Who Can Officiate A Wedding In Oregon?

Oregon is a popular place to tie the knot, with its mountains, forests, and farmlands providing a stunning natural backdrop for a wedding. But what if you want a family member to officiate your wedding in Oregon? Well, you're in luck! Oregon law allows for this, with a few requirements. First, your family member must be at least 18 years old and ordained by an accredited religious organization. They don't need to be a resident of Oregon, and there's no need for them to register with the state before performing the ceremony. However, it's recommended that they keep a copy of their ordination credentials on hand. So, if you're planning a wedding in Oregon and want a family member to officiate, make sure they meet these requirements, and you're good to go!

Who can officiate a wedding in Oregon?

Oregon has a wide range of options for who can officiate a wedding. The state has no laws requiring officiant registration or an office dedicated to officiant registration. However, according to Oregon Revised Statutes § 106.120, only specific people can solemnize a marriage.

The following people are authorized to solemnize marriages in Oregon:

• A judicial officer
• A county clerk
• A member of the clergy or a religious congregation
• A secular celebrant or officiant of a secular organization

Requirements for Officiants in Oregon

While Oregon does not require officiants to register with the state, there are some requirements they must meet. Officiants must be over the age of 18 and ordained by an accredited religious or secular organization. They should also be able to provide proof of their ordination if requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue. Additionally, they must fill out and return the marriage license to the county clerk within the specified timeframe.

Customizing the Wedding Ceremony

Oregon allows officiants and couples to customize the wedding ceremony according to their preferences. However, there are a few requirements that must be met for the marriage to be legally valid. These include:

• Each partner must consent to the marriage and take the other as their spouse.
• The officiant must pronounce that both partners have consented.
• The officiant, both partners, and two competent adult witnesses must be physically present for the entire ceremony.

What are the requirements to officiate a wedding in Oregon?

Oregon law allows for a lot of flexibility when it comes to officiating weddings. There are no requirements for officiants to register with any government office before performing a marriage. However, the officiant must be ordained by a religious or secular organization and be at at least 18 years old.

No Government Registration Needed

Oregon law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office prior to performing a wedding. This means that officiants do not need to provide proof of their ordination to any government authority.

Ordination by Religious or Secular Organization

While government registration is not required, officiants must be ordained by a recognized religious or secular organization. This ordination gives them the legal authority to perform weddings. Examples of such organizations include American Marriage Ministries and Universal Life Church Ministries.

Minimum Age of 18 Years

To be able to officiate a wedding in Oregon, an individual must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit or other age-related restrictions.

No Restrictions on Religious Beliefs, Race, Gender, or Orientation

Oregon places no restrictions on the officiant's religious beliefs, race, gender, or orientation. This means that anyone who meets the other requirements can officiate a wedding, regardless of their background or identity.

Keep Records of Ministry Credentials

While not mandatory, it is recommended that officiants keep personal records of their official ministry credentials. Proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue. This proof can be in the form of an Ordination Certificate and a Letter of Good Standing, which can be obtained from the ordaining organization.

Complete and Return Marriage License

After the wedding ceremony, the officiant is responsible for completing the marriage license and returning it to the county clerk who issued the license. The officiant should fill in their title (such as "minister"), their name, personal address, phone number, and the name of the authorizing religious or secular organization. The completed license must be returned within five days of the ceremony.

In summary, Oregon has relatively simple requirements for individuals looking to officiate weddings. As long as an officiant is ordained by a recognized organization, over the age of 18, and completes the necessary paperwork, they can legally perform wedding ceremonies anywhere in the state.

What are the duties of the officiant?

In Oregon, a family member can officiate a wedding as long as they are ordained by a religious organization, such as American Marriage Ministries.

The officiant is an essential person at a wedding as they make the marriage official. Here are some of the duties an officiant should carry out:

Before the Wedding Day

• Ensure the couple has filed for a marriage license with the state or county before the wedding. Remind them not to get the license too far in advance so that the certificate doesn't expire by the wedding day.
• Meet with the couple to discuss their vision for the ceremony, including the tone, traditions, readings, and whether they want the ceremony to be funny or heartfelt.
• Lead the wedding party at the ceremony rehearsal, which usually takes place the day before the wedding. Brief the wedding party on when to walk down the aisle, where everyone should stand, and at what point they will be called up for their part.
• Help the couple with writing their wedding vows if needed.

