Weddings In Ohio: What You Need To Know

Getting married in Ohio is a relatively straightforward process, but there are some legal requirements that must be met for the marriage to be valid. Both parties must be at least 18 years old and cannot be more closely related than second cousins. Same-sex marriage is recognised in Ohio, and there is no waiting period to get married—you can get married the same day you receive your marriage license. This license is valid for 60 days and costs around $40, though prices vary by county. To apply, both parties must appear at the probate court in the county where one of them lives, or, if neither is an Ohio resident, the county where the marriage will take place. A valid photo ID and proof of any previous marriages are also required.

COVID-19 precautions: testing, social distancing, masks, hand sanitiser, etc

Weddings in Ohio can take place along the shores of Lake Erie, in Amish country, in a rural setting, or even on the Ohio River. Regardless of the location, the state's laws must be followed for the wedding to be considered valid.

COVID-19 Precautions: Testing, Social Distancing, Masks, and Hand Sanitiser

• Testing: The CDC recommends testing for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with the virus. If you are asymptomatic, wait at least 5 days after exposure before testing. If you test positive, follow CDC guidelines and stay at home.
• Social distancing: It is recommended to maintain a distance of 6 feet (approximately 2 metres) between yourself and others. Avoid crowded places, especially if you are experiencing symptoms or have tested positive.
• Masks: The host venue may request that non-vaccinated individuals wear masks, while vaccinated individuals may go without. It is recommended to carry a mask with you and wear it when in close contact with others, especially in indoor settings.
• Hand sanitiser: Provide hand sanitising stations throughout the venue, encouraging guests to sanitise their hands frequently. Additionally, ensure proper handwashing facilities are available, as handwashing with soap and water is more effective than hand sanitiser.

Other precautions to consider:

• Guests' health: Request that guests take their temperature before attending and refrain from coming if they have a fever or are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.
• Venue cleaning: Increase disinfection and cleaning of public areas, especially frequently touched surfaces.
• Guest list: Consider limiting the number of guests or creating a seating arrangement that promotes social distancing.
• Ventilation: Improve indoor air quality by opening windows or using air purifiers.
• Waivers: Consider asking guests to sign a waiver acknowledging the risks of COVID-19 exposure and releasing you from liability if they choose to attend.

Wedding laws in Ohio: age, witnesses, officiants, etc

Age

In Ohio, persons must be at least 18 years old to marry. The state forbids marriages between individuals who are closer in blood than second cousins or who have living spouses of their own.

There are two exceptions to the “no-minors-can-marry” rule. The first is if both parties are 17 years old and have consent from their parents or guardians. The second is if one party is 17 and has consent from a parent or guardian, and the other party is at least 18 but not older than 21.

Witnesses

Ohio does not require witnesses to be present at a wedding ceremony or to sign the marriage license.

Officiants

Ohio recognizes marriages that are ordained by licensed ministers of all religious congregations, as well as those performed by ordained persons part of religious groups whose ceremonies do not require ministers. The state also allows mayors, county court judges, municipal court judges, probate judges, and the superintendent of the state school for the deaf to perform marriages.

To officiate a wedding in Ohio, a minister must register with the state by providing a letter of good standing and/or a copy of their credentials to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State will then issue a license to the minister that allows them to perform weddings.

Other Requirements

To marry in Ohio, you must have a marriage license that you secure from the clerk of the court office in the probate court of your county. If you are from out of state, you must get the document from the county in which you will marry. The license will include various pieces of information about you and your partner, including your names, addresses, places of birth, parents' names, and the name of whoever will perform your ceremony.

You must swear that the information you provide is true, and giving a false statement is a criminal act subject to a fine. You must also provide documents to prove your identities, such as a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate.

Ohio has no waiting period between getting your marriage license and having your ceremony. However, Ohio marriage licenses are only valid for 60 days after issuance, and the wedding must take place within this window of time. The officiant has the responsibility to ensure the completed license returns to the issuing court within 30 days of the ceremony.

Wedding venues: Lake Erie, Amish country, Ohio River, etc

Ohio is a popular state for weddings, with its capital, Columbus, located within 500 miles of half the US population. The state offers a range of wedding venues, from the shores of Lake Erie to Amish country and the Ohio River.

Lake Erie

The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake is an all-in-one destination wedding venue on the shores of Lake Erie. It offers a full-service experience with rooms for guests, a restaurant, and amenities like a wine shuttle, a zipline, and pools. The Lodge can host receptions for up to 300 guests, as well as rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and breakfast the morning after. It provides a picturesque backdrop for wedding photos, with Lake Erie and Ohio's wine country in the background.

Amish Country

Yellowbrick on 39 is a unique barn wedding venue located in the heart of Amish country. It offers a beautiful, expansive rural setting with a renovated turn-of-the-century yellow-brick cottage and a newly remodelled barn. The Berlin Resort is another option, with beautiful facilities to accommodate up to 250 guests for an indoor or outdoor wedding.

Ohio River

The Ohio River runs through the state, and while there are no specific venues mentioned, one could consider waterfront venues in cities like Grand Rapids, McComb, Medina, and Wapakoneta, which offer stunning natural landscapes and lakeside gazebos for intimate weddings.

