Say ‘I Do’ in Style: Your Ultimate Guide to Legally Tying the Knot in the Pacific Northwest – State-by-State Marriage Requirements Unveiled!
Our hope is that once you’re clear on the essential legal requirement for getting married in your state, you can get in the mindset that every other choice is a conscious choice you get to make to create a truly authentic celebration of your commitment and joy.
Let that sink in for a sec…
When it comes to spending your energy and budget you get to choose who you allow into your life. We highly recommend choosing elements and wedding pros that align with your personalities and values.
And now withough further ado.
How To Legally Get Married – Your State-By-State Guide To Tying The Knot In The Pacific Northwest
Marriage Requirements – Oregon
Ready to make your love official in Oregon?
We’ve got your back with an easy six-step guide to understanding marriage requirements in Oregon.
Step 1: Get a Marriage License
Both partners must appear in person at a county clerk’s office, provide valid identification (such as a driver’s license or passport), pay a fee, and provide their social security number or an affidavit of not having one.
Note: It’s important to check with the county clerk’s office for any specific requirements or additional information needed before getting a marriage license, as the process may vary slightly by county.
A list of county specific resources is listed below.
Step 2: Wait for the License to be Issued
After the application is complete, there is a three-day waiting period before the license can be officially issued. The license will be valid for 60 days after the waiting period.
Step 3: Find an Authorized Person to Perform the Ceremony
This can be a priest, rabbi, judge, or a person authorized by the county to perform ceremonies, including online ordination services.
We HIGHLY recommend finding an officiant or celebrant to help guide you through your ceremony options. This is their life’s work and can help answer questions you never knew you had.
Step 4: Perform the ceremony
The ceremony must be performed and the marriage license must be signed by the officiant and at least two witnesses.
Step 5: Return the completed forms
The signed and completed license must be returned to the county clerk’s office that issued it within 60 days of the issue date.
Step 6: Receive a Certified Copy of the Marriage Certificate
After the county clerk’s office has processed the license, the you will receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate (the legal document that proves you are legally married).
You will need this for any name change service and should file it in a safe spot.
County Clerks Offices In Oregon:
Marriage Requirements – Washington
Ready to make your love official in Washington?
We’ve got your back with an easy six-step guide to understanding marriage requirements in Washington.
Step 1: Get a Marriage License
Both partners must appear in person at a county auditor’s office, provide valid identification (such as a driver’s license or passport), and pay a fee.
Note: It’s important to check with the county auditor’s office for any specific requirements or additional information needed before getting a marriage license, as the process may vary slightly by county.
Step 2: Wait for the License to be Issued
After the application is complete, there is a three-day waiting period before the license becomes valid.
Step 3: Find an Authorized Person to Perform the Ceremony
This can be a priest, rabbi, judge, or a person authorized by the county to perform ceremonies, including online ordination services.
We HIGHLY recommend finding an officiant or celebrant to help guide you through your ceremony options. This is their life’s work and can help answer questions you never knew you had.
Step 4: Perform the ceremony
The ceremony must be performed and the marriage license must be signed by the officiant and at least two witnesses.
Step 5: Return the completed forms
The signed and completed license must be returned to the county auditor’s office that issued it within 60 days.
Step 6: Receive a Certified Copy of the Marriage Certificate
After the county auditor’s office has processed the license, the you will receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate (the legal document that proves you are legally married).
You will need this for any name change service and should file it in a safe spot.
Marriage Requirements – Idaho
Ready to make your love official in Idaho?
We’ve got your back with an easy six-step guide to understanding marriage requirements in Idaho.
Photo by Autumn Lynne Photography
Step 1: Get a Marriage License
Both partners must appear in person at a county clerk’s office, provide valid identification (such as a driver’s license or passport), pay a fee, and provide their social security number or an affidavit of not having one.
Note: It’s important to check with the county clerk’s office for any specific requirements or additional information needed before getting a marriage license, as the process may vary slightly by county.
Step 2: Wait for the License to be Issued
Step 3: Find an Authorized Person to Perform the Ceremony
This can be a priest, rabbi, judge, or a person authorized by the county to perform ceremonies, including online ordination services.
We HIGHLY recommend finding an officiant or celebrant to help guide you through your ceremony options. This is their life’s work and can help answer questions you never knew you had.
Step 4: Perform the ceremony
The ceremony must be performed and the marriage license must be signed by the officiant and at least two witnesses.
Step 5: Return the completed forms
The signed and completed license must be returned to the county clerk’s office that issued it within 30 days of the issue date.
Step 6: Receive a Certified Copy of the Marriage Certificate
After the county clerk’s office has processed the license, the you will receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate (the legal document that proves you are legally married).
You will need this for any name change service and should file it in a safe spot.
Marriage Requirements – Alaska
Ready to make your love official in Alaska?
We’ve got your back with an easy six-step guide to understanding marriage requirements in Alaska.
Photo by Chugach Peaks Photography
Step 1: Get a Marriage License
Both partners must appear in person at a Bureau of Vital Statistics office or a designated rural registry office, provide valid identification (such as a driver’s license or passport), and pay a fee.
Note: It’s important to check with the Bureau of Vital Statistics office for any specific requirements or additional information needed before getting a marriage license, as the process may vary slightly by county.
Step 2: Wait for the License to be Issued
After the application is complete, there is a three-day waiting period before the license becomes valid.
Step 3: Find an Authorized Person to Perform the Ceremony
This can be a priest, rabbi, judge, or a person authorized by the county to perform ceremonies, including online ordination services.
We HIGHLY recommend finding an officiant or celebrant to help guide you through your ceremony options. This is their life’s work and can help answer questions you never knew you had.
Step 4: Perform the ceremony
The ceremony must be performed and the marriage license must be signed by the officiant and at least two witnesses.
Step 5: Return the completed forms
Step 6: Receive a Certified Copy of the Marriage Certificate
After the Bureau of Vital Statistics or designated rural registry office has processed the license, you will receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate, which is the legal document that proves they are legally married.
You will need this for any name change service and should file it in a safe spot.
