Vital Records & Certificates in La Grande, OregonUnion County Clerk

La Grande residents need certified vital records for university enrollment at Eastern Oregon University, employment verification with regional healthcare systems, and federal documentation like passports for international travel. The county seat location means residents throughout Union County rely on La Grande for official document services. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts often need passports for Canadian fishing trips, while agricultural families require documentation for USDA programs and estate planning in this rural mountain community.

La Grande families request birth certificates through the Union County Clerk’s office, serving as the vital records hub for the entire county. Births at Grande Ronde Hospital or the previous Community Hospital require documentation for Eastern Oregon University student enrollment and regional employment opportunities. Parents in subdivisions near Cove and Union often need certified copies for 4-H registration and youth programs through the county extension office. The clerk’s office maintains efficient records dating back decades, essential for establishing residency and eligibility for in-state tuition at Eastern Oregon University. Rural families throughout Union County rely on La Grande’s central location for accessing these vital services during regular business hours.

Couples planning ceremonies in Union County obtain marriage licenses from the Union County Clerk in La Grande’s courthouse. Popular wedding venues include the Historic Elgin Opera House, Riverside Park along the Grande Ronde River, and various ranch properties in the surrounding valley. Mountain weddings at Anthony Lakes or Wallowa Lake require advance planning, with the county clerk providing necessary documentation. Oregon has no mandatory waiting period, allowing couples to marry immediately after obtaining their license. The scenic Blue Mountains backdrop attracts couples from throughout eastern Oregon for destination weddings in this picturesque valley setting.

When Union County residents pass away, death certificates are processed through the county clerk’s office in La Grande. Local funeral homes like Daniels-Oliver Funeral Chapel work with families to obtain necessary documentation for estate settlement and insurance claims. The rural nature of Union County means some residents may pass away at facilities in Pendleton or Boise, requiring coordination between jurisdictions. Veterans’ families often need multiple certified copies for military burial benefits and pension transfers through the regional Veterans Administration office.

Union County Circuit Court handles all divorce proceedings for La Grande and surrounding communities. The courthouse on Third Street maintains comprehensive records for decree certification requests. Former spouses relocating from rural areas to town often need certified copies for property transfers and benefit changes. Agricultural divorce cases involving ranch and farmland require extensive documentation, with the clerk’s office providing certified copies for real estate transactions and USDA program enrollment throughout the county.

The Union County Clerk operates from the courthouse on Third Street in downtown La Grande, maintaining regular business hours Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Street parking is available downtown, with additional parking behind the courthouse building. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders, though credit card policies may vary. Walk-in service accommodates most requests, while complex genealogy research may require advance scheduling. Mail-in orders are processed for out-of-area residents, with typical turnaround times of one to two weeks depending on record complexity and current workload.

The Union County Courthouse is located on Third Street in downtown La Grande, easily accessible from Highway 82 and Interstate 84. Take the La Grande exit and follow signs to the city center.