Bend Marriage License Information
Bend marriage license records are issued and kept by the Deschutes County Clerk. The city of Bend does not issue marriage licenses. Couples in Bend who want to obtain a marriage license must visit the Deschutes County Clerk office. The office is in downtown Bend and serves all residents of the county. Searching for a Bend marriage license begins at the county recording division. Bend Municipal Court also refers all marriage license questions to the Deschutes County Clerk.
Bend Marriage License Facts
Where to Get a Bend Marriage License
Bend residents get their marriage license from the Deschutes County Clerk. The office is located in downtown Bend. Oregon law under ORS 106.041 gives county clerks the sole authority to issue marriage licenses. The city of Bend cannot issue them.
| Office | Deschutes County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1300 NW Wall St, Suite 202 Bend, OR |
| Phone | (541) 388-6549 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | Deschutes County Marriage Licenses |
Both people must appear in person at the Bend office. Bring valid photo ID for each applicant. The office is on Wall Street in the heart of downtown Bend. Street parking and public lots are nearby. Walk-ins are accepted during regular hours.
Bend City and Marriage License Records
The City of Bend does not handle marriage licenses. The Bend Municipal Court explicitly refers people to the Deschutes County Clerk for all marriage license matters. This is shown on the city website below.
The City of Bend website covers city services like utilities, planning, and public safety. Marriage licenses are not among the records the city manages. If you contact Bend City Hall about a marriage license, they will direct you to Deschutes County.
The Bend Municipal Court page also confirms this referral to the county.
This Bend Municipal Court page lists helpful links and forms. It directs residents to the Deschutes County Clerk for marriage license needs. The municipal court handles traffic and city code cases, not marriage licenses.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Bend
Getting a Bend marriage license is a simple process. Both people visit the Deschutes County Clerk office together. You fill out the application at the counter. The clerk checks your ID and information. The license is issued the same day.
Deschutes County also offers an online application option. You can start the process from home before visiting the Bend office. This reduces time at the counter. Check the Deschutes County marriage license page for the online application link.
To apply for a Bend marriage license, bring these items:
- Valid photo ID for both applicants
- Social Security numbers
- Birth dates and birthplaces for each person
- Parent names for both applicants
- Details of any prior marriage dissolution
Oregon has no waiting period. Your Bend marriage license is valid right away. It stays good for 60 days under ORS 106.077. No blood test is needed in Oregon. The visit to the Bend office takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Bend Marriage License Fees
The fee for a Bend marriage license is $55. This is the Deschutes County rate. It is slightly lower than some other Oregon counties. Deschutes County does not offer fee waivers for marriage licenses. The full fee applies to all applicants.
The Bend office accepts cash, checks, and debit cards. Credit cards may not be accepted, so bring an alternate payment method. Call (541) 388-6549 to confirm payment options and current fees before your visit.
Certified copies of a Bend marriage license have a separate fee. You may need certified copies for name changes, legal filings, or other official purposes. The Deschutes County recording office provides copies of any marriage license on file. Contact the office to ask about current copy fees for Bend marriage license records.
Marriage Ceremonies in Bend
After getting your Bend marriage license, you need an authorized officiant for the ceremony. Under ORS 106.120, judges, county clerks, and ordained ministers can perform marriages in Oregon. Deschutes County does not offer courthouse ceremonies. You must arrange your own officiant.
Bend is a popular wedding spot in Central Oregon. The city offers mountain views, river settings, and resort venues. Many couples choose outdoor ceremonies at Drake Park, along the Deschutes River, or at nearby Mt. Bachelor. The ceremony can be held anywhere in Oregon within 60 days of getting the license.
The officiant signs the Bend marriage license after the ceremony. They must return the signed license to the Deschutes County Clerk within 10 days. This is required under ORS 106.220. Once the clerk records it, the marriage becomes an official Bend marriage license record.
Searching Bend Marriage License Records
To find an existing Bend marriage license, contact the Deschutes County Clerk. You can search by the names of either spouse. Marriage records are public in Oregon. The clerk can provide plain or certified copies.
Under ORS 106.150, county clerks must record and index every marriage license. All Bend marriage licenses are part of the permanent Deschutes County record. The Deschutes County Clerk website has details on how to request copies.
For historical Bend marriage license records, you can also check the Oregon State Archives. The Oregon Vital Records office holds marriage certificates at the state level. These cover all Oregon marriages, including those from Bend and Deschutes County.
Marriage License Rules in Bend
Oregon's marriage rules apply to all Bend couples. Both persons must be at least 17 years old. A 17-year-old needs consent from a parent or guardian. Neither person can already be married to another person. Oregon welcomes all couples to marry.
There is no residency requirement for a Bend marriage license. You do not need to live in Bend, Deschutes County, or Oregon. Visitors and out-of-state couples can apply at the county office. The ACLU of Oregon has a guide on marriage license rights in the state. The full marriage statute is in ORS Chapter 106.
Bend attracts many destination weddings each year. Couples from across the country come to Central Oregon for mountain ceremonies. The marriage license process is the same for locals and visitors alike. Apply at the Deschutes County Clerk office in Bend, and you are ready to marry anywhere in Oregon.
Deschutes County Marriage License Records
Bend is the county seat of Deschutes County. All marriage license records for Bend are filed with the Deschutes County Clerk. The county handles licenses for Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and all other cities in the county. For more details on the county office, fees, and marriage license records, visit the Deschutes County page.