allow you to apply for your marriage license by mail. Just ask your clerk for information. For your convenience, the following links are listed below to the three main metropolitan counties for the Portland area and one for Clark County in Vancouver, Washington, which is an area we also serve.
Multnomah County, Oregon
Washington County, Oregon
Clackamas County, Oregon
Clark County, Washington
Changing Your Name and/or Obtaining Proof of Your Marriage
After the wedding, the County may not notify you of anything. Unless you were able to pre-order your Certified Copy (which some counties will allow you to do), It will be necessary to get back in touch with them a week or so after the wedding to obtain a Certified Copy of your marriage license. The Certified Copy is the one you'll need to to show as proof if you decide to change your name--the DMV first, then the Social Security Administration, and then your bank(s), etc.
The State of Washington laws are similar to Oregon, and we are authorized to perform weddings in Washington. See the link above to Clark County in Vancouver, Washington. For further details, the best source of information is always your County Clerk.
The State of Washington laws are similar to Oregon, and we are authorized to perform weddings in Washington. See the link above to Clark County in Vancouver, Washington. For further details, the best source of information is always your County Clerk.