Spyka Studio – Portland Proposal & Wedding Photography

How to Get Married at Portland City Hall (2026 Guide)

Getting married in Portland doesn’t have to involve a year of planning, a mountain of debt, or a guest list of 200 people. For many couples, the dream isn’t a ballroom; it’s a simple, intimate moment followed by a great dinner at a rainy Eastside bistro.

If you’re looking to keep it official, chic, and low-stress, Portland City Hall (and the surrounding county buildings) is an incredible option. But “getting married at City Hall” is a bit of a misnomer in Portland—it actually involves two different buildings and a few specific legal steps.

Here is exactly how to pull off a Portland City Hall wedding in 2026.

Step 1: Secure the Paperwork (Multnomah County)

Before you can say “I do” on the steps of City Hall, you need a marriage license. In Portland, this is handled by Multnomah County, not the City of Portland itself.

  • Where to go: The Multnomah Building at 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
  • The Process: You can start your application online at the Multnomah County website to save time. However, both of you must appear in person to sign and pay for the license.
  • The Cost: In 2026, the fee is $60.
  • The Waiting Period: Oregon has a mandatory 3-day waiting period. This means if you get your license on a Tuesday, you can’t actually get married until Friday.
    • Need it sooner? You can pay a $5 waiver fee to bypass the wait if you’re in a rush.
  • Expiration: Your license is valid for 60 days once the waiting period is over.

Step 2: Choose Your “City Hall” Experience

In Portland, you have two main ways to have a “government-chic” wedding.

Option A: The Multnomah County Courthouse (The Classic)

The “Courthouse Wedding” usually happens at the Multnomah County Central Courthouse (1200 SW 1st Ave). It’s a stunning, modern building with floor-to-ceiling glass and views of the Willamette River.

  • How to book: You must contact a judge directly. The Oregon Judicial Department maintains a list of judges who perform ceremonies.
  • The Fee: There is a statutory fee of $117 paid to the court, plus many judges charge an additional fee (usually around $100) if you book them after-hours or on weekends.
  • The Vibe: Private, formal, and very “official.”

Option B: The Portland City Hall Steps (The Aesthetic Choice)

If you want the iconic architecture of Portland City Hall (1221 SW 4th Ave) in your photos, you usually hire a private officiant rather than a judge.

  • How it works: You and your officiant (and two witnesses) meet at the City Hall courtyard or on the grand stone steps.
  • Permits: For a tiny elopement (just you, the officiant, and two witnesses), you can often get away with a “guerrilla-style” ceremony on the public sidewalk or steps as long as you aren’t blocking entrances. If you want to bring 10+ guests, you should contact Portland Parks & Recreation to see if a small-use permit is needed for the outdoor plaza.

Step 3: The Witnesses

To make it legal in Oregon, you need two witnesses who are at least 18 years old.

  • Photographer Tip: If you’re eloping in secret, your photographer (me!) can count as one witness. You’ll just need to grab a friendly stranger or bring one friend along to be the second.

Step 4: Making it Special

Just because you’re getting married at a government building doesn’t mean it shouldn’t feel like a wedding. Here is how my most stylish couples elevate the “City Hall” vibe:

  • The Florals: Grab a high-end bouquet from a local florist like Selva or Solabee. A wild, PNW-inspired bouquet looks incredible against the grey stone of City Hall.
  • The Outfit: This is the perfect excuse for a “Little White Dress,” a chic power suit, or a vintage tea-length gown.
  • The Transportation: Take a Pedicab or a sleek black car from City Hall to your dinner reservation.

A Sample “City Hall” Timeline

  • 1:00 PM: Meet your photographer at the Multnomah County Courthouse.
  • 1:30 PM: Ceremony with the Judge (The “I Dos” and the paperwork).
  • 2:00 PM: Walk two blocks over to Portland City Hall for portraits on the grand staircase and in the courtyard.
  • 3:00 PM: Grab a cocktail at a nearby spot like Kask or The Multnomah Whiskey Library to celebrate.
  • 5:00 PM: Dinner for two (or ten) at a classic PDX spot like Canard or Maurice.

Important 2026 Reminders

  • Holidays: Both City Hall and the Courthouse are closed on all federal holidays.
  • Identification: Don’t forget your passports or driver’s licenses. You’ll need them for both the license application and to enter the courthouse (where you’ll go through a security screening).

Are you looking for a photographer who knows the best “secret” angles around City Hall? I’d love to help you document your elopement.

Text PROPOSAL to or Call us at 503-895-0192

For more information about our Portland elopement photography packages, click HERE.

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