How to Officiate a Wedding in Salem, Oregon

Salem is right in the middle of it all. Literally, because it sits on the 45^th parallel between the north pole and equator, but also because it’s Oregon’s capital and second-largest city. There are parks aplenty connected by tree-lined streets with funky shops and restaurants, all of which make for a great setting to get hitched.

In this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting married in Salem, from ordaining your minister of choice to finding the perfect wedding venue. Let's jump right in!

Step 1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries

According to Oregon state law, you are authorized to solemnize marriages if you are deemed a “clergyperson of any religious congregation or organization.” American Marriage Ministries will serve as that organization for you – all it takes is filling out a quick form at no cost. What are you waiting for? Get ordained!

Step 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Marion County

It’s an honor to be asked to officiate a wedding, so you want to make sure you’re fully prepared. We can help with that. Check out our wedding training pages, chock full of all the information you need to prepare for the ceremony. There are sample scripts, brainstorming prompts, general tips for preparation, and more.

Step 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

The marriage license application should be obtained and submitted by the couple. Remember that there is a 3 day waiting period before you can hold the ceremony. After you perform the ceremony, you’ll need to sign the marriage license, ensure that it is filled out correctly, and return the completed license to the county clerk’s office within 5 days. Once that’s done, you will have successfully performed all your wedding officiant duties!

File for the Marriage License from the Marion County Clerk's Office

You can download an application from the Marion County Clerk’s Office website. As a couple, you’ll both need to go to the clerk’s office to submit the application. They are located at 555 Court Street NE. Here’s what you’ll need:

• $60
• Photo identification (driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.)
• The completed application
   

There is a 3 day waiting period before you can have the wedding. If you need to have the ceremony immediately, there is a waiver you can complete. The marriage license will cost $65 if you decide to waive the waiting period. 

The Basics

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the history and charm of the city than at the Deepwood Museum and Gardens, where you can get married in formal gardens outside a Queen Anne-style Victorian house. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more glamorous affair, the Reed Ballroom sparkles atop the opera house overlooking the city. Both venues are nearby all the main sights and amenities that Salem has to offer.

Transportation

The closest major airport to Salem is in Portland, about a 40-minute drive on Interstate 5. Once you’re in the city, the downtown area is compact and very conducive to walking or biking. There are also plenty of rideshare services available if you’re opting to go carless.

Weather

Part of the Pacific Northwest, Salem stays relatively cool throughout the year, with pleasant temperatures even in the dead of summer. Winters tend to be a bit on the rainy side but that is what affords the verdant landscape that helps define the city’s beauty.