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Clerks tell committee allowing deputy county clerks to perform weddings would expand service
Summary
County clerks testified in support of House Bill 3386, which would allow deputy county clerks to officiate civil marriage ceremonies; proponents said demand exceeds current clerk capacity and the change would improve access to affordable ceremonies.
County clerks testified before the Senate Rules Committee in favor of House Bill 3386, which would allow a county clerk to authorize a deputy to solemnize marriages.
Dan Loomis, Douglas County clerk, told the committee the change would add flexibility and help clerks meet public demand for civil wedding ceremonies. "Modifying the statute to allow deputy county clerks to perform ceremonies will allow us more time to perform ceremonies," Loomis said, adding that the change would also generate modest revenue for county general funds.
Clackamas County Clerk Catherine McMullen said she has officiated more than 240 civil ceremonies since she began offering the service in 2023 and often is booked two to three months in advance. McMullen said bilingual deputies allow the office to accommodate ceremonies in languages other than English, and authorizing deputies to officiate would let clerks better meet demand and provide affordable options.
Committee members asked about capacity in small counties and language access. McMullen and Loomis said some smaller counties lack bilingual staff and that couples often supply interpreters; clerks said in‑house training would be provided for deputies who are authorized to officiate and that election blackout periods mean ceremonies are sometimes limited around elections.
Supporters said the change is straightforward administrative relief. The committee heard the public witnesses and closed the public hearing; no committee vote was recorded during the meeting.
