
If you're getting married in Ohio, there are a few things you need to know about obtaining your marriage license and what to do with it after the wedding. The requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Ohio vary by county, so it's important to check with the probate court in the county where you plan to marry. Both parties must be present with valid picture IDs, and if neither of you is an Ohio resident, you must apply in the county where the marriage will take place. The license is valid for 60 days, and you must have your marriage ceremony within that time. After the wedding, the original marriage license remains on file with the probate court, and you will receive a certified copy as legal proof of your marriage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Validity of the marriage license | 60 days |
| Where to get the marriage license | Probate court in the county where you intend to be married |
| Who can get the marriage license | Both parties must be present and have a valid picture ID |
| What if one of the parties is physically incapacitated | The physician must complete an affidavit stating the physical disability, and this affidavit shall be filed with the application for the marriage license |
| What if neither of the applicants is a resident of the State of Ohio | The marriage ceremony must take place in the same county where the marriage license was issued |
| What to do with the marriage license after the wedding | The original marriage license remains on file with the probate court |
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What You'll Learn

The marriage license is valid for 60 days after issuance
In Ohio, the marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. This means that you must have your marriage ceremony within 60 days of receiving your license. If your marriage does not take place within this time frame, you will need to reapply for a new license and pay the associated fees.
To obtain a marriage license in Ohio, you must visit the probate court of the county where one of you lives. If neither of you is an Ohio resident, you must apply in the county where the marriage will be performed. Both parties must be physically present to sign the license when it is issued and must have a valid photo ID that matches the name on the marriage license application.
It is important to note that not just anyone can perform a marriage ceremony in Ohio. The person officiating the wedding must be licensed by the Ohio Secretary of State. This can include an Ordained Minister of any religious society or congregation within the state, a Probate Court Judge, a Judge of a Municipal Court, or the Mayor of a municipal corporation, among others.
After the wedding, the original marriage license remains on file with the Probate Court. The Probate Court is responsible for keeping and maintaining records of marriages. The Marriage License office also provides certified copies of the license, which are considered legal proof of the marriage and may be required by various agencies.
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The license remains on file with the Probate Court
In Ohio, the original marriage license remains on file with the Probate Court after the wedding. The Probate Court in each of Ohio's 88 counties is the only place to obtain a marriage license. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, and the marriage ceremony must take place within this time frame. If the marriage does not occur within 60 days, a new license must be obtained, including paying the associated fees again.
The process of obtaining a marriage license in Ohio can vary slightly depending on the county, with different requirements for residency. For example, in Montgomery County, at least one party member must be a resident, and if the applicant's ID does not reflect this, they must provide proof of residency. In Hamilton County, the Probate Court issues licenses to county residents and out-of-state residents intending to marry within the county.
To apply for a marriage license in Ohio, both parties must visit the probate court of the county where one of them lives. If neither party is an Ohio resident, they must apply in the county where the marriage will be held. Both parties must be physically present to sign the license with valid photo identification. If one or both parties are physically incapacitated, a physician's affidavit must be submitted with the application.
After the wedding, the Probate Court keeps the original marriage license on file, and a certified copy is automatically mailed to the couple. This certified copy is a photocopy of the original license, certified as a true and accurate reproduction. It serves as legal proof of the marriage and is typically required by agencies and bureaus. Marriage licenses are also a matter of public record. Additionally, the person officiating the marriage must be licensed by the Ohio Secretary of State, and it is the couple's responsibility to ensure this.
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Certified copies are considered legal proof of marriage
A certified copy is a photocopy of the original license, certified to be a true and accurate reproduction of the record. Marriage licenses are a matter of public record. If you need more certified copies, you can contact the vital records office in the state where you were married. They will inform you of the cost, the information you need to supply, and whether you can get a copy online, by mail, or in person.
In Ohio, marriage licenses are applied for and issued in compliance with federal and state law. The fee for the license is $75.00, payable in cash or by credit card. Each applicant must have a government-issued photo ID. If either applicant has been married before, a certified copy of the Decree of Divorce (or Dissolution) must be presented.
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Residency requirements vary by county
In Ohio, a marriage license is a legal document that grants two individuals the right to marry. The process may vary slightly by county, so it is essential to check with the specific county's probate court for detailed information. Here is some more information about the residency requirements that vary by county.
Firstly, it is important to note that there is no residency requirement for obtaining a marriage license in Ohio. You do not have to be a resident of Ohio to get married in the state. However, if neither partner is an Ohio resident, the couple must apply for a marriage license in the county where the marriage will take place.
Secondly, to apply for a marriage license, both parties must visit the probate court of the county where one of them lives. If one partner lives in Ohio and the other does not, the Ohio resident must apply in their county. If both partners reside in Ohio but in different counties, they can choose either county to apply for their marriage license.
Additionally, the fee for a marriage license varies by county but is typically around $50. The marriage license is then valid for 60 days, and the couple can proceed with their marriage ceremony. After the wedding, the original marriage license remains on file with the probate court, and a certified copy is considered legal proof of the marriage.
In conclusion, while there is no residency requirement for marriage licenses in Ohio, the specific county's probate court may have varying processes and fees, so it is essential to check with them directly for the most accurate information.
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If previously married, include names of ex-partners and any children
If one or both partners have been married before, the names of the ex-partners and any children under the age of 18 must be included in the marriage license application. Additionally, if either partner has been divorced, the places, dates, and case numbers of the divorces must be provided, along with a certified copy of the most recent divorce decree. This is a requirement for couples applying for a marriage license in Ohio, and it helps to ensure that all relevant information about the couple's marital history is disclosed.
It is important to note that Ohio does not recognize civil unions or domestic partnerships. If a couple has a civil union or domestic partnership in another state and wishes to have their relationship officially recognized by the state of Ohio, they must get married. The marriage license application process in Ohio is designed to collect comprehensive information about the couple's marital history, including any previous marriages, divorces, and children from those marriages.
The requirement to include the names of ex-partners and children under the age of 18 in the marriage license application is in place to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the couple's marital records. This information is important for legal and administrative purposes, and it helps to establish the couple's current marital status and any potential legal or financial obligations arising from previous marriages.
By disclosing the names of ex-partners and children, the couple provides a clear understanding of their familial relationships and any ongoing responsibilities or commitments. This information can be crucial in various legal contexts, such as estate planning, child custody, or financial matters. It also helps to prevent any potential legal complications or conflicts that may arise due to undisclosed or unknown previous marriages or dependants.
In summary, if either partner has been previously married, it is essential to include the names of ex-partners and any children under the age of 18 in the marriage license application when applying for a marriage license in Ohio. This requirement ensures transparency and helps to establish the couple's legal and familial standing, contributing to a smooth and secure process for all involved parties.
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Frequently asked questions
A marriage license in Ohio is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
After the wedding, the original marriage license remains on file with the Probate Court. The Marriage License office also images all marriage licenses to provide better and faster accessibility to the public.
A lost or damaged marriage license cannot be replaced.
To apply for a marriage license, you must visit the probate court of the county where one of you lives. If neither of you is an Ohio resident, you must apply in the county where the marriage will be performed.










































