The City of Beaverton is offering free weddings and vow renewal ceremonies on Sunday, Jun. 30.
The event is happening in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Oregon, and the nine-year anniversary of the landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges that ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples.
“Marriage equality is a key piece of creating a community where everyone feels like they belong,” said Mayor Beaty. “It is so rad that we have a municipal judge who is willing to give her time to give people a special wedding day.”
Free wedding and vow renewal ceremonies are open to all couples and will happen during the PRIDE Beaverton parade and celebration event.
Wedding cake and decorations will be provided. Language interpretation is available.
“Celebrating the anniversary of a landmark civil rights achievement by doing more than just talking about the court case is so fulfilling,” said Beaverton Municipal Court Presiding Judge Juliet Britton. “There was a time in this country when both interracial and same sex marriages were not recognized. Having an opportunity to provide wedding services to the public that for some couples was once prohibited under Oregon and Federal law is the best way to celebrate.”
Couples who want to participate must register and schedule their ceremony by Monday, Jun. 24 by emailing jbritton@beavertonoregon.gov or calling 503-350-4015.
All couples who are marrying must apply for and receive their State of Oregon marriage license from an Oregon county clerk at least three days prior to the ceremony unless they receive a waiver from the county clerk.
