
Dreaming of saying “I do” surrounded by Oregon’s wild beauty — from the rugged coastline to the misty forests of the Cascades? You’re not alone. Oregon is one of the most breathtaking (and easiest!) states to elope in. But before you hike up a mountain in your wedding dress or exchange vows beside a waterfall, you’ll need to make sure it’s all legal.
Here’s everything you need to know to legally elope in Oregon — from your marriage license to finding an officiant, and all the small but important details in between.
Oregon makes getting your marriage license simple and stress-free. You can apply at any county clerk’s office. It doesn’t have to be the same county where your elopement takes place.
Here’s how it works:
To make your marriage legally binding, your ceremony must be performed by an authorized officiant. In Oregon, that includes:
If you’re planning an intimate elopement, having a close friend or family member officiate can make the day even more personal— just make sure they’re ordained before the ceremony.
Oregon requires two witnesses to sign your marriage license during your ceremony.
If you’re eloping just the two of you, don’t worry — this is easy to work around. You can:
Oregon doesn’t restrict where you can hold your ceremony, so the sky’s the limit! Whether you’re exchanging vows on the Oregon Coast, deep in the Columbia River Gorge, or under Mount Hood’s snow-capped peaks, it’s all fair game.
Just remember: if you’re eloping on public land, you may need a permit.
Always check the official park or land management website for the most up-to-date rules before your elopement day.
After your ceremony, your officiant legally is responsible for returning the signed marriage license to the county where you applied within five days. However; the couple is allowed to take it in as well as long as it is returned to the same office you received it from within five days of your legal ceremony. If it is returned after five days of your ceremony, you may have to pay an additional fee.
Once it’s processed, you can order certified copies (usually for a small fee of $7–$10 each).
Your certified marriage certificate is your legal proof of marriage — you’ll need it for name changes, taxes, and official documents.

Eloping in Oregon means giving yourself permission to slow down, focus on each other, and celebrate love your way, with a little paperwork to make it official. Once that’s done, the rest is pure magic.
If you’re planning your Oregon elopement and want help with locations, permits, or photography, I’d love to help you bring your dream day to life. Oregon has a thousand hidden corners waiting for your story — let’s find the one that feels like you.
January 2, 2026
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