Tillamook County Marriage License Records
Tillamook County marriage records are managed by the County Clerk in Tillamook, Oregon. The office on Laurel Avenue handles all marriage license requests and holds past records on file. Couples who want to wed in Tillamook County must visit the clerk in person. Tassi O'Neil serves as the County Clerk. Tillamook County sits on the north Oregon coast, known for its beaches, forests, and dairy farms. The clerk office has served as the central place for marriage records in this coastal county for well over a century.
Tillamook County Clerk Marriage Records Office
The Tillamook County Clerk issues marriage licenses at 201 Laurel Avenue in Tillamook. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Both people must appear in person. There are no exceptions to this rule. Bring valid photo ID for each person.
You can call the office at (541) 842-3402 with questions. Staff handle marriage licenses, record searches, and copy requests. Tillamook County takes cash and money orders for payment. Other forms of payment are not accepted. Make sure you have the right kind with you when you visit.
The Tillamook County Clerk website has more on the marriage license process and what to bring.
| Office |
Tillamook County Clerk 201 Laurel Avenue Tillamook, OR 97141 Phone: (541) 842-3402 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.tillamook.or.us/government/clerk/marriage-licenses |
How to Get a Marriage License in Tillamook County
Go to the clerk office on Laurel Avenue with your partner. Both of you must be there at the same time. Bring valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport all work. If either person was married before, bring proof that the prior marriage has ended. A divorce decree or death certificate will do.
The clerk will ask for basic facts about each person. Names, dates of birth, birthplaces, and similar details. The process does not take long. Staff will review your information and prepare the license. Payment is due at that time. Tillamook County accepts cash and money orders only. No checks or cards.
Oregon has a three-day waiting period. The wait starts the day the license is issued. Tillamook County can waive this for a small charge. An extra form is needed for the waiver, but there are no other special rules. Once the wait is done or waived, you have 60 days to hold the ceremony. The license must be used in Oregon.
What to bring to the Tillamook County Clerk:
- Valid photo ID for both people
- Proof of prior marriage ending, if needed
- Cash or money order for payment
After the wedding, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Tillamook County Clerk. The clerk files it as the official marriage record.
Oregon State Archives and Tillamook County Marriage Records
The image below shows the Oregon State Archives vital statistics page, which holds older marriage records from across the state including Tillamook County.
The state archives in Salem are a key resource for anyone looking for old marriage records. For Tillamook County, records from the 1800s and early 1900s may be on file there.
Tillamook County Coastal Marriage Records
Tillamook County is a popular spot for weddings. The coast draws couples from all over Oregon and beyond. Beaches at Rockaway, Oceanside, and Pacific City are common settings. Cape Meares and Cape Lookout offer stunning views. Many couples choose this area for its natural beauty.
No matter where in the county the event takes place, the marriage record goes to the clerk in Tillamook. A beach wedding in Pacific City or a barn wedding near Tillamook itself both result in a record at 201 Laurel Avenue. The officiant must sign the license and return it after the ceremony. Once on file, it is part of the permanent record.
The coast has a long wedding season. Summer is busiest. But spring and fall are also popular. Rain is common in Tillamook County, so many couples have a backup plan. Indoor spots in the county seat work well. The clerk office sees a steady flow of license requests from late spring through early fall each year.
Historical Marriage Records in Tillamook County
Tillamook County was formed in 1853. Marriage records from that era are some of the oldest in the state. Early settlers came to the coast for timber, fishing, and dairy farming. Their marriage records are still at the clerk office. These old documents show names, dates, and sometimes birthplaces.
Under ORS 432.295, marriage records are restricted for 50 years in Oregon. After that time, they are open to anyone. For Tillamook County, records from the mid-1970s and earlier are now public. The clerk can tell you if a record you need is open or still restricted.
Many people search Tillamook County marriage records for family history. The coast had a unique mix of settlers. Scandinavian, Swiss, and other European families left a strong mark on the area. Old marriage records can help trace those roots. The clerk staff in Tillamook handle genealogy requests often and know the records well.
The Tillamook County Pioneer Museum on Second Street is another good place to look. They have local history archives that can add to what you find at the clerk office. Staff at the museum are familiar with the county's past and can point you in the right direction.
Oregon State Marriage Records for Tillamook County
The Oregon Health Authority holds vital records from 1906 to now. This includes marriage records filed in Tillamook County. You can order copies by mail or online. This is a good option if you cannot drive to the coast.
The Oregon State Archives has records from before 1906. For Tillamook County, some records from the 1850s and 1860s may be on file. These are open to the public. Researchers use them for family history work. The archives are in Salem, about a two-hour drive from Tillamook.
Between the county clerk and the state offices, you have two solid paths to find marriage records. The county is best for recent records. The state works well for older ones or when you are not sure which county holds the record you need.
Getting Copies of Tillamook County Marriage Records
Visit the clerk at 201 Laurel Avenue to get copies. Bring your ID. The clerk can search by name and date. Certified copies carry the county seal and work for legal use. Plain copies are also on hand. The staff can tell you which type you need.
If you cannot visit in person, call (541) 842-3402 to ask about a request by mail. The staff can walk you through the steps. Allow time for the mail to go back and forth. For faster service, plan a trip to Tillamook. The office is easy to find and the staff are helpful.
Tillamook County is a great place to visit beyond the clerk office. The coast, the cheese factory, and the state forest all draw visitors. You could combine a records trip with a day at the beach. The clerk office is right in town, close to shops and places to eat. It is a short stop that can fit into a longer trip to the coast.
Nearby Counties
Tillamook County borders Clatsop County, Washington County, Yamhill County, Polk County, and Lincoln County. Each county clerk issues its own marriage licenses. Check the address where you plan to hold the ceremony to find the right county.