Getting married in Ohio? That’s awesome! We know planning a wedding is a whirlwind of decisions – picking the perfect venue, finding that dream dress, and all the little details that make it special. But amidst all the excitement, don’t forget the nitty-gritty legal stuff, like getting your marriage license. We get it; navigating the different rules for each county can be a bit of a headache. That’s why we’re here to help you through it, step by step. After all, we want you to focus on celebrating your love, not stressing over paperwork. So, let’s dive into the details together and make sure getting your Ohio marriage license is a breeze!

Key requirements for getting your Ohio marriage license

The requirements for getting your Ohio marriage license will depend on which county you live in. Nonetheless, here are some general requirements that are true in most Ohio counties for obtaining your marriage license: 

• Residency: Check to see what your county says about residency. For example, in Franklin County, Ohio, you must have proof of residency from at least one spouse to get a marriage license there. 
• Identification: Both applicants must present valid photo identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
• Social Security Number: You’ll need to provide your Social Security number, but, generally, you will NOT need to bring your physical SSN card–just the number is enough.
• Age: The minimum age for marriage in Ohio is 18, with some exceptions for 17-year-olds with parental consent or judicial approval.
• Previous Marriages: If either party has been previously married, you’ll need to provide a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. For example, if your last marriage ended in death, you’ll need to bring the death certificate of the deceased spouse.
• Waiting Period: There is no mandatory waiting period, but processing times may vary depending on the county.
• Marriage License Validity: Your marriage license will be valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.

County-specific information

Whether you’re in small-town OH or one of the big 3 C’s (Columbus, Cincy, or Cleveland), you’ll need to check with your local county’s rules on marriage licenses. Be sure to check the website of the specific Probate Court in the county where you’re applying for a marriage license for the steps to take. For example, some counties may have additional requirements or variations in the process. 

Here are the links to the marriage license applications for some of the major Ohio counties:

• Get Your Franklin County (Columbus) Marriage License: https://probate.franklincountyohio.gov/departments/marriage?ext=.
• Get Your Hamilton County (Cincinnati) Marriage License: https://www.probatect.org/marriage-license
• Get Your Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) Marriage License: https://probate.cuyahogacounty.gov/marriage.aspx

The Ohio marriage license application process

Every county will vary slightly, but here are the general steps you can expect when getting your Ohio marriage license: 

1. Complete the Application Online: In many OH counties, you may apply for your marriage license online to save time in the courthouse. For example, in Franklin County, Cuyahoga County, and Hamilton County (and many other counties) you can start the application process online. Once your online application is complete, you’ll need to appear in person to finish up the application process.
2. Pay the Fee: The marriage license fee is typically $65 (subject to change), usually payable in cash or by card. In Hamilton County, the fee is $75. So, as you can see, check with your local county to see what the exact fee is, as it can vary. 
3. Obtain Your License: Many counties require or allow an online pre-registration form to be completed before picking up your marriage license in person at the courthouse. You can also sometimes fill out the marriage license application in person, depending on the county. Don’t forget to double-check the accuracy of the license before leaving the court.
4. Get Married!: Just because you have a marriage license does NOT mean you are married. You now need to have a marriage ceremony within 60 days of the issuance of the marriage license. 

Additional considerations for marriage licenses in OH

That’s not all, folks! Here are some more considerations to think about when getting your marriage license in Ohio. 

• Name Change: If you plan to change your name after marriage, you can start the process when applying for your license.
• Premarital Counseling: While this is not legally required in Ohio, some couples choose to participate in premarital counseling, which may offer a discount on the license fee in some counties.
• Proxy Marriages: Ohio does not recognize proxy marriages, meaning both parties must be physically present for the ceremony.

The bottom line on marriage licenses in Ohio 

You’ve got this! With this guide in hand and your Ohio marriage license secured, you’re well on your way to happily ever after. Just remember, the legal stuff is just a tiny part of the big picture. Focus on the love you share, the memories you’ll create, and the beautiful journey ahead. Now, go out there and celebrate your love story!  Congratulations to you both!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about marriage licenses in Ohio

Let’s discuss some more of your questions on this matter. 

Q: Do you need a social security card to get a marriage license in OH? 

A: Typically, you only need to have your social security number to get a marriage license in OH. For example, Montgomery County, Ohio specifically states that you do NOT need your physical social security card to get a marriage license.

Q: What do you need to get a marriage license in OH? 

A: A valid form of ID such as a driver’s license, your social security number, proof of residency in the county you are applying to, proof of divorce or death of previous spouse (if applicable), and money to cover the fee! 

Q: Do you need a blood test done to get a marriage license in Ohio?

A: No! Blood tests are not required in any Ohio county for a marriage license.

Q: How long do you have to wait to get a marriage license in Ohio? 

A: There is no waiting period in any Ohio county– you may obtain your marriage license and get married immediately. (Some states require that you wait a certain amount of time between getting the marriage license and getting married–this is not required anywhere in OH).

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Nicole Sheehey

Nicole Sheehey is the Head of Legal Content at HelloPrenup, and an Illinois licensed attorney. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to prenuptial agreements. Nicole has Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. She has a deep understanding of the legal and financial implications of prenuptial agreements, and enjoys writing and collaborating with other attorneys on the nuances of the law. Nicole is passionate about helping couples locate the information they need when it comes to prenuptial agreements. You can reach Nicole here: Nicole@Helloprenup.com

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