Valentine's Day in Oregon is taking on a special meaning this year as county officials in Clackamas and Marion provide residents with the opportunity to tie the knot on the state's birthday, with love in the air and legal paperwork in hand, couples can embrace Oregon's dual celebration of statehood and Saint Valentine. Clackamas County Clerk Catherine McMullen and Marion County Judge Justin Kidd have both decided to dedicate their Valentine's Day to officiating weddings, as reported by Clackamas County.
Both officials have a history of supporting their communities with inclusive gestures, and this Valentine's Day initiative seems to meld civic duty with the spirit of the holiday. McMullen has presided over 180 ceremonies since June 2023, while Judge Kidd noted in an interview that his court set out to "serve our entire community" and celebrating weddings in various languages allows access to those previously feeling unwelcome in the court system, as per Clackamas County. The popularity of these "Wedding Fridays" is evident, with Kidd celebrating close to a wedding every single day, something he describes as a perfect end to days often filled with conflict.
Details on the procedural aspects of getting married on this special occasion are quite straightforward, Clackamas County will take both appointments and walk-ins at their office, which will feature decorations and a photo booth to capture the moment, according to their official release. Meanwhile, Judge Kidd has set aside courtroom slots for appointments and is providing complimentary cupcakes and a bouquet to each couple. Couples are encouraged to secure a marriage license from any Oregon county clerk and reach out to his office to book a time.
Residents interested in participating in this Valentine's Day event are encouraged to contact the respective offices to learn more or to schedule their ceremony—Clackamas County Recording Division at 503.655.8551 and Marion County court at 503.576.7200.
