Multnomah County Marriage License Records are official documents issued and maintained by the Department of County Management, Recording & Customer Service in Portland, Oregon. These records serve as legal proof of marriage and are essential for name changes, insurance claims, inheritance matters, genealogical research, and government verification. The county has maintained marriage records since 1855, making it one of the oldest continuous vital record systems in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re applying for a new license or requesting a certified copy of an existing record, this page provides everything you need to know about eligibility, fees, locations, online tools, privacy rules, and historical archives.
Who Can Apply for a Marriage License in Multnomah County?
To get a marriage license in Multnomah County, both applicants must meet specific legal requirements. You must be at least 17 years old. If either person is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign an affidavit of consent in person at the time of application. Both parties must appear together at the Recording & Customer Service office. You cannot be currently married to anyone else—proof of divorce or death of a previous spouse may be required. Valid government-issued photo identification is mandatory for both applicants, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. Social Security numbers for both individuals are also required. Same-sex marriages are fully recognized, and no blood tests or waiting periods apply after the license is issued.
Where to Apply and Office Hours
The main office for marriage license applications is located at 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 175, Portland, OR 97214. This is the only location where you can apply in person. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office is closed on federal holidays. Both applicants must be present during the application process. You can call 503-988-3326 and select option 4 to speak with a representative or begin the process by phone. Email inquiries can be sent to the protected email address listed on the official Multnomah County website. Walk-ins are accepted, but calling ahead helps avoid long wait times.
Fees and Payment Methods
The fee for a marriage license in Multnomah County is $71. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of application. Accepted payment methods include cash, personal check, or credit card. There are no additional charges for the license itself. However, if you need certified copies later, separate fees apply. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If the marriage does not take place within this period, a new license must be purchased. No refunds are given if the wedding is canceled or postponed.
Online Application Portal
Multnomah County offers an online portal at www.multcomarriage.org to help streamline the application process. This secure website guides users through each required field, including personal details, contact information, and Social Security numbers. You can upload supporting documents such as divorce decrees or death certificates if applicable. Payment is processed electronically using a credit card. Once completed, you still need to visit the office in person with both parties and valid ID to finalize the license. The online form saves time but does not replace the in-person requirement.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once your application is approved and the fee is paid, the marriage license is issued the same day. Both parties receive a physical copy to present to the officiant on the wedding day. The officiant must complete and sign the license after the ceremony and return it to the county within 10 days. Only after the county receives and records the returned license does the marriage become legally official. The officiant’s name and credentials are verified against a county-maintained index of authorized individuals, which has been searchable since 1980.
How to Request Certified Copies of Marriage Records
Certified copies of Multnomah County marriage records are available from the Marriage License Section. These copies are often needed for legal purposes such as name changes, Social Security updates, or passport applications. To request a copy, you must provide the full legal names of both spouses at the time of marriage, the exact date of the marriage, and a notarized signature on the request form. The processing fee is $10 per copy. Requests can be submitted by mail, fax, or in person at the Hawthorne Blvd office. Mailed requests typically take 7–10 business days to process.
Public Search Options and Fees
Multnomah County provides a public online portal where you can search for basic marriage record information. A basic search costs $5 and returns limited details such as names and date. For a certified certificate that can be used for legal purposes, the fee is $12. The portal allows you to enter names and dates to locate records quickly. However, not all records are available online due to privacy restrictions. For older or restricted records, you may need to submit a formal request by mail or visit the office in person.
Privacy Rules and Access Restrictions
Marriage records in Multnomah County are subject to strict privacy laws. Records less than 50 years old are not fully public. Only the spouses, immediate family members, or legal representatives with proper documentation can access recent records. After 50 years, records become publicly available through the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. This rule protects personal information and prevents misuse. If you are researching family history, records older than 1906 are generally accessible without restrictions.
Historical Marriage Records and Genealogy Research
Multnomah County has preserved marriage records dating back to 1855, making it a valuable resource for historians and genealogists. The GenealogyFreaks.org archive hosts scanned images of original handwritten registers from volumes 1 to 41. Volunteers have indexed over 29,600 marriages from 1855–1899, 34,486 from 1900–1915, and 3,774 from 1916–1920. Each entry includes the couple’s names, ages, occupations, marriage date, and officiant’s signature. You can view these images online for free or request a PDF copy for $8. This project is ongoing, with new entries added regularly.
Domestic Partnerships in Multnomah County
Multnomah County also recognizes domestic partnerships, which grant couples the same legal rights as married spouses under county law. The application process is similar to marriage licenses. Both parties must appear in person, provide valid ID, and pay a $50 fee. Domestic partnerships are available to couples of any gender. The same office at 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd handles these applications. Records are maintained separately but follow similar access and privacy rules as marriage records.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce records are managed by the Multnomah County Circuit Court, not the Recording Office. The Clerk’s Office at 1200 SW First Avenue, Portland, OR 97204, provides certified copies of divorce decrees. You’ll need the case number, names of both parties, and a valid photo ID. The fee is $15 per copy. Requests can be made in person or by mail. Processing takes about 10 business days. For dissolution records, contact the court at (971) 274-0570. Note that voicemail is not available, so calling during business hours is best.
