Albany Oregon Marriage License
An Albany marriage license is issued by the Linn County Clerk, not by the city of Albany. Oregon law assigns marriage license authority to county clerks only. The Linn County Clerk office is right in Albany, which makes it easy for local couples to apply. Searching for an Albany marriage license means working with Linn County records. This guide covers how to get a marriage license, what to bring, and what fees to expect in Albany, Oregon.
Albany Marriage License Facts
Where to Get an Albany Marriage License
Albany is the county seat of Linn County. The Linn County Clerk office is in downtown Albany. Under ORS 106.041, only a county clerk can issue a marriage license in Oregon. The city of Albany does not have this authority.
Some people visit the Linn County Justice Court by mistake. The Justice Court does not sell marriage licenses. It refers all marriage license inquiries to the Linn County Clerk. Make sure you go to the clerk office for your Albany marriage license.
| Office | Linn County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 SW 4th Avenue Albany, OR 97321 |
| Phone | (541) 967-3829 |
| Marriage Line | (541) 967-3831 |
| Hours | 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday |
| Fee | $50 (cash only) | Fee waiver: FREE |
| Website | linncountyor.gov/clerk |
The Linn County Clerk has a dedicated marriage phone line at (541) 967-3831. Call this number for questions about your Albany marriage license. The main clerk line is (541) 967-3829 for general inquiries.
Albany Marriage License Fees
The fee for an Albany marriage license is $50. This is one of the lowest rates in Oregon. Linn County accepts cash only for marriage license payments. Bring exact change or bills to the clerk office. No credit cards, debit cards, or checks are accepted.
Linn County offers a free fee waiver for couples who complete an approved premarital education course. If you qualify, the Albany marriage license costs nothing. This is a great way to save money while preparing for marriage. Call the clerk at (541) 967-3831 to ask about approved courses.
The cash-only policy catches some people off guard. Plan ahead. There are banks and ATMs near the Linn County Clerk office in downtown Albany. Get cash before your visit to avoid delays.
Albany Marriage License Information
Albany is a historic city in the Willamette Valley. It sits at the point where the Calapooia River meets the Willamette River. The city has a strong sense of community and local pride.
The City of Albany provides local government services and community resources on its website.
Visit albanyoregon.gov for city services. All marriage license matters go through Linn County.
The Linn County Clerk office in Albany processes all marriage license applications for the county.
Linn County maintains all Albany marriage license records at the SW 4th Avenue office.
Albany Marriage License Application
Linn County offers an online application option. Albany couples can start the marriage license process from home. This saves time at the clerk office. You fill out the form online and then visit in person to complete the application.
Both parties must still appear in person at the Linn County Clerk office. Under ORS 106.077, no one may apply for a marriage license by mail or through a proxy. Bring your photo ID and cash payment when you visit to finalize your Albany marriage license.
The online form collects the same information as the in-person application. You will need full legal names, dates of birth, places of birth, and Social Security numbers. If either party was previously married, bring proof that the prior marriage has ended.
Marriage License Requirements
Oregon sets statewide rules for all marriage licenses. Albany couples follow the same requirements as everyone else in the state. No residency requirement exists. You do not need to live in Albany or Linn County to get a license here.
Both parties must be at least 17 years old. Applicants who are 17 need written parental consent. Under ORS 106.150, there is a three-day waiting period after the license is issued before a ceremony can take place. The Albany marriage license is valid for 60 days.
Bring these items to your appointment at the Linn County Clerk office:
- Valid photo ID for both applicants
- Social Security numbers for both parties
- Cash payment of $50 or fee waiver proof
- Dissolution records if previously married
After Your Albany Marriage License
Once you have your Albany marriage license, wait three days. Then hold your ceremony with any authorized officiant. Under ORS 106.120, judges, clergy, and other officials may perform marriages in Oregon. You can marry anywhere in the state.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license. Under ORS 106.220, the completed license must go back to the Linn County Clerk within 10 days. The clerk then records the document. This creates the official Albany marriage record.
Certified copies are available from the Linn County Clerk after recording. You may also order copies from the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. Online ordering is available through VitalChek. Keep several certified copies for name changes, insurance, and other legal needs.
Oregon Marriage License Law
ORS Chapter 106 covers all marriages in Oregon. Every Albany marriage license issued by Linn County follows these state laws. The chapter addresses who may marry, the application process, fees, waiting periods, and how to record a completed license.
Oregon requires no blood tests or physical exams for a marriage license. Same-sex couples have the same rights as all other couples. The ACLU of Oregon offers a helpful guide on marriage license rights across the state. The Linn County Clerk at co.linn.or.us can also answer questions about the process.
Linn County Marriage License Records
Albany is in Linn County. All marriage license records for Albany are maintained by the Linn County Clerk. The county handles licenses for every city within its borders. For complete details on the clerk office, fees, hours, and related public records, visit the Linn County marriage license page.