Other Ohio Wedding Venues

Other notable wedding venues in Ohio include the historic Warther Museum and Gardens, the Stables at Arrowhead Lake, and the Barn at Century Farms, a rustic barn venue with modern conveniences. The state also offers country clubs, golf clubs, hotels, and banquet halls as potential wedding venues to suit different tastes and budgets.

Wedding planning: consultants, caterers, DJs, etc

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but Ohio has a plethora of consultants, caterers, DJs, and other vendors to help bring your dream wedding to life.

Wedding Consultants

A good wedding planner can help you create a cohesive vision for your wedding and bring it to life. Wedding planners can also help you stay within your budget and handle any unforeseen issues that may arise on the big day.

• Blissfully Organized Events (Toledo)
• Wedded Perfection (Columbus and Southeast Michigan)
• Indigo Event Planning (Cleveland)
• Aisle Stand By You (Cincinnati)
• Forever Fabulous Occasions (Dublin)
• Annie Rose Events (New Albany)
• Planned Elegance (Youngstown)
• Bella Rose Weddings (Columbus)
• Events by Shannon (Middletown)
• Have an Epiphany LLC (Milford)
• Brinkhoff's Joyful Coordinating (Wooster)
• The Design Rack (Greater Cincinnati)
• Amity Weddings & Events (Latonia, KY)
• Pearls & Poppy (Fairborn)

Wedding Caterers

Catering is an essential part of your wedding, ensuring your guests are well-fed and satisfied. Wedding caterers in Ohio offer a range of cuisines and services to meet your needs. Here are some popular options:

• Dante Private Events and Catering (Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Wooster)
• Marigold Catering + Events (Cleveland)
• Bailey Family Catering (Cincinnati, Dayton, Miamisburg, Northern Kentucky)
• Eat Well Celebrations and Feasts (Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Southeast Indiana)
• Little Miami River Catering (Dayton, Cincinnati, Miamisburg, Troy)
• Robert J. Events & Catering (Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan)
• Old Carolina Barbecue & Catering Co. (Various locations)
• At Your Table Cafe & Catering (Akron/Canton and surrounding areas)

Wedding DJs

Music is a key element of a wedding, and a good DJ can elevate the atmosphere and ensure your guests have a memorable time. Ohio has many talented wedding DJs to choose from:

• Drop The Mic Entertainment (Akron)
• BeatWave Productions (Cincinnati)
• Monster BeatZ DJs (Middletown)
• Beach Boyz Entertainment (Cuyahoga Falls)
• Buckeye Entertainment (Columbus)
• HeadTrauma Entertainment (Canton, Pittsburgh, and Pennsylvania)
• Billy "J" Full Spectrum Entertainment (Willoughby)
• Sonus Entertainment (Columbus)
• Jesse Webb Entertainment (Mentor)
• American Entertainment (Avon)
• Off The Record Video DJ Service (Dayton)
• ISound Entertainment (Cleveland, also serving FL, GA, SC, NC, TN, VA)
• Decorative Sound (Maumee, Toledo)
• Everlasting Sounds (Cincinnati)

Wedding attire: bridal shops, dress appointments, etc

Planning a wedding in Ohio? There are plenty of bridal shops and boutiques to choose from, offering a range of styles and price points.

Bridal Boutiques

Twirl Bride in Kenton offers an extensive selection of wedding gowns, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,999. They provide a fun and easy bridal shopping experience, with a team dedicated to helping you find your dream dress.

Louise Christine Bridal Boutique & Atelier in Dayton offers a wide variety of bridal gowns, accessories, and unique designer pieces. Their prices range from $700 to $4,000, with off-the-rack options available for under $1,000.

Dublin Bridal in Dublin, Ohio, offers a personalised experience with carefully chosen dresses from top designers like Casablanca and Allure. Their prices range from under $500 to $2,499.

Attele Bridal Boutique in Upper Arlington provides a pressure-free, private shopping experience. They carry designer gowns from the likes of Rosa Clara Couture and Sophia Tolli, with prices ranging from $1,400 to $2,800.

Belle Amour Bridal in Toledo offers a wide selection of dresses and accessories from top designers, including Justin Alexander and Lillian West. Their prices range from $1,299 to $3,599, with off-the-rack options available for under $1,000.

Brides & Beyond in St. Henry offers a range of designer gowns, with prices from $1,199 to $3,500. Their bridal consultants aim to ensure you feel your best on your wedding day.

Luxe Redux Bridal Boutique, with locations in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh, offers a curated selection of designer gowns at affordable prices, ranging from $1,000 to $3,500.

Liliana Bridal House in Lakewood offers a personalised bridal shopping experience with a range of designer gowns, refitting, and alteration services. Their prices range from $800 to $7,000.

Modern On Market in Troy offers a welcoming and creative atmosphere, with a dedicated team to help you find your dream dress. They carry designer gowns from Pronovias, Justin Alexander, and more, with prices from $800 to $4,500.

SGE Bridal Boutique in Gahanna offers new and pre-owned gowns to suit every budget, with many options under $500.

Dress Appointments

While some boutiques, like Twirl Bride, offer walk-in hours, many require appointments for bridal consultations. Be sure to check the boutique's website or give them a call before you go.

Wedding Expos

For more options and inspiration, you can also check out wedding expos like Wendy's Wedding Expo, held annually in Cincinnati.

Frequently asked questions