Other Public Records Available
The Recording & Customer Service division maintains more than just marriage records. They also handle property deeds, mortgages, lien filings, and military discharge forms (DD214). Property records show ownership transfers, legal descriptions, and any recorded encumbrances. Lien records reveal judgments or tax claims against a property. Military discharge records are restricted and require a completed request form, proof of identity, and a $15 fee. All these records can be requested by calling 503-988-3326, option 4.
Passport Services and Notarization
In addition to marriage licenses, the Customer Service office offers passport application assistance. Staff can verify identification and citizenship documents and help complete federal forms. This service is available during regular office hours. The office also provides notarization for documents related to marriage, property, or legal matters. There is a small fee for notary services, payable by cash or check. Appointments are not required, but calling ahead can reduce wait times.
Contact Information and Office Locations
For marriage license questions, call 503-988-3326 and select option 4. Email inquiries should go to the protected address on the county website. The main office is at 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 175, Portland, OR 97214. For court records, including divorces, call (971) 274-0570. Records Management can be reached at 503-988-3741. All offices operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m., depending on the department. Mailing address for requests: 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 175, Portland, OR 97214.
Frequently Asked Questions About Multnomah County Marriage License Records
Many people have questions about how to access, apply for, or understand marriage records in Multnomah County. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on official county policies and state laws. These responses reflect current procedures as of 2024 and are designed to help you avoid delays or errors when requesting records or applying for a license.
Can I get a marriage license if I’m 17 years old?
Yes, you can apply for a marriage license in Multnomah County if you are at least 17 years old. However, if either applicant is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present to sign an affidavit of consent. This document confirms that the minor has permission to marry. Both the minor and the guardian must bring valid government-issued photo ID. The affidavit is signed in front of county staff at the time of application. Without this consent, the license cannot be issued. There are no exceptions to this rule, even if the minor is emancipated. The license is valid for 60 days, so plan your wedding date accordingly.
How long does it take to receive a certified copy of a marriage record?
Certified copies of marriage records typically take 7 to 10 business days to process if requested by mail. In-person requests may be fulfilled the same day, depending on workload. You must provide the full names of both spouses, the exact marriage date, and a notarized signature on the request form. The fee is $10 per copy. Expedited service is not currently offered. If you need the record urgently, visiting the office at 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd in Portland is the fastest option. Be sure to bring valid ID and payment in cash, check, or credit card.
Are marriage records public in Oregon?
Marriage records in Oregon are not fully public until 50 years after the marriage date. Before that time, access is restricted to the spouses, their immediate family members, or legal representatives with proper documentation. This rule protects personal privacy and prevents identity theft. After 50 years, records become available through the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. Researchers and genealogists can access older records without restrictions. For recent marriages, you may need to prove your relationship to the individuals named in the record.
Can I apply for a marriage license online without visiting the office?
You can start the marriage license application online at www.multcomarriage.org, but both parties must still visit the office in person to complete the process. The online portal helps you fill out required fields, upload documents, and pay the $71 fee. However, physical presence is mandatory to verify identities and sign official forms. There is no fully remote option. The office is located at 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 175, Portland, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where can I find historical marriage records from the 1800s?
Historical marriage records from the 1800s are available through the GenealogyFreaks.org archive, which hosts scanned images of original Multnomah County registers starting in 1855. Volunteers have indexed thousands of entries, including names, dates, ages, occupations, and officiant signatures. You can view these records online for free or request a PDF copy for $8. The Oregon State Archives also hold microfilm copies of early certificates. For records between 1855 and 1906, contact the Oregon Center for Health Statistics, as they manage access to older vital records.
What happens if my marriage license expires before the wedding?
If your marriage license expires before the ceremony, the marriage is not legally valid. Licenses in Multnomah County are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If the wedding is postponed beyond this period, you must apply for a new license and pay the $71 fee again. There are no extensions or grace periods. Be sure to schedule your ceremony within the 60-day window. If the license expires, the officiant cannot legally perform the ceremony, and the county will not record the marriage.
Can I change my name using a Multnomah County marriage record?
Yes, a certified copy of your marriage record from Multnomah County can be used to legally change your name. After the marriage is recorded, request a certified certificate for $10. This document is accepted by the Social Security Administration, DMV, and passport agencies. You’ll need to update your Social Security card first, then your driver’s license, and finally your passport. Bring the certified marriage record, current ID, and completed forms to each agency. Processing times vary by institution.
Official Resources and Contact Details
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official Multnomah County sources. The Department of County Management, Recording & Customer Service oversees all marriage license and record requests. Visit the office at 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 175, Portland, OR 97214. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Call 503-988-3326, option 4, for assistance. Email inquiries should use the protected address on the county website. For court-related records like divorces, contact the Circuit Court at (971) 274-0570. All requests should include full names, dates, and valid identification.