Portland Oregon Marriage License
Portland marriage license records are held by the Multnomah County Clerk. The city of Portland does not issue marriage licenses. All couples in Portland must apply through the county clerk office. Searching for a Portland marriage license starts at the Multnomah County recording division. The office is in southeast Portland and serves all residents in the county. You can apply in person or start your marriage license online. Portland has the largest population in Oregon, so the county office handles a high volume of marriage license requests each year.
Portland Marriage License Facts
Where to Get a Portland Marriage License
Portland residents get their marriage license from the Multnomah County Clerk. The city of Portland does not handle marriage licenses at all. The Portland City Archives refers all marriage record requests to the county. This is true for every city in Oregon. Only county clerks can issue a marriage license under ORS 106.041.
| 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 |
Walk-ins are welcome at the Portland office. No appointment is needed. Both people must appear in person to get their marriage license. Bring valid photo ID such as a passport or state-issued card. The office is near the Hawthorne District in southeast Portland with street parking and bus lines nearby.
Portland Marriage License and County Role
A common question is why you cannot get a marriage license at Portland City Hall. Oregon law places marriage license duties with county clerks, not city offices. The City of Portland handles other public records like permits and code violations. But for marriage licenses, you must go to the Multnomah County Clerk.
The Portland marriage license screenshot below shows the city website. It confirms that the city does not keep marriage records.
Visit the City of Portland website for other public record types that the city does maintain.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Portland
Applying for a Portland marriage license is a simple process. You can start online or walk in to the county clerk office. The online option saves time at the counter. The county launched its online portal at multcomarriage.org to help Portland couples begin their application from home.
Here is what you need to get a Portland marriage license:
- Both applicants present in person at the clerk office
- Valid photo ID for each person
- Social Security numbers for both applicants
- Date and place of birth for each person
- If previously married, date and county of last dissolution
Oregon has no waiting period for a marriage license. Once the clerk issues your Portland marriage license, you can marry right away. The license is valid for 60 days under ORS 106.077. You must hold your ceremony within that window. After 60 days, the license expires and you must apply again.
There is also no blood test needed in Oregon. The state dropped that rule years ago. Portland couples just need their ID, the fee, and both people at the counter. The whole process at the clerk office in Portland takes about 20 minutes on a typical day.
Portland Marriage License Fees
The fee for a Portland marriage license is $60. This is the standard rate set by Multnomah County. A fee waiver is available for $5 if you qualify based on income. The county clerk can explain the waiver process when you visit the office in Portland.
Certified copies of a Portland marriage license cost $7.75 for the first copy. Each extra copy is $4. You may need certified copies for name changes, insurance updates, or legal matters. The county records office at multcorecords.com handles copy requests for Portland marriage license records.
The clerk office accepts cash, checks, and cards. Fees can change, so call (503) 988-3326 to confirm current rates before your visit.
Portland Marriage License Archives
The Portland City Archives does not hold marriage records. The archives page below explains where to look for Portland marriage license records instead.
This Portland City Archives page directs researchers to the Multnomah County Clerk for marriage license records. Historical marriage records for Portland are also held by the Oregon State Archives. The Oregon Health Authority maintains vital records including marriage certificates. Visit Oregon Vital Records for state-level requests.
Under ORS 106.150, county clerks must record and index all marriage licenses. This means every Portland marriage license is part of the permanent county record. These records go back many decades. Older Portland marriage records may be on microfilm at the county or state archives.
Multnomah County Marriage License Office
The Multnomah County Clerk office that serves Portland is shown below. This is the only place to get a marriage license if you live in Portland.
The Multnomah County marriage license page has full details on requirements, fees, and hours. Portland residents should check this page before visiting.
Oregon law under ORS 106.120 sets rules for who can perform a marriage ceremony. After you get your Portland marriage license, any ordained minister, judge, or county clerk can officiate. The signed license must be returned to the clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. The clerk then records it as a permanent Portland marriage license record.
Marriage License Rules in Portland
Oregon sets clear rules for who can get a marriage license. These rules apply to all Portland couples. Both persons must be at least 17 years old. Those aged 17 need a parent or guardian consent under ORS 106.041. Neither person can be currently married to someone else.
Oregon allows all couples to marry. The ACLU of Oregon provides a helpful guide on obtaining a marriage license in any Oregon county, including Multnomah County for Portland residents. Same-sex couples have the same rights and process as all other couples when applying for a Portland marriage license.
Oregon law under ORS Chapter 106 covers all aspects of marriage licensing. This includes who may marry, the license process, fees, and recording duties. Portland couples should review this chapter if they have questions about specific rules.
Multnomah County Marriage License Records
Portland is in Multnomah County. All marriage license filings go through the Multnomah County Clerk. The county office handles licenses for Portland, Gresham, and every other city in the county. For more details on the county office, fee lists, and related records, visit the full Multnomah County marriage license page.