Oregon Marriage Records

Marriage records are official documents created and stored by government agencies with information about couples who have gotten married. In Oregon, these records are maintained by the county clerk or town office alongside related Oregon family court records and civil documents. Historically, churches were responsible for recording marriage events before civil records became standardized, and many early marriage records can be found in church archives.

County clerk’s offices often offer certified copies of marriage records immediately or soon after the final application has been submitted to their office. This record will usually contain information about the couple, including:

• Their full legal names
• The legal name that was taken after this marriage
• Their dates of birth and places of birth
• The location of the marriage
• The date of the marriage
• Marriage dates
• Their Sex
• Occupations
• Previous marital status
• Their current addresses, including their city, county, and ZIP code
• Their parents’ full names
• The couple’s signatures

Marriage information is typically entered in writing; written records are essential for legal documentation. Some departments may also keep images of marriage records, such as scanned copies or digital photographs. Personal records, such as journals or family bibles, can sometimes be evidence of marriage when official records are unavailable. The parties or spouses involved in the marriage must provide accurate information for the record to be properly recorded.

Certified marriage records also have official information, such as local or state file numbers.

Note: If someone cannot access official records, they may need to seek alternative sources or submit a written request to the appropriate department.

What Types of Marriage Records are Available in Oregon?

Oregon has different types of marriage records, including marriage licenses and certificates. These records are maintained by the appropriate department, such as the county clerk or town office, as official civil records. Oregon also issues certified copies of records of registered domestic partnerships.

The department responsible for vital records records marriage information, including the names of the parties or spouses, in writing. Written records are required for legal recognition, and the parties or spouses involved must provide accurate information for the record to be properly recorded.

Oregon Marriage Certificate

Marriage certificates are official documents that prove that a couple has been legally married. These certificates are issued by the appropriate department, such as the county clerk or state vital records office, as official civil records. Marriage dates and other marriage information, including the names of the parties or spouses, are recorded on the certificate. The certificate is a written document that is officially recorded by the department, ensuring the marriage is properly documented in writing for legal and genealogical purposes. Oregon Vital Records issues married couples official certified copies of marriage certificates. The certificate is printed on special security paper with a state file number. It is usually available approximately one month from the date the marriage paperwork was submitted to the county office.

Note: Some departments may provide images of marriage certificates for digital access.

Oregon Marriage License

A marriage license is a legal document that grants a couple permission to marry. Marriage licenses are issued by the appropriate department, such as the town or county clerk's office, and serve as official civil records. It must be applied for and obtained before the wedding. The department will require marriage information, including the full names of the parties (spouses) and marriage dates, which are recorded on the license. The license is a written document that is officially recorded by the department as part of the town's civil records, ensuring all marriage information is properly documented in writing.

To apply for a license to get married in Oregon, the couple must meet the following criteria:

• They must be 18 years old. 17-year-olds may obtain a license with a signed consent form from either their parents or legal guardians, who must be present when the license is purchased
• They cannot be currently married or be in a registered domestic partnership with another person.
• They cannot be first cousins or any nearer of kin to each other.

Note: Some departments may require additional documentation or have specific restrictions, so it is important to check with the local town or county clerk's office before applying.

Are Oregon Marriage Records Public?

Under Oregon’s vital record laws, marriage records become public 50 years after the event. The appropriate department maintains these marriage records as official civil records, and all marriages must be appropriately recorded and documented in writing to ensure legal validity. Anyone can request public records in the state, including marriage records that have exceeded the time limit. However, until the time has elapsed, access to marriage records in Oregon is restricted to certain authorized persons and may require written authorization from the parties or spouses involved.

Note: Access to marriage records may require meeting specific requirements or providing written documentation as requested by the department.

How to Find Marriage Records in Oregon

Marriage records in Oregon can be obtained from the Vital Records Office of the Oregon Centre for Health Statistics. These marriage records are maintained by the appropriate department as official civil records, and are recorded by civil authorities such as the town or county clerk. Members of the public can also get marriage records, such as licenses and certificates, by contacting the Oregon County clerk where the marriage occurred. Note that historical marriage records may also be available from churches, which served as primary sources for such records before civil registration became standardized.

When submitting a request, you are required to provide marriage dates and other marriage information about the parties or spouses involved. Requests may need to be submitted in writing, and written authorization from the parties or spouses may be required in certain cases. Note: If both spouses are deceased, you may need to provide the original death certificates to obtain the marriage record. If you are unable to access the application forms online, you may submit a written request to the department. Some departments may provide images of marriage records, such as scanned copies or digital photographs. Personal records, such as journals or family bibles, can serve as evidence of marriage when official records are unavailable.

To request or find a certified copy of a marriage record in Oregon, you can contact the Vital Records Office. Requests can be made in person, by mail, online, by telephone, or by submitting the request via the Vital Records Office drop box. The first record ordered will cost a nonrefundable fee of $28, which includes a $3 security fee for applicant identity verification. Each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously will cost $25.

Residents can schedule in-person appointments online on the Vital Records Office website. Requesters should check into their appointment at least ten minutes early at:

The Portland State Office Building,
1st floor,
800 NE Oregon Street.

Customers applying in person will use a self-service kiosk to place the order. During the appointment, requesters will be expected to provide record information, their social security number, and Valid ID or alternate ID documents. Payments can be made by cash, credit or debit cards (including Mastercard and Visa), and money orders. Fees must be paid by money order payable to the appropriate department. Personal or business checks can be used if they are accepted by the electronic funds transfer software (EFT). In-person applications are usually processed in about 30 minutes.

