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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can we get an Oregon Marriage License?
You must have a valid Oregon marriage license to be married in the state of Oregon, and you (as a couple) are responsible for acquiring the marriage license from a county in Oregon.
Oregon State allows you to purchase a license in any county to be married anywhere in the state of Oregon. Clatsop and Tillamook are the local counties on the North Oregon Coast.
Clatsop County Clerk's Office
820 Exchange Street, Suite 220
Astoria, OR 97103
503-325-8511
Clatsop County Marriage License
** Due to Covid-19 you must make an appointment in advance**
Tillamook County Clerk's Office
201 Laurel Avenue
Tillamook, OR 97141
503-842-3402
Tillamook County Marriage License
** Due to Covid-19 you must make an appointment in advance **
There is a 3-day waiting period in Oregon if you apply in person (this can be waived for a fee). The license is valid for 60 days. You must be 18 years of age or older to apply.
Can I get an Oregon Marriage License by mail?
Yes! If you are from out-of-state, you may obtain a license via mail from Washington county and several other counties in Oregon..
Washington County Courthouse
Phone: 503-846-8752
How do I select a time for my ceremony?
If you are planning a beach ceremony, you will want to check the tide tables on your selected date. Many beautiful locations on the Oregon Coast are only accessible at low tide. You can check the tides by clicking here. This link takes you to Hug Point tide tables but you can change the location and date as needed.
Do I need a permit to have my wedding on the beach?
If you are planning a large ceremony (typically more than 50 guests) and/or you are planning to have structures on the beach (chairs, an arbor, etc) you should always check with the State Parks Department to determine if a permit is needed. Call 541-563-8500. View more information regarding Special Use Permits here.
Doesn't it rain on the Oregon Coast?
Yes! The rain is one of the reasons for the lush green beauty of our state. There is a popular saying out here, "if you don't like the weather on the Oregon Coast, wait five minutes." It's true! I always advise my couples not to worry too much about the weather. There is usually a break in the rain (and sometimes even a rainbow!). If not, we will bring umbrellas!
If you are really concerned about rain, have a plan B (secure a venue or a beach home that allows events), and choose a date in the summer months June-Sept. This doesn't completely avoid the rain but there is a better chance of dry weather during the summer months, especially July & August.
Changing your name?
I recommend using this service to make the process easier!
What is a Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®?
Life-Cycle Celebrants® are highly-trained ceremony professionals who are richly schooled in the art of ceremony by the Celebrant Foundation & Institute. The Celebrant Institute's Gold standard, college-level coursework ensures that Celebrants enter the field as master co-creators and performers of ceremonies that reflect the needs and beliefs of the people they are honoring. Carolyn Greenwood is a trained and certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®.
Image on this page courtesy of: Emily Vandehey Photography
Consultation Services
Need Some Help Getting Started?
Are you planning a destination elopement or small wedding on Oregon Coast and need some help getting started? We are local and live near some of the most popular beaches and have helped hundreds of couples navigate the logistics for their Oregon Coast elopement.
What do we mean by "logistics?"
Although we are not wedding planners, we can help you with logistics that include determining the best location for your ceremony and calculating the best date and time based on the tide level, walkability, any closures in the area, and the permit process, etc.
The Coastal Dreams Elopement
- Communication: Initial 30-minute planning consultation (by phone or Zoom) to answer questions and determine your needs.
- Ceremony Location Guide: A detailed guide with photos and information on many beautiful N. Oregon Coast ceremony spots.
- Best date & time for your ceremony There are many factors involved with choosing an optimal date and time for your ceremony. Recommendations will include tide level, the best time to avoid crowds, parking, restrooms, guest mobility, the walkability of the location, etc.
- Special-Use Permit - Based on our initial call and your questionnaire I will give you specific information on how & when to get a special-use permit for your elopement.
- Marriage License: Detailed information on how and when to get your Oregon marriage license.
- Local Wedding Resources: Referrals and information on local wedding vendors and resources (including restaurants and lodging).
Pricing: $195 (includes 30 min initial call and questionnaire to determine your needs, location guide, specific guidance on the permitting process, and follow-up information and referrals).
Note: This package is meant for couples who are planning a destination elopement or micro-wedding (less than 20 guests) on the North Oregon Coast and need some logistical guidance. This package does not include my Officiant services.
* For weddings with more than 20 guests or if you are looking for full-service planning, I recommend working with a wedding planner and I'd be happy to refer you to some wonderful planners I have worked with! *