Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding in Ohio? Here's what you need to know. First, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from the probate court in the county where you intend to marry. This can be done on the same day with no waiting period, but the license is only valid for 60 days. If you were previously married, you'll need to provide information about the divorce or death of your previous spouse. Both parties must be at least 18 years old, and the state only recognizes marriages between a man and a woman. However, same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions are recognized by Ohio. You'll also need to find an authorized officiant to perform the ceremony and ensure that the marriage certificate is properly filled out and returned to the appropriate probate court within 30 days.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage license waiting period | None |
| Marriage license expiration | 60 days after being issued |
| Marriage license return | Within 30 days of the ceremony |
| Marriage license application place | Probate court in the county where one of the couple lives |
| Marriage license application requirements | Both individuals must apply in person, provide identification, and pay a fee (typically around $50) |
| Officiant requirements | Authorized by the state of Ohio to perform marriages; must be at least 18 years old |
| Ceremony type | "Religious" or "Civil" |
| Minimum age of couple | 18 years old (16 or 17 years old with parental consent) |
| Witness requirements | None |
| Outdoor wedding considerations | Summer months can be warm and humid; late spring or early fall may be preferable |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Marriage license requirements
To obtain a marriage license in Ohio, both parties must appear in person at the probate court in the county where one of them lives. If neither party is a resident of Ohio, they must apply in the county where the marriage will take place. The probate court is the only place in Ohio authorized to issue a marriage license.
Each party must provide the following information:
- Name
- Age
- Residence
- Place of birth
- Occupation
- Father's name
- Mother's maiden name (if known)
- Name of the person who will officiate the marriage
If either party has been previously married, they must also provide:
- The names of the parties to any previous marriage and of any minor children
- If divorced, the jurisdiction, date, and case number of the decree, as well as a certified copy of the most recent divorce decree
If either applicant is under the age of 18, the judge will require the applicants to state that they have received marriage counseling satisfactory to the court and provide a marriage counseling form.
The court may also obtain each party's social security number and retain it in a separate record, allowing a different number to be used on the application for reference purposes.
Once the application is submitted, the probate judge will grant the marriage license if they are satisfied that there is no legal impediment. The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue and must be returned to the probate court within 30 days of the ceremony. The officiant is responsible for filling out the marriage license in the presence of the couple and any required witnesses.
Planning a Destination Wedding in France: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Officiant registration
If you want to officiate a wedding in Ohio, there are a few things you need to know and do to ensure that the marriage is legally binding.
Firstly, Ohio has stricter minister registration rules than most other states. Every ordained minister needs to register with the Secretary of State before they will be permitted to legally perform a wedding. This means that, if you are planning to become an ordained minister, you must register with the Secretary of State of Ohio. You can do this by submitting the necessary documentation to the Marriage Licensing Office at the following address: Minister Licensing Ohio Secretary of State, 22 North Fourth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. The phone number to reach the office is (614) 466-8770.
Secondly, it is important to understand your duties as an officiant. You will have two main duties on the wedding day. Your first, and most important, duty is a legal one: to fill out the marriage license in the presence of the couple and any required witnesses. Marriage licenses in Ohio are issued by the probate court in any of the state's 88 counties. You will need to ensure that the couple has a valid marriage license before the ceremony. The validity of a marriage license is governed by laws that determine the marriage license waiting period, expiration, and return. There is no waiting period in Ohio, meaning that couples can get married on the same day that they file for their marriage license. However, marriage licenses in Ohio expire 60 days after being issued, so it is important to check the date of issuance printed on the license. It is also your responsibility to ensure that the completed license is returned to the issuing court within 30 days of the ceremony so that the court can record the marriage on time.
Your second duty is non-legal and relates to how you prepare for the wedding ceremony. This includes confirming that the couple has a valid marriage license before the ceremony and reminding them to bring it to the ceremony. You should also familiarize yourself with the instructions provided to the couple regarding how, where, when, and by whom the marriage license is to be returned.
Finally, on the wedding day, you must attest to the fact that both persons verbally consented to take the other as their spouse for the marriage to be legally binding.
Essential Wedding Signs for a Smooth Celebration
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ceremony type
Ohio allows religious actors from all faiths to perform weddings in the state, as long as they have the proper licensing. The state also permits non-religious weddings. Judges, mayors, and the superintendent of the state school for the deaf can perform ceremonies. The state does not restrict weddings based on gender, religion, or other characteristics except age; to marry, you must be at least 18 years old.
