Benton County Marriage License

Benton County issues marriage licenses through the County Clerk office in Corvallis, Oregon. Home to Oregon State University, Benton County serves a large and diverse population. The clerk office processes new marriage license applications and maintains filed records. Couples can visit the office at 4500 SW Research Way to apply in person. An appointment is needed before you go. Whether you plan to get married in Benton County or just need to look up an old marriage record, the clerk staff can help. Call 541-766-6831 or email marriage@bentoncountyar.gov to get started.

Benton County Marriage License Office

The Benton County Clerk office is where all marriage licenses are issued. It sits on the second floor at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis. Hours are 8am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. You need to book a time slot before your visit. Walk-ins are not taken for marriage license work in Benton County.

Both people must come to the Benton County office at the same time. Bring valid photo ID and know your Social Security number. The fee for a Benton County marriage license is $52. You can pay by check, cash, money order, or PIN debit and credit card. A free fee waiver is on hand for those who qualify. The Benton County Clerk will check your documents and go over the license with you.

The Benton County Clerk website has a page just for marriage license services. You can view it at the Benton County marriage license page. It lists what to bring, how to pay, and how to reach the office.

The screenshot above is from the Benton County records site. It shows the marriage license section with key details for couples.

Note: Benton County offers a free fee waiver, so ask the clerk if you think you may be eligible.

Applying for a Marriage License in Benton County

Start by calling or emailing the Benton County Clerk to set up your appointment. The email for marriage questions is marriage@bentoncountyar.gov. When you book your time, the staff will tell you what to bring. Make sure both parties are free on the same day. The visit takes about 30 minutes at the Benton County office.

At your appointment, the Benton County Clerk asks for your IDs and reviews the application with both people present. You will answer a few questions and sign the marriage license form. Oregon law under ORS 106.041 requires the clerk to verify that both applicants meet all legal standards. Once signed and paid for, your Benton County marriage license enters a three-day waiting period.

After three days, you may hold your ceremony. The license is good for 60 days from when it was issued in Benton County. If it expires, you would have to apply and pay again. Plan your date with this window in mind.

Benton County Records Division

The records division of the Benton County Clerk handles more than just new licenses. They also keep past marriage records on file. You can search for old marriage documents from Benton County at this office. The staff can look up records by name or date. Visit the Benton County records page for an overview of what they offer.

This image shows the Benton County records division page. From here, you can find links to marriage licenses, property records, and other public filings in Benton County.

Certified copies of a Benton County marriage record cost a small fee. You can request them at the office in Corvallis. The staff will search for your record and provide a certified copy while you wait. For older records not held locally, the state office may be able to help.

Oregon Marriage Certificate Laws

State law shapes how every county handles marriage licenses. Benton County follows ORS Chapter 106 for all marriage license matters. This chapter covers who can marry, what the clerk must check, and how the license must be filed after the ceremony. The rules are the same across Oregon.

Under ORS 106.077, there is a three-day waiting period after a marriage license is issued. This applies in Benton County and all other Oregon counties. A judge can waive this wait if there is good cause. Under ORS 106.150, a marriage license obtained in Benton County can be used for a ceremony in any Oregon county. You are not locked into one location.

Benton County Official Resources

The main Benton County website has links to all county departments. You can reach it at bentoncountyor.gov. From there, navigate to the clerk or records section for marriage license information specific to Benton County.

The Benton County homepage links to all departments and services. Use it to find phone numbers, office hours, and directions to the clerk office in Corvallis.

Marriage License Details for Benton County

A few points matter when you plan to get a marriage license in Benton County. First, no blood test is needed. Oregon dropped that rule long ago. Second, there is no residency rule. You do not have to live in Benton County or even in Oregon to get a license here. Third, you must be at least 18 years old. Under ORS 106.010, both parties must be of legal age to enter into marriage.

Here is a brief list of common questions the Benton County Clerk hears:

• Can we get a license if we live out of state? Yes.
• Do we both need to be present? Yes, at the same time.
• What ID works? A driver license, passport, or state ID card.
• Can we use the license in another county? Yes, anywhere in Oregon.

After your ceremony, the officiant must file the signed marriage license with the Benton County Clerk within 10 days. This step is required by ORS 106.120. Once filed, the marriage record becomes part of the public record in Benton County.

Note: The Benton County Clerk can provide a list of officiants if you need help finding someone to perform your ceremony.

Oregon Vital Records and Benton County

The Oregon Health Authority maintains a central file of all marriage records in the state. This includes records from Benton County. If you need a certified marriage certificate and cannot visit the Benton County Clerk, the state office is another option. Visit the Oregon Vital Records page to learn how to request copies by mail or online.

You can also use VitalChek to order marriage certificates from Oregon. This online service works for Benton County records and charges an extra processing fee on top of the state cost. It is a good choice if you cannot visit an office in person. The ACLU Oregon guide also has tips on getting a marriage license in any county.