Mail requests are made by filling out the order form and returning it to the office with the required documents. Mailed requests must include an order form with complete record information, a copy of a valid ID or alternate documents, and the applicant’s signature. In some cases, applicants may need further documentation such as a power of attorney, a change of name, or proof of legal guardianship.

Payment should be included as a money order or check payable to Oregon Health Authority, Vital Records. The application should be mailed to the Vital Records Office at:

Oregon Vital Records
P.O. Box 14050
Portland OR 97293

Mailed requests are processed within five weeks of the Vital Records Office receiving the order. Applicants should include a pre-paid, pre-addressed delivery envelope if the records are to be returned by any method other than USPS regular mail.

For a Dropbox application, the application package should be placed in a sealed envelope and placed in the Dropbox at:

Oregon Vital Records
800 NE Oregon Street
Portland OR 97232

The drop box is located at the west door entrance in the parking lot. Applicants should allow five weeks for processing from the time they submit their application.

How to Get a Marriage License in Oregon

Marriage licenses permit couples to marry and must be obtained before a wedding. These licenses are issued by the appropriate department, such as the county or town clerk's office, as official civil records. On the other hand, marriage certificates prove a marriage occurred and are obtained after a marriage. To obtain a marriage license, the parties (spouses) must visit a clerk’s office in any of Oregon’s counties. Marriage license application forms can be purchased from the County Clerks of these counties.

The parties will be required to complete the form together, providing the necessary marriage information, including full names, dates of birth, social security numbers, and marriage dates. The department will require valid photo identification, like a passport or driver’s license. Proof of a dissolution or an annulment will be required if the spouses have been married before.

The marriage license is a written document, and the department officially records all marriage information in writing as part of the civil records maintained by the town or county. The license fees may vary from county to county, so you are advised to check with the chosen county. After submitting the application, paying the license fee, and collecting it, it is valid for 3 days before it becomes usable. The marriage license is usable for 60 days after it becomes valid. It should be noted that marriage licenses obtained in one county of Oregon may be used in any county in the state.

Note: Some counties may require additional documentation or have specific restrictions for certain parties, so always check with the issuing department for the latest requirements.

Who Can Obtain Marriage Records in Oregon?

Marriage records in Oregon only become public records 50 years after the marriage was held. These marriage records are maintained by the appropriate department, such as the state or county clerk's office, as official civil records. The marriage details of the parties or spouses are officially recorded and preserved in writing as part of the civil registration process. Before the time limit has passed, only certain authorized persons are eligible to request and obtain marriage records. These authorized persons are as follows:

• The registrants, meaning the Bride and Groom (spouses) named on the record
• Their parents or legal guardians
• The siblings, children, or grandchildren of the couple who are aged 18 years and above
• A government agency or any third party legally authorized to request the record.
• A legal representative or court-approved representative of any of the above, such as an attorney

Access to these records may require written authorization from the parties or spouses involved.

When requesting the record, the requester must state their relationship to the person named on the record. After 50 years have passed, the records become public and can be requested by any member of the public.

Note: Some requests may require additional written documentation or proof of eligibility as specified by the department maintaining the civil records.

Can You Lookup Online Marriage Records For Free in Oregon?

Members of the public can look up Oregon marriage records for free at the Oregon State Archives. There are self-service facilities in the archive’s reference room where records are available as microfilms and publications. Online records may include images of marriage records, such as scanned copies or digital photographs. These records are maintained by the appropriate department as official civil records, often recorded by the town or county clerk. Members of the public can also request research services at the archive. Searches may require marriage information, such as marriage dates and the names of the parties or spouses involved. Records can be found if requesters provide relevant information to staff at archives. Note: Some online systems may require registration or have restrictions on access to certain records.

County Clerk and Records offices in Oregon also offer citizens the option to search for marriage records online for free. For example, Wasco County allows individuals to search for their marriage licenses using the Wasco County Digital Research Room. If you cannot access the online search tools, you may submit a written request to the department responsible for maintaining these records. It should be noted that although marriage records can be viewed for free, ordering copies will cost a fee. There are also third-party websites that allow requesters to search for marriage licenses online. These are good alternatives as they are convenient for people who cannot make inquiries in person. When official records are unavailable, personal documents such as journals or family bibles can be evidence of marriage.

Is Oregon a Common Law State for Marriage?

Oregon does not offer its citizens common-law marriages. However, when a couple from a state that recognizes common-law marriages moves to Oregon and still meets the requirements of their home state, Oregon will recognize the common-law marriage as valid in Oregon.

The appropriate department, such as the county clerk or state vital records office, maintains domestic partnerships as official civil records. These civil records document the legal status of the parties involved and are essential for genealogical and legal purposes.

Couples in Oregon have the option to enter registered domestic partnerships. To be eligible to file for a registered domestic partnership, parties must meet the following requirements:

• They must be at least 18 years of age
• At least one of the partners must be a resident of Oregon
• None of the parties can presently be married or be in another legally recognized domestic partnership
• Domestic partnerships are available to both heterosexual and homosexual couples as of 1st January 2024

Registration may require written documentation, and all records are officially recorded by the department responsible for maintaining civil records. Written forms and signatures are necessary to ensure the legal validity of the partnership.

Couples can obtain the Declaration of Oregon Registered Domestic Partnership form online or from their local county clerk. Follow the instructions to fill out the form, sign it in the presence of a notary public, and then submit it to the county clerk’s office. Records of domestic partnerships have the same restrictions as marriage records and become public after 50 years. Certified record copies can be ordered from the county clerk’s office or Oregon’s Vital Records Office.

Note: Some counties may require additional written documentation or identification from both parties or spouses when registering or requesting copies of recorded civil records. Be sure to check with the appropriate department for any specific requirements or restrictions.