How to Perform a Marriage in Portland

Researched and edited for you by trained team members at GetOrdained.org

If you've been asked to officiate a wedding in Portland, you might be wondering where to start – which is totally understandable! Our in-depth guide lays out the entire process in detail to get you up to speed. Below, we'll be exploring key aspects like how to become an ordained minister, what the requirements are to officiate, and how to ensure the wedding ceremony you perform gets correctly registered in Portland.

1. How to Become a Minister in Portland

Your first move will be to fill out an ordination application and become a minister! (Note: you can skip this part if you've already signed up). Ordination from Get Ordained™ is provided via the Universal Life Church, an organization that ordains people from all walks of life – for free – online! The ULC welcomes anyone who feels so-called to join its ministry. Best of all? The entire application can be completed in just a few minutes. Once your application is processed, you'll be granted the authority to officiate legal wedding ceremonies! To get started, please click the button below.

Get Ordained Now

Important Info for Ministers in Portland

ULC Ordination Accepted:: Yes
Minister Registration Required:: No
Documents Required:: N/A
Minister's Residency:: Irrelevant
Minister's Minimum Age:: 18

2. Learn Portland Marriage Requirements

After getting ordained, it's time to contact the office that handles marriage licenses in Portland. Kindly inform them that you’re an ordained minister and you'd like to inquire about what types of credentials or other documents they require from wedding officiants before performing a wedding. They should be able to walk you through the process and explain any local rules or regulations that apply. Please find contact information for the office in Portland below.

Office Address:: 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR 97214
Office Phone Number:: (503) 988-3326
Office Website:: Portland Office Website

3. Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Portland?

The answer is anyone, including you! (So long as you get ordained first). Weddings aren't exactly known for being easy on one's bank account, but one increasingly common strategy couples are using to cut costs and further personalize their ceremony is to ask someone they know – like a friend or loved one – to officiate.

Being asked to perform a wedding is a great honor. Not only will you be presiding over the formation of a new union, but serving this important role also illustrates a deep bond of trust and love between yourself and the couple. The thing is, not everyone knows it's possible to personalize the ceremony this way! If you're close with two people who are planning to marry, you could always toss out the idea of officiating their ceremony in case they aren't aware of this option.

Average Cost of a Wedding in Portland:: $30,000

4. What You'll Need to Officiate in Portland

The office issuing marriage licenses in Portland should be able to clarify what, specifically, you'll need to order. A popular item in Portland is the Classic Wedding Kit, although what you order might change depending on the office's particular needs.

With most of the legal stuff out of the way, it's time to officiate the wedding! If you've never performed a wedding before, or it's been a while and you need a brief refresher, consider taking a look at our wedding training center, home to all of the tools you'll need to perform the wedding of a lifetime.

5. How Portland Marriage Licenses Work

Once the wedding ceremony is finished, you and the couple have one last important responsibility: signing and returning the marriage license. The marriage license is valid for 60 days in Portland, and once it has been picked up there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period before the wedding can actually take place. Remember, the marriage license has to be returned within the time limit set by the issuing office, so don't delay!

Additionally, it's worth double-checking that it has been filled our properly before returning it. This is a legal document, so you'll want to take the time to ensure there are no errors. If you need assistance on how to fill out the marriage license, please take a look at our marriage license training page for in-depth guidance.

Marriage License Waiting Period:: 3 Days
Marriage License Valid For:: 60 Days
Return Within:: 5 Days

6. Performing a Wedding in Portland

The biggest city in Oregon, this artsy and beer-loving city is part of what makes Oregon... Oregon! Built on two sides of the Willamette River, Portland is home to everything you can think of, and then more! Explore the trendy Pearl District for hot new restaurants and wedding venues, or you can head to the northern part of the city to enjoy Forrest Park and the other natural beauties of Portland. Couples are spoiled for choice; with all the beautiful venues, nature, and spectacular food in Portland, it won't be hard to find their dream venue!

7. What You Should Do Now for a Wedding in Portland

Cold in the winter and mild in the summers, this lush city is best enjoyed in the spring, summer, and early fall to get the best of the outdoor activities and everything else you can do inside.

Now that you know all the little details about officiating weddings in Portland, don't forget to actually sign up as an ordained minister with the ULC! All you have to do is click on the button below and you'll be on your way to officiating weddings in no time!