In Multnomah County, you’ll get this pretty, but unofficial, certificate when your marriage license is issued. If you want official proof of your marriage, you must request and pay for certified copies of the completed marriage license.

Did you know that you must normally wait three days from the date your marriage license is issued in Oregon to get married? Or that Multnomah County will waive the three-day waiting period for an extra $5.00? You must intend to have a ceremony within the three days before they can issue the waiver. It’s better to get the marriage license at least a week — or even a month — before the scheduled wedding date. The license is valid for 60 days following its date of issue so earlier is better than later.

The last thing you want to do is wait until 1-2 days before the wedding to get it and find out at that moment that you can’t get legally married on your wedding day!

Multnomah County will waive the three-day waiting period for an extra $5.00 but then you must get married within three days of the license issue date. In Clackamas County, upon request, and at the time the license is issued, the three day waiting period can be waived. The waiver fee is an additional $15.00 payable in cash, certified check or money order.

Washington law requires a three (3) day waiting period beginning the day you complete your application and make payment. The three day waiting period cannot be waived. You may not get married during this time.

The license is valid for 60 days following the three-day waiting period.

Another very important thing to remember is that the license must be issued by and in the state in which the ceremony will be performed, regardless of your state of residence! Check with your County Registrar, County Recorder or other Vital Records department for the requirements in your chosen venue state.

You can use this chart to see when you can get married depending on the day that your marriage license is issued:

Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may be planning to get married. You don’t want them to be disappointed.  And I’d love to have your comments on the usefulness of this post. Thanks for reading!

Happy Wedding Planning
Jon Turino
(503) 877-4609

Are you looking for a Wedding Officiant or Wedding Minister in Portland Oregon? I also perform wedding ceremonies in Vancouver!

Tell me more about your wedding ceremony plans, what you need, what you want, what you desire. It’s YOUR SPECIAL DAY and I can help you customize the perfect wedding ceremony – one you, your family, and friends will remember forever!

“Jon was amazing to work, he knows exactly what to do and just guides you though it all, we hired him in a very short notice situation and he was great!! Thank you, Jon, for an amazing ceremony!! The family and I loved it!” – Trina, WeddingWire Review

“We had a great experience hiring Jon! I initially chose him because he seemed unbiased that our wedding was an elopement. He was very helpful and caring in making sure the verbiage was just right. He responded quickly with all emails, came early, and was very professional. During the ceremony, he spoke loud and clear. He was very genuine in wishing us all the best. I would highly recommend Jon to officiate your special day!” – Lauren, Wedding Wire Review

Call me at (503) 877-4609 or drop me a line using THIS ONLINE FORM.