How To Get Your Uncle To Wed You In Oregon

If you're planning to get married in Oregon, you might be wondering if your uncle can officiate the ceremony. The good news is that Oregon allows family or friends who have become ordained online to officiate weddings, as long as they are ordained through a religious institution that is actively conducting business and has a valid physical address. However, it's important to note that your uncle must be at least 18 years old and cannot be the one to self-solemnize the wedding. So, if you're looking to have a friend or family member officiate, make sure they meet the requirements and are ordained through the proper channels.

Can my uncle legally marry us in Oregon?

Oregon has a few requirements for those looking to get married in the state. To start, you must obtain a marriage license, which can be done at any county clerk's office. The license costs between $50 and $68 and is valid for 60 days. Both parties must be present and provide valid photo ID.

Once you have your marriage license, you have 60 days to get married. Oregon requires that a qualified person officiate your marriage ceremony. Under Oregon law, the individuals qualified to officiate a ceremony include: religious leaders authorized by a congregation or organization; Oregon judges; active federal or military judges; county clerks; and judicial officers. Oregon also allows family or friends who became ordained online to officiate weddings, as long as the person is ordained through a religious institution that is actively conducting business and has a valid physical address. So, if your uncle has been ordained by an accredited religious organization, he can legally marry you and your partner in Oregon.

In addition to an officiant, you must have two witnesses present at your marriage ceremony. These witnesses must be at least 18 years old and will need to sign the marriage license.

What are the requirements for a valid marriage in Oregon?

Age

To get married in Oregon, you must be at least 17 years old. If you are under 18, you will need written consent from a parent or guardian.

Residency

You do not need to be a resident of Oregon to get married in Oregon.

Blood tests

No blood tests are required.

Witnesses

You will need two witnesses present at your ceremony.

Officiants

Your marriage can be performed by an Oregon judicial officer, a county clerk, or any ordained minister/officiant. If you would like a friend or close family member to officiate your wedding, they must be at least 18 years old and can get ordained through your county or an online ordination website.

Waiting period

There is a three-day waiting period between the day your license is issued and the day you can use it to get married. This waiting period may be waived by a county clerk for "good cause", and some counties charge a small fee for this waiver.

Validity

Your Oregon marriage license will be valid for 60 days. After 60 days, you will need to apply for a new one.

Identification

Both parties must have valid photo ID in the same name that is entered on the marriage license application.

Application

You can fill out your marriage license application online or in person. If you fill it out online, you will still need to go to the county clerk's office in person to show identification. Both parties must be present to receive a marriage license.

Fees

The fee for a marriage license in Oregon is typically $50 to $60, but this may vary by county. There may be additional fees for your wedding/license.

What is the process for obtaining a marriage license in Oregon?

Obtaining a marriage license in Oregon involves several steps and requirements that must be met. Here is a detailed guide on the process:

• Research the County Clerk's Office: The first step is to identify the specific county clerk's office that you will be applying through, as the process and requirements may vary between counties. You can find a list of all Oregon County Clerk Offices online.
• Fill Out the Marriage Application: You can choose to fill out the marriage license application form online or in person at the county clerk's office. If you opt for the online application, both parties will still need to visit the office in person to show identification and sign the license. Some counties, like Clackamas County, require you to schedule an appointment for this step.
• Provide Valid Photo Identification: Both parties must bring a copy of their valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Ensure that the name on the ID matches the name entered on the marriage license application.
• Pay the Application Fee: The cost of a marriage license in Oregon typically ranges from $50 to $60, but the amount and accepted payment methods may vary by county. For example, in Deschutes County, the fee is $55, while in Clackamas County, it is $60. Some counties may also charge additional fees for certain requests, such as waiving the waiting period.
• Be Aware of the Waiting Period: Oregon has a three-day waiting period after the license is issued before the wedding ceremony can take place. This waiting period may be waived by the county clerk for "good cause," and some counties charge a small fee for this waiver, ranging from $5 to $20.
• Adhere to the Age Requirements: In Oregon, individuals must be at least 17 years old to get married. If either party is under 18, they must have written consent from a parent or guardian. This requirement is consistent across all counties.
• Submit the License After the Wedding: Once the ceremony is over, the officiant has a responsibility to fill in the required information on the license, sign it, and return it to the issuing county office within a specified timeframe, which may vary by county. For example, in Multnomah County, the license must be returned within 5 days, while in Washington County, the deadline is 5 working days.
• Request a Certified Copy: After the marriage is official, you can request a certified copy of your marriage license by writing an informal letter or visiting the county clerk's office in person. The certified copy serves as proof of your marriage and may be required for various legal purposes. The cost of certified copies varies by county.

It is important to note that the marriage license is only valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If the wedding ceremony does not take place within this timeframe, you will need to reapply and pay the associated fees again. Additionally, Oregon does not require you to be a resident of the state to obtain a marriage license.

Who can officiate a wedding in Oregon?

According to Oregon law, the following individuals are qualified to officiate a wedding ceremony:

• Religious leaders authorized by a congregation or organization
• Oregon judges
• Active federal or military judges
• County clerks
• Judicial officers
• A friend or family member who has received ordination through the county or an online ordination website

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

To marry in Oregon, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 17 years old and have parental consent to marry or at least 18 years old without parental consent
• The marriage ceremony must take place in Oregon
• You must get married within 60 days of receiving your marriage license
• You cannot be currently married
• You cannot be first cousins or nearer kin to your fiancée

To obtain a marriage license in Oregon, you must:

• Pick a date to get married that is between 3 and 60 days from when you apply for your marriage license
• Acquire a marriage application from any of Oregon's 36 counties, either online or in person
• Fill out the marriage application, providing personal identifying information, previous marital status, and parents' names and places of birth
• Arrive in person with your partner to complete the marriage license paperwork and pay the application fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $60
• Choose an officiant and arrange for two witnesses to be present at your ceremony

What happens after the wedding ceremony?

So, you've said your vows, exchanged rings, and sealed it all with a kiss—but what comes next? Well, in Oregon, there are a few key steps to finalise your marriage after the ceremony.

Firstly, it's important to note that the person who performs the wedding (your officiant) must have authorisation from the state of Oregon to legally marry couples. This could be a religious leader, an Oregon judge, or a county clerk, for example. If you're hoping your uncle can officiate, he'll need to be ordained.

After the ceremony, the officiant has a few responsibilities to ensure the marriage is legally binding. They must complete and sign the marriage license, along with the couple, and return it to the county clerk who issued the license. This needs to be done promptly, as there is a time limit. In Multnomah County, for instance, the completed license must be returned within 5 days of the ceremony.

The marriage license will include important details such as the names each spouse will use after the wedding, and a statement declaring that neither spouse becomes the property of the other. This is to foster a marital union free from violence and abuse.

Once the marriage license is returned to the county clerk, they will issue a marriage certificate, which serves as proof of the legal name change.

So, while the happy couple can relax and celebrate their nuptials, there are a few administrative tasks that need to be completed by the officiant and the county clerk to ensure the marriage is legally recognised.

Frequently asked questions