Marriage licenses

Marriage license applications are accepted by appointment only. Schedule an appointment online or call our office at 503-397-3796.

• Complete the Online Marriage Application prior to scheduling an appointment.  
• Both parties must be present to purchase a marriage license. 
• The fee for an Oregon Marriage License is $50.00. 
• Bring valid photo ID.
• Oregon law requires a three-day waiting period after a license is purchased. A license is valid for 60 days after the issue date. 
• The license can only be used in the State of Oregon.
• Oregon law does not allow the marriage of first cousins or nearer of kin.
• Medical exams or blood tests are not required. 

• Anyone authorized by an active religious congregation or secular organization.
• A State of Oregon Judicial officer.
• An active Judge of federal court.
• An active United States Magistrate Judge.
• The Columbia County Clerk. At this time, the County Clerk is not performing marriage ceremonies.

Marriage Ceremony:

• A marriage ceremony may not be performed before the “License Effective" date, which is three days after the date on which the license was issued by the County Clerk’s office.
• A marriage ceremony may not be performed after the license expires, which is 60 days after the “License Effective” date.

After the Ceremony:

• Following the marriage ceremony, the completed license with a record of marriage must be returned to the Columbia County Clerk’s office at 230 Strand St., St. Helens, OR 97051 within five days.
• The officiant is responsible for returning the license with a record of marriage. 

Requesting certified copies of marriage licenses:

• Certified copies of marriage licenses are not sent automatically.
• If the marriage license was obtained from the Columbia County Clerk's office, you can request a certified copy from us.
• Fees are $8.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy when ordered at the same time.
• A certified copy cannot be obtained until after Columbia County receives the original marriage license back from the person performing your ceremony.
• You may request a certified copy in person or by mail.