Marriage License in Salem Oregon
Salem marriage license records are issued and held by the Marion County Clerk. Salem is the capital of Oregon and the county seat of Marion County. The city of Salem does not issue marriage licenses. To obtain a marriage license in Salem, couples must visit the Marion County Clerk office. The office is near the Oregon State Capitol building in downtown Salem. Searching for a Salem marriage license starts with the county clerk recording division, which maintains all marriage records for the area.
Salem Marriage License Facts
Where to Get a Salem Marriage License
Salem residents get their marriage license from the Marion County Clerk. Oregon law under ORS 106.041 assigns marriage license duties to county clerks. No city in Oregon issues marriage licenses. Salem couples must visit the county office in person.
| Office | Marion County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 555 Court Street NE Salem, OR 97309 |
| Alternate | 100 High St NE, Room 1331 Salem, OR 97301 |
| Phone | (503) 588-5225 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | Marion County Marriage Licenses |
Walk-ins are accepted during office hours. Both people must come in together. Bring valid photo ID such as a driver license or passport. The office is in downtown Salem near the capitol mall. Parking is available on nearby streets and in public lots.
Salem Marriage License and the State Capital
Salem is Oregon's capital city. This leads some people to think that state-level marriage records are easier to get here. In reality, the process is the same as any other Oregon city. The Salem marriage license comes from Marion County, not from any state office.
The Marion County Clerk office is shown below. This is where Salem couples apply for their marriage license.
The Marion County website has full details on all county services, including the marriage license office that serves Salem.
Oregon Vital Records is also based in Salem. That office handles state-level marriage certificates. But for the actual marriage license, Salem residents still go to the Marion County Clerk. The Oregon Vital Records office is a separate resource for certified copies of marriage certificates.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Salem
Applying for a Salem marriage license is a quick process. Both applicants go to the Marion County Clerk office together. You complete the application on site. The clerk verifies your ID and information. The marriage license is issued the same day.
You will need these items for your Salem marriage license:
- Valid photo ID for each applicant
- Social Security numbers for both people
- Dates and places of birth
- Parent names for each applicant
- Date and place of any prior dissolution if applicable
There is no waiting period in Oregon. Once the clerk issues your Salem marriage license, you can marry that same day. The license stays valid for 60 days per ORS 106.077. If you do not use it within 60 days, it expires. You would need to apply again and pay the fee again.
Oregon does not require a blood test. Salem couples just need ID, the fee, and both people present. The Marion County office typically completes the process in about 20 minutes.
Salem Marriage License Fees
The fee for a Salem marriage license is $60. Marion County accepts cash and checks. Call (503) 588-5225 to ask about other payment methods before your visit.
Marion County offers a free fee waiver for qualifying applicants. This is one of the most generous waiver programs in Oregon. If you meet the income requirements, your Salem marriage license fee is waived completely. Ask the clerk about the waiver when you visit or call ahead for details.
Certified copies of a Salem marriage license have their own fees. You may need certified copies for name changes, insurance matters, or other legal needs. The Marion County recording office can provide copies of any marriage license on file. Call the office to confirm current copy fees.
Salem Marriage License Records
The Marion County marriage license page provides full instructions for Salem residents. It covers applications, fees, and how to get copies of existing marriage license records.
Under ORS 106.150, the county clerk must record every marriage license. All Salem marriage license records are indexed and stored as permanent county records. These records are public. Anyone can request a copy from the Marion County Clerk.
Older Salem marriage license records may also be at the Oregon State Archives. For historical research, the state archives can be a helpful resource. The archives hold records from counties across Oregon, including Marion County records related to Salem marriages.
Marriage Ceremonies in Salem
After you receive your Salem marriage license, you need an authorized person to perform the ceremony. Oregon law under ORS 106.120 lists who can officiate. This includes judges, county clerks, and ordained religious leaders.
Salem has many options for wedding venues. The Oregon State Capitol grounds, city parks, and local event spaces are popular choices. The ceremony can take place anywhere in Oregon. Location does not matter as long as the officiant is authorized under Oregon law.
After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the Salem marriage license and return it to the Marion County Clerk within 10 days. This step is required by ORS 106.220. The clerk then records the license, which creates the permanent marriage record for Salem.
Marriage License Rules in Salem
Oregon law sets the same marriage rules for all cities. Salem couples follow these statewide rules. Both persons must be at least 17 years old. A 17-year-old needs consent from a parent or guardian. Neither person can be currently married to another person.
There is no residency requirement to get a marriage license in Salem. Couples from other states or countries can apply at the Marion County Clerk. Oregon welcomes all couples. The ACLU of Oregon provides a guide on marriage license rights in the state. The full marriage statute is in ORS Chapter 106.
Marion County Marriage License Records
Salem is the county seat of Marion County. All marriage license filings for Salem go through the Marion County Clerk. The county office serves Salem, Keizer, Woodburn, and all other cities in the county. For more on the county office, fees, and marriage license records, visit the full Marion County page.