OREGON, USA — June 3, 2025 — In a symbolic gesture honoring marriage equality and Pride Month, several municipal and justice court judges across Oregon are waiving their fees and offering free wedding ceremonies throughout June. The initiative coincides with the anniversaries of historic U.S. Supreme Court rulings that legalized interracial and same-sex marriages.
Organized through the Oregon Judges Association, the statewide events aim to provide inclusive and meaningful opportunities for couples of all backgrounds to marry, with ceremonies taking place at venues throughout the Portland metropolitan area and beyond.
Multilingual Ceremonies in Portland
One of the key events will be held on June 7 at Grand Gesture Books in Portland, where Justice of the Peace Justin Kidd and Justice of the Peace Pro Tempore Rachael Federico will officiate ceremonies in English, Spanish, Russian, and French.
Kidd, who is based in Marion County, reflected on the personal significance of the event:“My husband and I wanted to marry for 10 years, and for 10 years, the state told us our relationship wasn’t good enough to be called a marriage. So, it’s especially meaningful for me to recognize the equal dignity of every marriage.”
In addition to the ceremonies, the Portland event will feature complimentary cupcakes and sparkling cider toasts for newlyweds. Judge Kidd emphasized that multilingual options make the legal process more accessible, especially for individuals historically marginalized in the justice system.
Weddings at Pride Beaverton
In Beaverton, the city’s municipal court will host free wedding ceremonies on June 29 during the Pride Beaverton Festival. Presiding Judge Juliet Britton highlighted the deeper significance of the service:
“Celebrating the anniversary of landmark civil rights achievements by doing more than just talking about the court case is so fulfilling. There was a time in this country when both interracial and same-sex marriages were not recognized. Providing wedding services that were once prohibited under Oregon and federal law is the best way to honor those victories.”
The Beaverton ceremonies will include wedding cake, decorations, and language interpretation services.
Month-Long Ceremonies in Tigard
Tigard Municipal Court is offering the most extended schedule of the initiative. Presiding Judge Emily Oberdorfer will officiate free weddings by appointment throughout the entire month of June. Couples can schedule their ceremony by contacting the court at (503) 718-2478.
Marriage License Requirements Still Apply
Couples must obtain a valid Oregon marriage license prior to their ceremony. Licenses are available from any of the state’s 36 county clerk offices and must be brought to the wedding event. While the judges’ ceremony fees are waived, standard license fees must still be paid directly to the clerk’s office.
A Celebration of Progress
The initiative is more than a legal service—it’s a celebration of how far the state and country have come in recognizing diverse forms of love. Through inclusive ceremonies, waived fees, and personalized touches, Oregon’s judiciary is extending a heartfelt invitation to couples ready to say “I do.”
