Getting married in Oregon? Hell yeah! Whether you’re eloping on the coast or saying your vows deep in the forest, you’ll need one very important thing: a marriage license. Lucky for you, Oregon keeps things pretty simple (no ridiculous waiting periods or weird blood tests here). Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.

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Table of Contents

1. Where to Get Your Marriage License
   • County Clerk’s Office Locations
   • Do You Have to Apply in Person?
2. What You Need to Bring
   • ID Requirements
   • Fees (Because, of Course, It Costs Money)
   • Do You Need a Witness?
3. Marriage License Rules in Oregon
   • Expiration Date
   • Waiting Period (Yes, There Is One)
   • Can Your Dog Be a Witness?
4. After the Wedding: Making It Legal
   • Who Files the Paperwork?
   • How to Get Certified Copies
5. Eloping in Oregon? Here’s What You Need to Know
   • Permits for Public Land Weddings
   • Officiant Rules
   • Best Private Elopement Spots

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1. Where to Get Your Marriage License

You can pick up your Oregon marriage license at any county clerk’s office—it doesn’t have to be in the county where you’re getting married. Just show up, hand over the required paperwork, and boom, you’re one step closer to making it legal.

Do You Have to Apply in Person?

Most counties require you both to apply in person, but some offer an online application process to speed things up. However, you’ll still need to show up eventually to finalize everything.

Check your local office’s rules and locations here: Oregon County Clerk Directory.

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2. What You Need to Bring

Before you march into the clerk’s office, make sure you have:

• Valid ID (Driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID)
• Cash or Card (License fees range from $50–$60, depending on the county)
• Both of You Present (because, duh, it’s your marriage)

Do You Need a Witness?

Nope! Oregon doesn’t require witnesses to sign your marriage license, making it a dream for private elopements.

Can Your Dog Be a Witness?

As much as we all wish our dogs could legally sign, the government isn’t cool like that. However, your pup can be your best dog, ring bearer, or just the VIP guest. They can also sign the decorative copy that you get to keep!

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3. Marriage License Rules in Oregon

Expiration Date

Your marriage license is valid for 60 days, so don’t grab it too early unless you like living on the edge.

Waiting Period

Unlike Idaho, Oregon makes you wait three days before you can actually use your marriage license. Some counties allow you to pay a fee to waive the waiting period, though, because capitalism.

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4. After the Wedding: Making It Legal

Who Files the Paperwork?

Your officiant is in charge of filing the signed license with the county within five days of your wedding. If they forget, you’re technically not legally married, so maybe don’t let your drunk cousin officiate.

How to Get Certified Copies

Once your license is filed, you can request certified copies for name changes, legal proof, or just to frame it and admire your commitment. Some counties let you order online, so check with your local clerk’s office.

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5. Eloping in Oregon? Here’s What You Need to Know

Permits for Public Land Weddings

Oregon is insanely beautiful, but many of the best elopement spots require a permit. If you’re dreaming of a ceremony at Cannon Beach, Mount Hood, or Silver Falls, check if you need a special use permit.

Who Can Officiate Your Wedding?

Oregon allows judges, religious leaders, and online-ordained friends to officiate your wedding. My husband, Nate, is ordained and crafts heartfelt ceremonies—if you need an officiant, hit me up!

Best Private Elopement Spots

If you want to get married without a bunch of tourists watching, I’ve got a list of the best hidden elopement locations in Oregon:

• Smith Rock State Park – Epic desert vibes with dramatic rock formations and breathtaking views.
• Cape Kiwanda – A dreamy coastal spot with golden sand dunes and rugged sea cliffs.
• Tamolitch Blue Pool – A vibrant blue spring-fed pool tucked deep in the forest (just be ready for a hike!).
• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor – Hidden beaches, sea stacks, and lush greenery along the southern Oregon coast.
• Crater Lake National Park – Because saying your vows next to the deepest lake in the U.S. is chef’s kiss.
• Painted Hills – A one-of-a-kind desert landscape with colorful, rolling hills that look straight out of a painting.

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Getting your Oregon marriage license is way easier than dealing with a big wedding. If you’re ready to do things your way and have an elopement that actually feels like you, let’s make it happen. Let’s plan a day that feels like a damn dream. Let’s chat!