To ensure your wedding is legally binding, you must follow the state laws regarding your ceremony. For instance, the wedding officiant has the responsibility to ensure the completed license is returned to the issuing court within 30 days of the ceremony. The officiant must also attest that both persons verbally consented to take the other as their spouse for the marriage to be legally binding.
To apply for a marriage license, both parties must visit the probate court of the county where one of them lives. If neither party is an Ohio resident, the application must be made in the county where the marriage will be performed. Both parties must be present to receive a marriage license and have a valid photo ID reflecting the name on the marriage license application. The fee for a marriage license application in Ohio varies from county to county but expect to pay around $40–$70.
Marriage licenses in Ohio are only valid for 60 days after issuance. There is no waiting period, so you can get married on the same day that you file for your marriage license. However, you should remind the couple to bring their marriage license to the ceremony.
Planning a Wedding Reception: No Ceremony, No Problem!
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Witnesses and age requirements
In Ohio, both parties must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license without parental consent. The minimum age with consent is 16. Applicants under 18 must have a letter from their minister or marriage counsellor stating that they have received pre-marital counselling. They must also have the consent of both parents or the parent who has custody, or a legal guardian. Applicants under the minimum age must first obtain approval from the Juvenile Court.
The marriage license fee in Ohio is $42-$73, varying by county. There is no waiting period, blood test, or residency requirement. The license is valid for 60 days and must be returned to the Probate Court within 30 days of the ceremony. The couple must bring the marriage license to the ceremony, along with valid photo identification.
The officiant must fill out the marriage license in the presence of the couple and any required witnesses. The officiant should familiarise themselves with the guidelines for marriage license handling and return. The marriage license should be returned to the Probate Court, usually by the couple, although some states require this to be done by the minister.
In Ohio, only ordained or licensed officiants who are registered with the Secretary of State, judges, mayors, or the Superintendent of the State School for the Deaf may solemnize a marriage.
Bunnell City Hall Rental for Weddings: A Spacious and Affordable Option
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Validity and expiration
In Ohio, marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. This means that the marriage must be solemnized within 60 days of the license being issued, and the completed license must be returned to the issuing court within 30 days of the ceremony. The date of expiry will be printed on the license.
There is no waiting period in Ohio, meaning that couples can get married on the same day that they file for their marriage license. However, the marriage license is only valid for 60 days, so if the marriage is not performed within that time, a new license must be obtained, and the associated fees must be paid again.
To apply for a marriage license, both parties must appear together at the probate court in the county where one of them lives. If neither party is an Ohio resident, the application must be made in the county where the marriage will take place. Both parties must provide valid photo identification reflecting the name that is entered on the marriage license application. They must also provide basic information about themselves, including their name, date of birth, place of birth, and city of residence. If either party has been married before, they must show relevant divorce documents and the names of their previous spouse and any children of the marriage.
Once the marriage has been solemnized, the officiant must ensure that the couple properly fills out the marriage certificate with their names, titles, home addresses, and the name of the congregation. The couple must then file the certificate with the appropriate probate court within 30 days of the ceremony.
Will You Be My Plus One?": Daring to Ask a Celebrity to Your Weddin
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Both individuals must apply for a marriage license in person at the probate court in the county where at least one of the individuals resides. Basic information such as name, date of birth, place of birth, and city of residence must be provided. A valid ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport is also required. There is no waiting period or residency requirement in Ohio, and the marriage license is typically valid for 60 days.
The officiant must be authorized by the state of Ohio to perform marriages. In Ohio, every ordained minister needs to register with the Secretary of State. Mayors, county court judges, and the superintendent of the state school for the deaf are also permitted to perform marriages.
No, witnesses are not required by law in Ohio.
Even if you will be conducting a completely non-religious ceremony, you must enter "Religious" on the form. This is because the designation "Religious" and "Civil" have different meanings for the Ohio Government, with "Civil" referring to government officials.
This depends on factors such as the officiant's experience level, travel requirements, involvement in the process, and their relationship with the couple. Officiants may choose to waive the fee if they have a close relationship with the couple. Otherwise, a reimbursement of at least $150 or more is standard.
