How To Get Married In Ohio

Marriage License Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements for every applicant:

Both applicants are required by law to appear in the Probate Court to obtain their marriage license.
An appointment is required. Please call the Marriage Department to schedule.
The Franklin County Probate Court Marriage Department hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday and is located at 373 South High Street on the 23rd Floor. The Probate Court is closed on all legal holidays.
Both applicants must provide a valid photo ID and know their social security number. All social security numbers are held in confidence and do not become a part of the Court's public records.
Both applicants must swear, or affirm, that all information and testimony is true, correct, and complete. The Probate Court may declare as void ab initio any marriage license issued based on an application containing false statements.
Ohio residents must obtain a license within the county where either applicant resides. (At least one of the applicants must be a resident of Franklin County for a marriage license to be issued by the Franklin County Probate Court.)
The license is valid anywhere in the State of Ohio.
If the valid photo IDs of both applicants show residency in another county, the Court requires proof of Franklin County residency in the form of a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, etc. (dated within the last 30 days) of one of the applicants.
Out-of-state residents getting married in Ohio must obtain a license in the county where the ceremony will take place.
Any applicant under the age of 18 must first file a petition for consent to the marriage of a minor with the Franklin County Juvenile Court. After you have obtained the consent of the Juvenile Court, a license may not be issued until 14 days after the final order of the Juvenile Court is filed. The Probate Court will not issue a license or accept an application prior to the 14 days. A copy of the order must be provided before an application will be accepted.
Both applicants must not be nearer of kin than second cousins and not have a spouse living.
If a previous marriage ended in divorce or annulment, the applicant(s) must provide a certified copy of the most recent divorce/annulment/dissolution decree along with case numbers/dates/locations (county/state/country) of all previous marriages, names of previous spouses and all current minor children.
Applicants are not required to produce copies of death certificates for deceased spouses.
Only an ordained or licensed officiant who is registered with the Secretary of the State of Ohio, a judge, a mayor, or the Superintendent of the State School for the Deaf may solemnize a marriage.For Civil Ceremony information please contact the Franklin County Municipal Court at 614-645-8162.
Applicants are responsible for checking the marriage license for accuracy prior to leaving the court.
The fee for the license is $65.00 . Fee is payable in cash or credit/debit card only (Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted. There is a 3% service fee for all credit/debit card transactions). Marriage License fee is non-refundable.
The license is valid for 60 days from its date of issuance.