The Dalles Marriage Records
Wasco County marriage records are held at the county clerk office in The Dalles, located along the Columbia River in north central Oregon. The clerk handles all new marriage license requests and keeps past marriage records on file. Wasco County was one of the first counties formed in Oregon, and its records stretch back well over a century. Couples who plan to marry here must visit the office in person during set hours. The clerk staff can also help anyone who needs to search for or get copies of older marriage records from Wasco County files.
Wasco County Clerk Marriage License Office
The Wasco County Clerk works out of Room 201 at 511 Washington Street in The Dalles. Both people must come to the office with valid photo ID. The office has split hours, so plan your visit with care. Morning hours run from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The office reopens at 1:00 PM and stays open until 3:30 PM. It is closed during the lunch break.
Wasco County accepts cash or money order for the license fee. Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted. A fee waiver is available at a reduced cost for those who qualify. Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days. Oregon law sets a three-day wait before the ceremony can take place.
Visit the Wasco County Clerk website for the latest office details and forms.
| Office |
Wasco County Clerk 511 Washington Street, Room 201 The Dalles, OR 97058 Phone: (541) 506-2530 Fax: (541) 506-2531 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM |
| Website | wascocountyor.gov/departments/clerk |
How to Get a Marriage License in Wasco County
Start by going to the clerk office with your partner. Both of you must be there at the same time. Bring photo ID. A driver's license or passport works. Know your Social Security number and the full names and birthplaces of both parents. These facts go on the form.
The clerk will review your ID and ask you to fill out the license form. Payment is due right then. Bring cash or a money order. No other forms of payment are accepted at this time. After you pay and the form is done, the clerk gives you the license. You must then wait three days before the ceremony.
If you were married before, have the date that marriage ended ready. The clerk needs this to complete the form. The whole visit takes about 30 minutes if you have all your facts in hand. Do not wait until the last minute. The office has limited hours, and you want to make sure you have time to finish.
Be sure to bring the right items:
- Valid photo ID for both people
- Social Security numbers
- Parents' full names and birthplaces
- Cash or money order for the fee
- Date of any prior marriage end
Wasco County Marriage Records Research
Wasco County offers a Digital Research Room for people who want to search marriage license records on their own. This tool lets you look through records without needing to ask the clerk to search for you. It is a useful feature for those doing family history work or just looking up a specific record.
The image below shows the Wasco County Clerk office where all marriage records are filed and stored.
The clerk office sits on Washington Street, one of the main roads through The Dalles. It is easy to reach from the highway.
Wasco County was formed in 1854. That means its records go back a long way. Early marriage records were kept in large bound books. Later ones went on microfilm. Today, many are in a digital format. The clerk staff know how to search all these systems. Give them a name and a rough date, and they can usually find what you need.
Under ORS 432.295, vital records in Oregon are sealed for 50 years. Older Wasco County marriage records past that mark are open for public access. Newer ones are restricted. The Oregon State Bar has a guide that explains marriage law in plain terms.
Marriage Ceremonies and Records in Wasco County
Once you have the license, you can hold the ceremony anywhere in Oregon. It does not have to be in Wasco County. But many couples choose The Dalles and the surrounding area because of the scenery. The Columbia River Gorge runs along the north edge of the county. Vineyards and orchards dot the landscape. These make fine spots for a wedding.
The person who leads the ceremony must be authorized by the state. Judges, clergy, and other approved officials can sign the license. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the Wasco County Clerk. This creates the official marriage record. The clerk then files it and makes it part of the county's permanent collection.
You can request certified copies of your Wasco County marriage record after it is filed. Certified copies carry the county seal. They are accepted for legal use such as name changes and insurance claims. Call the clerk at (541) 506-2530 to ask about the process and any fees that apply.
Oregon State Marriage Records for Wasco County
The Oregon Health Authority keeps copies of marriage records from every county in the state. Their files start in 1906 and run to the present day. You can order copies by mail or online. This is a good option if you cannot visit The Dalles in person.
The Oregon State Archives holds older records. For a county as old as Wasco, the archives may have marriage records from the 1850s and 1860s. These records are open to the public and helpful for tracing family roots. The archives are in Salem.
Between the Wasco County Clerk and the state offices, you have strong options for finding the marriage records you need. The county is best for recent records. The state fills in the gaps for older ones or for those who need to search from a distance.
Getting Copies of Wasco County Marriage Records
Certified copies of marriage records are available from the clerk office. These copies have the county seal and hold up in court and at government offices. You may need one for a name change, insurance claim, or legal filing. The clerk can tell you the exact fee when you call or visit.
Plain copies are also available. They work for personal files or family records. They do not carry the county seal, so they may not work for legal needs. If you are not sure which kind you need, ask the clerk. They handle these requests every day.
When you ask for a copy, have the full names of both people and the date of the marriage ready. This helps the staff find the record fast. Older records may take more time to pull from the files. The clerk will let you know what to expect.
Nearby Counties
Wasco County borders Hood River County, Sherman County, Jefferson County, and Wheeler County. Each county clerk office issues its own marriage licenses. You can apply in any Oregon county, but the ceremony must take place within the state. If you are close to a county line, check which office is most convenient for you.