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How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Cost in Oregon?
The primary expenses for a courthouse wedding in Oregon include:
| Marriage License | $60 (the same in all counties) |
| Marriage Ceremony | $117 (may vary slightly by county) |
| Photographer (optional) | $500 – $3,000+ |
Whether you’re on a tight budget or simply prefer a more intimate, low-key celebration, a courthouse wedding can be a great option. The average courthouse wedding cost in Oregon is significantly less than the price of a more elaborate wedding while still allowing you to legally tie the knot.
Marriage License Cost in Oregon
In the state of Oregon, marriage license fees are standardized across all counties at $60. This fee is non-refundable. If you request a waiver of the standard three-day waiting period, the cost increases to $65 instead.
It’s important to note that obtaining a marriage license is technically the only legal requirement to become officially married in Oregon. The actual wedding ceremony is optional. However, most couples choose to celebrate the occasion with some type of ceremony, even if it’s small and simple.
Courthouse Wedding Ceremony Cost in Oregon
The cost for a courthouse wedding ceremony is also the same in all counties in Oregon. Couples can expect to pay $117 to the county circuit court for a basic civil ceremony conducted by a judge during regular court hours.
However, if you wish to have your ceremony at a location other than the courthouse where the judge serves, or outside of normal business hours (after 5pm), there is typically an additional $100 fee payable directly to the judge.
So in total, the baseline cost for a courthouse wedding ceremony in Oregon is $177 ($60 license + $117 ceremony). If you opt for an off-site or after-hours ceremony, the price increases to $277.
Let’s take a closer look at the specific costs and details for courthouse weddings in a few of Oregon’s most populous cities:
Courthouse Wedding in Portland, Oregon
In Portland, marriage licenses can be obtained from the Multnomah County Circuit Court for the standard Oregon fee of $60. This cost is non-refundable. If you request to waive the 3-day waiting period, the price goes up to $65.
Civil marriage ceremonies at the Multnomah County Courthouse are performed for a fee of $117 payable to the court. There is an additional $100 fee owed to the judge for weddings conducted outside of regular court hours (after 5pm).
Hiring a photographer for your Portland courthouse wedding will add $500 – $3,000+ to your total costs, depending on the photographer and package you select.
In summary, the cost of a basic courthouse wedding in Portland ranges from $177 to $282, plus optional photography expenses. This is largely in line with the courthouse wedding costs in other major Oregon cities.
Courthouse Wedding in Salem, Oregon
Marriage licenses in Salem are issued by the Marion County Clerk’s office for the standard statewide cost of $60. Civil ceremonies performed at the county courthouse have a $117 fee, bringing the total cost to $177 before adding any extras like professional photography.
The price of hiring a photographer for a courthouse wedding in Salem also typically runs between $500 – $3,000+. So the total cost of a courthouse wedding in Salem is very comparable to Portland and other Oregon cities, ranging from $177 to upwards of $3,000 depending on the specific options chosen.
Courthouse Wedding in Eugene, Oregon
In Eugene, the marriage license cost from the Lane County Clerk is $60, just like everywhere else in Oregon. The Lane County Circuit Court also charges the standard $117 fee for a courthouse civil ceremony. However, in Eugene, these ceremonies are performed by appointment only.
As with the other cities, the cost for a courthouse wedding photographer in Eugene usually starts around $500 and can go up to $3,000 or more for the most extensive packages. All-inclusive courthouse wedding photography packages in the area tend to fall in the $1,000 – $2,000 range.
So, as with Portland and Salem, the minimum cost for an appointment-only courthouse wedding in Eugene comes out to $177. With photography, the price will be closer to $1,000 – $2,000 when all is said and done.
Oregon Courthouse Wedding Photographer Cost
Since courthouse ceremonies tend to be shorter and simpler than a full-scale wedding, not all photographers offer special packages for them. When reaching out to photographers, be sure to specifically inquire about their availability and pricing for courthouse weddings.
In Oregon, a photographer who does offer courthouse wedding packages will usually charge between $500 and $3,000, with most couples spending around $1,000 – $2,000. Variables that impact the price include the length of coverage, inclusion of prints/digital files, experience of the photographer, and time of year.
To find a photographer who fits your particular budget and style, I recommend getting quotes from at least 3-5 different photographers in your area before making a decision. Don’t forget to read reviews and view sample galleries of their work as well.
Oregon Courthouse Wedding Packages
Some courthouses and private wedding venues in Oregon offer special packages that bundle ceremony services, photography, and sometimes flowers or music for a single price.
These courthouse wedding packages are designed to make your planning process easier by putting the key elements together in one simple bundle. In some cases, having a package can also save you money versus hiring the same services separately.
However, courthouse wedding packages in Oregon do tend to cost more than a basic civil ceremony overall. The starting price is usually around $500, and the average courthouse wedding package in Oregon is closer to $1,000 or more.
If your top priorities are convenience and simplicity, a courthouse wedding package could be worth the added expense. But if you’re on a tighter budget, planning the ceremony and photography yourself will almost always be the cheaper route.
Final Thoughts
All in all, a courthouse wedding in Oregon is a fantastic way to get legally married without the high price tag of a big, traditional wedding. For the baseline cost of $177, you can have a simple, intimate ceremony and make your commitment official.
Even if you add in a few extras like professional photography, a courthouse wedding in Portland, Salem, Eugene, or elsewhere in Oregon is still typically quite affordable, with an average total cost of $1,000 – $2,000.
But beyond just the cost savings, many couples actually prefer the low-stress, back-to-basics feel of a courthouse wedding. No need to fret over a huge guest list, seating charts, dining options, decor, and all the other costs and complexities that a large ceremony can entail. With a sweet, simple courthouse wedding, you can focus on what really matters – each other.
