Posted: July 13, 2022
Summertime – sunshine, beaches, picnics – and marriage.
A growing number of matrimony-minded couples are tying the knot on the North Coast – according to the Clatsop County Clerk’s Office, whose many duties include issuing marriage licenses.
County Clerk Tracie Krevanko said her office is processing more and more marriage licenses – about two dozen each week, or roughly triple the usual number, from couples from all over the United States who’ve decided the county’s many scenic attractions provide a suitable backdrop for their exchanges of vows.
“When you add up the local people wanting to get married with out-of-state couples, we are having a lot of people wanting to get a license. If your wedding date is getting close, there are a few things we want engaged couples to know,” Krevanko said.
“A marriage license must be obtained at least three business days before the wedding and with this wedding rush, we strongly encourage people to go online to make their appointment,” she said.
If wedding bells are in your future, be aware that while the Clerk’s Office currently is not performing wedding ceremonies, it does offer a list of officiants on its webpage.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE:
- Valid identification is required for each applicant
- Both parties must be 18 years old (or 17 years old with parental or legal guardian’s consent)
- Medical examinations and blood tests are not required
- Oregon State does not allow a marriage of first cousins or nearer kin
- A license can be issued on the day after the final date of divorce
WAITING PERIOD
- There is a 3-day waiting period before the license may be used
- Once the waiting period has passed, the license is valid for 60 days
- The waiting period may be waived, Contact the Clerk's office for more information
COST of LICENSE
- The non-refundable fee to activate a marriage license is $60.00
- The license is not valid until the activation fee has been paid
- Check/money orders should be made payable to Clatsop County Clerk. Cash, credit, and debit cards are also accepted
LEGAL NAMES
Marriage parties will need to identify on the application the legal names they will take after the ceremony