As divorce lawyers based in Portland, Oregon, we get a surprising number of questions about common law marriage. Common law marriage is where a legal marriage is created without a marriage license or marriage ceremony.  Usually the couple has to (1) live together for a significant period of time, (2) hold themselves out as a married couple, (3) and intend to be married.  I am surprised by how many people believe Oregon has common law marriage.  We don’t, hence the myth.  If you live together in Oregon, to be married, you have to comply with the marriage statutes.  A few states do allow for common law marriage. .  Alabama, Colorado, Kansas, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Iowa, Montana, Oklahoma, Texas, and the District of Columbia recognize common-law marriages created within their borders.