During the Wedding Ceremony

• Conduct the ceremony and guide the flow, indicating what is to be said and who does what.
• Declare the couple's intent by asking the words, "Do you take...??".
• Pronounce the couple as married.
• Ensure that the couple expresses their consent to the marriage and takes each other as spouses.
• Make sure that the couple, officiant, and at least two competent adult witnesses are physically present for the entire ceremony.

After the Wedding Ceremony

• Sign the marriage license.
• Return the completed marriage license to the city or county clerk promptly after the ceremony to avoid the risk of the license expiring.
• The officiant may also take part in a pictorial with the newlyweds.

The officiant acts as a third party administering a contract between two people. They ensure that both parties are entering into the marital contract of their own free will and sound mind. The officiant also has a legal role in completing the marriage license with the couple and any required witnesses.

How do you get ordained in Oregon?

Oregon does not require ministers to register with the state before performing wedding ceremonies. The only requirements to be a wedding officiant in Oregon are that you must be at least 18 years old and ordained by an accredited religious organization.

How to Get Ordained in Oregon

Getting ordained in Oregon is a simple process. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Choose a Religious Organization: You need to be ordained by a religious organization to be a wedding officiant in Oregon. One popular option is the Universal Life Church (ULC), which is considered a religious actor under Oregon law.
• Get Ordained: The ordination process varies depending on the organization you choose. For example, ULC offers a free online ordination process that can be completed in a matter of minutes.
• Order Credentials: Although not required, it is recommended to order official ministry credentials, such as an ordination certificate and letter of good standing. These documents can serve as proof of your ordination if requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.
• Familiarize Yourself with County Requirements: Each county in Oregon may have its own specific requirements for wedding officiants. Contact the county clerk's office in the county where the wedding will take place to inquire about any additional documents or requirements.
• Obtain a Marriage License: The couple must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. As the officiant, it is your responsibility to understand the laws governing marriage licenses in Oregon and the specific county. There is a mandatory 3-day waiting period after the issuance of the license before the wedding can take place.
• Perform the Wedding: During the ceremony, ensure that all legal requirements are met, including the couple's consent and the presence of two competent adult witnesses.
• Return the Marriage License: After the ceremony, complete and return the signed marriage license to the county clerk's office within the specified timeframe, usually within 5 to 10 days.

What are the steps to get a marriage license in Oregon?

To obtain a marriage license in Oregon, couples must follow several steps to ensure their marriage is legally recognised. Here is a detailed guide on the process:

• Age and Consent Requirements: To marry in Oregon, individuals must be at least 18 years old. If a person is 17 years old, they can marry with the sworn consent of a parent or legal guardian, who must be at least 18 years old themselves. This consent must be provided in a written and signed statement.
• Kinship Restrictions: Oregon law prohibits marriages between close relatives. Marriages between parents and children, siblings, aunts and uncles, grandparents, nieces and nephews, and first cousins are not allowed. An exception is made for first cousins who are related only through adoption and have no biological relationship.
• Previous Marriages: If either member of the couple has a living spouse, they cannot legally marry in Oregon.
• Apply for the Marriage License: Both partners must appear together, in person, at the office of the County Clerk in any Oregon county. They must bring a completed and signed marriage application, which can be found on the county website. This application includes personal information such as social security numbers, ages, places of birth, sexes, occupations, residences, and previous marital statuses. Each partner must also designate the name they intend to use after the marriage, as Oregon has specific requirements for name changes.
• Provide Identification: Both individuals must bring valid photo identification, such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The name on the application should match the identification provided.
• Pay the Marriage License Fee: The typical cost of a marriage license in Oregon is $60, although fees may vary slightly between counties. A portion of this fee, $25, is contributed to Oregon's Domestic Violence Fund, reflecting the state's commitment to fighting domestic violence.
• Waiting Period and Validity: There is a mandatory three-day waiting period after receiving the marriage license before the couple may legally wed. This waiting period can be waived by a judge if there is sufficient cause. The license is valid for 60 days from the effective issue date, and the ceremony must take place within this timeframe.
• Finalise the Marriage: After the ceremony, the officiant must complete the final section of the marriage license, sometimes called the marriage certificate. They should include their full name, the title "minister", and the name of the church or religious organisation. The officiant and the newlyweds must then sign the marriage license.
• Return the Completed License: The officiant is responsible for returning the original, completed license to the clerk's office in the county where it was issued within a specified timeframe, typically within five to ten days of the ceremony.

By following these steps, couples can ensure their marriage license is obtained and finalised in accordance with Oregon law, making their union legally recognised.

Frequently asked questions