Hood River Marriage Records
Hood River County sits along the Columbia River Gorge in northern Oregon. The county seat is the city of Hood River. The Hood River County Clerk office manages all marriage license applications and keeps marriage records on file for the area. Couples who wish to marry in Hood River County must schedule an appointment with the clerk. The office also helps people who need to look up past marriage records. Staff can search for documents by name and date. Hood River County has served this role for well over a century, and the clerk office remains the main resource for marriage documents in the county.
Hood River County Clerk Marriage License Office
The clerk office is on State Street in Hood River. An appointment is required for all marriage license visits. Hours run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Call ahead to set a time. Both people must come to the appointment. No exceptions exist for this rule.
Bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license or passport is best. You need your Social Security number and the full names and birthplaces of both parents. The office accepts cash, check, money order, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. A 3% convenience fee applies to credit card payments. Once your license is approved, it is valid for 60 days. Oregon law sets a three-day wait before the wedding can take place. Hood River County does offer a fee waiver option. Ask about it when you first contact the office.
Visit the Hood River County Clerk website for more on the online application process.
| Office |
Hood River County Clerk 601 State Street Hood River, OR 97031 Phone: (541) 386-1442 or (541) 386-4522 Fax: (541) 387-6864 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Appointment Required) |
| Website | co.hood-river.or.us/clerk/page/marriage-licenses |
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Hood River County
Hood River County lets you start the process from home. An online form is available through the clerk website. Fill it out before your visit. Then call to schedule an appointment. This cuts down on wait time at the office. The staff will pull up your form when you arrive.
At the appointment, the clerk checks your ID and reviews every field. Any missing data must be added on the spot. Payment is due at that time. The three-day waiting period starts once the license is issued. If you need the waiver, request it at the start of your appointment. The Hood River County Clerk staff can walk you through that process.
Make sure to bring these items to the Hood River County Clerk office:
- Valid photo ID for both parties
- Social Security numbers
- Full names and birthplaces of both parents
- Proof any prior marriage has ended
- Payment by cash, check, money order, or credit card
The clerk will give you the license and explain what comes next. Keep it safe until the ceremony.
Historical Marriage Records in Hood River County
Hood River County was formed in 1908. It was the last county created in Oregon. Marriage records from the early years still exist. The clerk office holds these older files. Some are in bound volumes. Others are on microfilm or in digital form. Staff can search for historical marriage records by name and date.
The image below shows how the Oregon Health Authority oversees vital records across the state, including those filed in Hood River County.
The Oregon Health Authority keeps a central file of marriage records from 1906 to the present for all Oregon counties.
Hood River County has a rich past tied to fruit farming and the Columbia Gorge. Many families have deep roots here. Marriage records help trace those roots. The clerk office is the first place to look. For records that have moved to the state level, try the Oregon Health Authority or the Oregon State Archives. Both hold large collections of vital records from across Oregon.
Oregon State Marriage Records for Hood River County
Oregon keeps copies of all marriage records at the state level. The Oregon Health Authority has records from 1906 onward. You can order copies by mail or online. This is useful if you live far from Hood River. The state also keeps records that may not be at the county level any more.
Under ORS 432.295, vital records stay private for 50 years. After that, they are open to the public. For Hood River County, this rule means older marriage records can be viewed by anyone. Newer records need proof that you are named on the record or have a direct family link. The Oregon State Bar offers a plain guide to marriage law in the state. It covers topics like license rules and who can perform a ceremony.
Marriage Ceremonies and Records in Hood River County
Your Hood River County marriage license is good for 60 days. Hold the ceremony anywhere in Oregon. The officiant must be someone allowed by state law. Judges, clergy, and other approved officials can perform the ceremony. After the event, the officiant signs the license and sends it back to the Hood River County Clerk.
The clerk then files the signed license. This is the official marriage record. You can ask for certified copies once it is on file. Certified copies carry the county seal. They work for name changes, legal filings, and other purposes. Contact the Hood River County Clerk at (541) 386-1442 to request copies.
Hood River County is known for wind sports, orchards, and views of Mount Hood. Many couples choose this area for their wedding. The natural setting draws people from Portland and beyond. All marriage records for events held in Hood River County are stored at the clerk office, no matter the exact spot within the county.
Getting Copies of Hood River County Marriage Records
To get a copy of a marriage record from Hood River County, call the clerk office or visit in person. Bring your photo ID. The staff can search by name and date. Certified copies are valid for legal use. Plain copies work fine for personal records.
If the clerk office does not have the record you need, try the state. The Oregon Health Authority has a broad database. They handle mail and online requests. The Oregon State Archives holds older records. Between these three options, most Hood River County marriage records can be found. Processing times vary based on demand and the age of the record.
Nearby Counties
Hood River County borders Wasco County, Clackamas County, and Multnomah County. It also sits next to Klickitat County and Skamania County in Washington state. Each Oregon county has its own clerk office for marriage licenses. Check the location of your ceremony to find the right county.