Frequently Asked Questions:
How and where do I get my marriage license?
Oregon:
The County Clerk’s Office issues marriage licenses. (You can obtain the license from any County Clerk’s Office in Oregon.) A license may be used anywhere within the State of Oregon.
To obtain a license, the couple must complete and sign an application. You must be 18 years of age or older to obtain a license without the consent of a parent or guardian. Persons 17 years of age may obtain a marriage license by either presenting a notarized consent form or by bringing their parent with them when they apply. No one under 17 years of age is allowed to be married in Oregon – there are no exceptions.
There is a three-day waiting period before the license becomes valid and the couple can get married. The waiting period can be waived. The forms requesting such a waiver are available in the Clerk’s Office. Once the license becomes effective you have 60 days to have the ceremony performed anywhere in Oregon. No blood tests or physicals are required. The fee for the license is usually around $60.00 (it can vary by county), usually payable either by cash or check.
Some counties require you to apply for the license in person. When applying in person, you must do it together. Many, if not most, counties have you complete an online form before you go in. A few counties will allow you to obtain the license via the mail.
Washington:
Both applicants must be at least 18 years of age or older and must have a current photo ID as proof of your age. Applicants who are 17 years of age must be accompanied by one parent or legal guardian who can provide consent. Applicants under the age of 17 must obtain permission from a Family Court.
Blood tests and physical exams are not required to obtain a marriage license. Applicants do not have to be residents of the State of Washington to obtain a marriage license. Proof of divorce from a previous spouse, or death of a spouse, is not required to obtain a marriage license.
The license is only valid for weddings that are performed within the state of Washington. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the final decree of divorce is filed before applying for a new marriage license.
Waiting Period – There is a three (3) day waiting period beginning the day you complete your application and make payment. Keep this in mind since the 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.
Most counties in Washington require the two of you to apply for the license in person. A small few will issue the license through the mail.
Tell me a little bit about Matrimony Northwest.
Matrimony Northwest was founded by a former judge and judicial primary winner (Hence our former name, The Wedding Judge). We have a combined 28 years experience in the wedding industry. In that time, we’ve officiated between 3,000 and 4,000 weddings – from small, intimate weddings with the bride, groom, and two witnesses to large, formal 500-guest weddings. We’ve also officiated all different kinds of ceremonies from purely civil to modern to Buddhist to romantic to very religious in different kinds of venues, the Oregon State Capitol building (we are one of only two officiants to officiate there in modern history), ballrooms, backstage at a production of the Nutcracker, churches, museums, hotels, restaurants, bars, formal gardens, beaches, parks, homes, backyards, farms, etc.
It’s really amazing to think that we get to be part of such an important day in the lives of two people. We’re very easy-going and flexible, which allows us to add a sense of calm to the day. We’re very proud to say that we’ve received a lot of compliments and praise from brides and grooms, as well as guests at the ceremonies at which we’ve officiated, and that we are the highest and most reviewed wedding officiant in both Oregon and Washington.
We’re probably most proud of the many, heartfelt compliments we receive from other wedding vendors because they have a point of reference from which to compare given the number of wedding ceremonies they’ve seen.
Do you have ceremonies and vows already prepared? What if we have a ceremony or vows of our own or want to change yours?
We have several sample ceremonies, vows, and readings. If you want to modify them, we’re more than happy to oblige. We can work on creating a ceremony that’s just right for you, or if you already have a ceremony in mind, we’ll gladly use it. We can also write something highlighting your unique relationship, if you’d like. Anthony, Emily, and Henry want you to have the wedding you want.
May we meet you before we decide to engage your services?
Of course!! Please visit our contact page using the button below.
Do you have ceremonies and vows already prepared? What if we have a ceremony or vows of our own or want to change yours?
We have several sample ceremonies, vows, and readings. If you want to modify them, we’re more than happy to oblige. We can work on creating a ceremony that’s just right for you, or if you already have a ceremony in mind, we’ll gladly use it. We can also write something highlighting your unique relationship, if you’d like. Anthony, Emily, and Henry want you to have the wedding you want.
Is there a deposit? is it refundable?
Because you’ve saved the date, we will turn other couples away in the meanest way possible. So, unfortunately the deposit is nonrefundable.
Can you help with our rehearsal? Is there an extra charge if you attend the rehearsal?
Rehearsals are all about walking and standing. They aren’t like a dress rehearsal, where you recreate the entire ceremony. We haven’t been to a rehearsal in several years because we provide a rehearsal guide that gives you a step by step of the wedding. It works really well and has even been adopted by a couple of venues. Venues, themselves, often run the rehearsals according to their preferred way of doing things, which usually means that we’ll just be in the way. The guide can save you a fair amount of money because for rehearsals, we charge for travel and hourly. It can be as much as a couple hundred dollars.
When should we pay the balance of the fee?
Please pay the balance, minus your $50 deposit, in cash on your wedding day. If you prefer to pay by any other means, please add $30 to the balance (only an additional $5 for Venmo payments). The easiest way to pay is to put the cash in an envelope with “The Wedding Judge” on it and put the envelope in the wedding license packet. It’s helpful to include your names and the wedding date in the return address area so we can properly thank you if you’re kind enough to leave a tip.
Do you stay for the reception?
Not usually. However, an invitation is always appreciated.
What if I have other questions?
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to help in any way that we can, and thanks again for making us part of your special day!
How do we get in contact with you?