Gresham Marriage License Guide
Gresham marriage license records are handled by the Multnomah County Clerk, not by the City of Gresham. The Gresham City Recorder does not issue or keep marriage license records. Couples in Gresham who want to get a marriage license must visit the Multnomah County Clerk office in Portland. Searching for a Gresham marriage license means contacting the county recording division. The county clerk maintains all marriage records for Gresham and every other city in Multnomah County.
Gresham Marriage License Facts
Where to Get a Gresham Marriage License
Gresham residents must travel to Portland to get their marriage license. The Multnomah County Clerk office is in southeast Portland. There is no marriage license office in Gresham itself. Oregon law under ORS 106.041 gives county clerks the sole authority to issue marriage licenses.
| Office | Multnomah County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd #175 Portland, OR 97214 |
| Phone | (503) 988-3326 |
| clerk@multco.us | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | multco.us/services/marriage-licenses |
The drive from Gresham to the county clerk office in Portland takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Take I-84 west or use Burnside Street. The office is in the Hawthorne District. Both applicants must appear in person. Walk-ins are accepted, and no appointment is needed for a Gresham marriage license.
Gresham City Records and Marriage Licenses
The Gresham City Recorder clearly lists marriage records as NOT available from the city. This is shown on the city website below.
The City of Gresham website covers city services like permits, code issues, and public meetings. Marriage licenses are not among the records the city holds. If you call Gresham City Hall about a marriage license, staff will refer you to the Multnomah County Clerk.
The Gresham public records page also confirms this fact. See the page shown below.
This Gresham public records page details which records the city maintains. Marriage license records are not on the list. All Gresham marriage license requests go to Multnomah County.
How to Get a Marriage License from Gresham
Gresham couples can start their marriage license application online before visiting the county clerk. The Multnomah County online portal at multcomarriage.org lets you fill out the application from home. This saves time at the counter when you visit the Portland office.
To get your Gresham marriage license, bring these items:
- Valid photo ID for both people
- Social Security numbers
- Birth dates and birthplaces
- Names of parents for each applicant
- Dissolution date and county if previously married
There is no waiting period for a marriage license in Oregon. Gresham couples can marry the same day they get their license. The license is valid for 60 days under ORS 106.077. No blood test is needed. The process takes about 20 minutes at the counter.
Gresham residents should plan their trip to Portland carefully. The Hawthorne office can get busy, especially on Fridays and around holidays. Arriving early in the day helps avoid long waits for your Gresham marriage license.
Gresham Marriage License Fees
The fee for a Gresham marriage license is $60. This is the standard Multnomah County rate. A reduced fee waiver is available for $5 if you qualify based on income. The county clerk can explain the waiver when you visit.
Certified copies of a Gresham marriage license cost $7.75 for the first copy. Each extra copy costs $4. You may need certified copies for name changes or legal needs. The Multnomah County records office handles copy requests.
The office accepts cash, checks, and cards. Call (503) 988-3326 to confirm current fees and payment options before making the trip from Gresham to the Portland office.
Marriage Ceremonies for Gresham Couples
After getting your Gresham marriage license, you need someone to officiate the ceremony. Under ORS 106.120, judges, county clerks, and ordained ministers can perform marriages in Oregon. The ceremony can be held anywhere in the state.
Gresham has parks, event venues, and community spaces for weddings. You can also hold the ceremony at home or any private location. The location does not affect the validity of the marriage license. What matters is that the officiant is authorized under Oregon law.
The officiant signs the Gresham marriage license after the ceremony. They must return the signed license to the Multnomah County Clerk within 10 days. This is required by ORS 106.220. Once the clerk records it, the marriage becomes part of the permanent Gresham marriage license record at the county.
Searching Gresham Marriage License Records
To find an existing Gresham marriage license, contact the Multnomah County Clerk. Marriage records are public in Oregon. Anyone can request a copy. You can search by the names of either spouse.
Under ORS 106.150, the county clerk must record and index every marriage license. This means all Gresham marriage licenses are part of the permanent Multnomah County record. The clerk can provide plain or certified copies.
For historical Gresham marriage license records, you may also check the Oregon State Archives. The Oregon Vital Records office holds marriage certificates at the state level. The ACLU of Oregon also has a guide on obtaining marriage license records in any Oregon county.
Marriage License Rules for Gresham
The same Oregon marriage laws apply to Gresham residents. Both people must be 17 or older. A 17-year-old needs parental consent. Neither person can be already married. Oregon allows all couples to marry regardless of gender.
There is no residency requirement. You do not need to live in Gresham, Multnomah County, or even Oregon to get a marriage license here. Out-of-state couples are welcome to apply at the county office. The full text of Oregon's marriage law is in ORS Chapter 106.
Multnomah County Marriage License Records
Gresham is in Multnomah County. All marriage license records for Gresham are filed with the Multnomah County Clerk in Portland. The county handles licenses for Gresham, Portland, Troutdale, Fairview, and all other cities in the county. For more details on fees, records, and services, visit the Multnomah County marriage license page.