Full question:
Can I legally perform a marriage in Oregon, even though I was ordained as a minister in Alabama?
- Category: Marriage
- Date:
- State: Oregon
Answer:
A marriage may be performed by an Oregon judicial officer, judge or justice of the peace anywhere within his or her jurisdiction, or by a minister, religious organization or congregation, authorized by the State of Oregon to do so.
Ministers of any church organized, carrying on its work, and having congregations in this state may perform marriages in this state if authorized by their church to do so. Before performing marriages, ministers must file their credentials with the county clerk of the county in which they reside or in which the marriage is to be performed. Ministers must give the bride and groom a marriage certificate upon request. Also, the minister must send a marriage certificate to the county clerk who issued the marriage license within one month after the marriage.The only requirement in a marriage ceremony is that the people declare, in the presence of the minister or judicial officer performing the marriage and at least two witnesses, that they take each other as spouses.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.
