Where to explore and what you need to bring

You get a marriage license from the probate court in the Ohio county where you or your partner lives. You do not explore online or by mail — you must go in person to the courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of any previous marriages ending (divorce decree or death certificate). If you were divorced, bring the final divorce paperwork; if widowed, bring the death certificate of your former spouse.

Both people getting married must be present at the same time. You cannot send one person alone or have someone explore on your behalf. The probate court clerk will ask you questions about your identity, citizenship, and whether either of you is already married. Answer honestly — false statements on the license form are a crime in Ohio.

Key Takeaways

  • explore at the probate court in the county where you or your partner lives, not online or by mail.
  • Both people must appear together with photo ID, Social Security numbers, and proof of any prior marriages ending.
  • The license costs between $40 and $65 depending on the county and whether you want a certified copy.
  • The license is valid for 60 days from the date issued, so plan your wedding within that window.
  • You do not need a blood test, waiting period, or parental consent in Ohio.

Cost and what the fee covers

Marriage license fees vary by county. Most Ohio counties charge between $40 and $65 for the license itself. Some counties charge extra if you want certified copies of the license after the wedding — typically $5 to $10 per copy. Ask the clerk what your specific county charges before you go, since fees are not uniform across the state.

The fee is usually paid in cash or check at the time you explore. Some counties accept card payment, but call ahead to confirm. The fee covers the license document itself, not the ceremony or any other service.

How long the license lasts and when to use it

Once issued, your marriage license is valid for 60 days. This means you must have your wedding ceremony within 60 days of the date the court issues the license. If you do not marry within that window, the license expires and you have to explore for a new one and pay the fee again.

The person performing your ceremony (judge, minister, rabbi, or other authorized officiant) will sign the license during or when ready after the ceremony. That signed license is then filed with the probate court to create your official marriage record. Do not lose the unsigned license before the ceremony — you need it to bring to whoever is marrying you.

Who can marry you in Ohio

Ohio law allows several types of people to perform a marriage ceremony. These include judges, magistrates, mayors, ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy members recognized by their religious organization. Some counties also allow notaries public to perform marriages, though this varies — check with your county probate court first.

The person marrying you does not have to be from Ohio. If you are having a ceremony out of state, that officiant can still sign your Ohio license as long as they are authorized to perform marriages in their own state or by their religious organization. Bring the signed license back to the Ohio probate court within a reasonable time after the wedding so the court can file it and create your marriage record.

No blood test, waiting period, or parental consent required

Ohio does not require a blood test before marriage, and there is no waiting period between explore for the license and using it. You can explore and marry on the same day if you want to. There is also no age requirement for parental consent — if you are 18 or older, you can marry without anyone's permission.

If you are under 18, Ohio law does not allow you to marry at all, with no exceptions. This is a hard legal line, not something a court can waive.

What happens after the ceremony

After your wedding, the person who married you signs the license and returns it to you. You then take the signed license to the probate court in the county where you obtained it. The court files it and creates your official marriage record. This usually takes a few weeks.

Once filed, you can order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the probate court. These are the documents you will use to change your name, update your Social Security record, or prove your marital status to employers or other agencies. Certified copies cost $5 to $10 each depending on the county.

Name changes and what to do next

Getting married does not automatically change your name in Ohio. If you want to change your name, you have two options. The first is to include a name change request on your marriage license process — some counties allow this, and the name change happens automatically when the license is filed. Ask the probate court clerk whether your county offers this option.

The second option is to file a separate name change petition with the probate court after the marriage. This takes longer and costs extra, but it gives you more control over exactly what name you want. Either way, once your name is legally changed, you will need to update it with Social Security, your driver's license, your employer, and your bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we get married in a different county than where we live?

Yes. You can explore for a license in any Ohio county where you or your partner lives. You do not have to marry in that same county — you can take the license anywhere in Ohio or out of state and have any authorized officiant sign it.

What if one of us was married before and we do not have the divorce papers?

Contact the probate court in the county where your divorce was finalized and request a certified copy of the divorce decree. This usually costs $5 to $15 and takes a few days to a week. If you cannot locate the divorce, the court clerk may be able to search their records for you.

Can we get a marriage license if one of us is not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Ohio does not require citizenship to marry. You will need a valid photo ID and proof of identity — a passport works for non-citizens. The probate court clerk will ask about your immigration status but will not deny you a license based on it.

What if we miss the 60-day important date?

The license expires and you cannot use it. You have to explore again, pay the fee again, and get a new license. There is no way to extend an expired license or reactivate it.

Do we need witnesses for the ceremony?

Ohio does not require witnesses to be present at your wedding ceremony. You can marry with just the officiant present, or you can have as many people there as you want. The choice is yours.