About Us
Personalized Ceremonies just for you!
I'm Sally Houlden, and I am the primary wedding officiant in the Gorge Romance Wedding Officiant team. I was raised in Hood River, OR and have lived in White Salmon, WA since 1983. I can't imagine living anywhere else. I have been officiating weddings since 2010. I love working with happy couples and being a part of their memorable day. The Columbia Gorge is such a beautiful area, nestled between Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams with the Columbia River running between them, and is a prime wedding destination location. My goal is to help couples create a customized ceremony that reflects their relationship and focuses on their future commitment in marriage. When I say customized, it doesn't mean a big fancy venue or ceremony; it means you choose the type of celebration you want. That could be at an elegant hotel or wedding venue, an outdoor landmark in the Columbia River Gorge, or a lovely yard at someone's home. The choice is entirely yours. I'm here to make your day special and unique to your wishes and desires.
FAQs
State of Washington
Marriage License Requirements
- The fee for a Washing State marriage license varies by county and is required at the time of application.
- Minimum age to marry is (18).
- Waiting Period: There’s a (3) waiting period.
- License Validity Time: (60) Days.
- Blood Test: Not Required.
- Residency: Not Required.
- Witnesses: Two witnesses who are at least 18 years of age are needed at the wedding ceremony.
State of Oregon
Marriage License Requiements
- Couples planning to getting married in the state of Requirements are issued by Oregon’s counties. Both parties must be present. You can fill out the application online in advance through many County Clerks websites
- Minimum Age: The legal age for marriage in Oregon is 18.
- Persons 17 years of age may obtain a marriage license with a signed consent form from either parent or a guardian.
- Marriage License Fee: $60.
- Waiting Period: 3 Days.
- License Validity: 60 Days.
- Blood Test: Not Required.
- Residency: Not Required.
- Witnesses: Two witnesses who are at least 18 years of age are needed at the wedding ceremony.
Can we write our own vows?
Yes! To inspire you, please read through these samples.
Will you conduct the ceremony outside of a house of worship? If so, does that change any of the restrictions?
Because I am a non-denominational officiant, I perform ceremonies everywhere! There are no restrictions.
Is there a fee, honorarium, or requested donation? Is a deposit required?
There is a fee for officiating a wedding ceremony. You can learn more about my services and fees by clicking here. A $100 retainer is requested to reserve the date and time. The balance is due anytime prior to the start of the ceremony.
Can you provide references from couples you’ve married?
Absolutely!
When do you sign the marriage license? At the ceremony or beforehand?
I arrive early to your ceremony to go over last-minute details and also complete and sign the marriage license. This allows you to celebrate at the conclusion of your ceremony with no interruption for signing documents.
One of us is divorced. Does this pose any problems?
No problem at all! I am happy to officiate your ceremony.
Is it acceptable to include a pet in the ceremony.
As long as you don’t marry the pet, I am happy to include them in your ceremony.
Will you be able to legally officiate at our wedding location?
I am legally authorized to officiate wedding ceremonies anywhere in the United States.