Getting a Marriage License in Ohio
Where to apply for a marriage license in Ohio, what to bring, the waiting period, how long it's valid, and the minimum marriage age.
Short answer: Both people must apply in person at the probate court in the county where either lives (or, if neither lives in Ohio, where the wedding will take place; the wedding must then happen in that county). Ohio Rev. Code § 3101.05
| Getting a marriage license | Both people must apply in person at the probate court in the county where either lives (or, if neither lives in Ohio, where the wedding will take place; the wedding must then happen in that county). Each applicant states under oath their name, age, residence, place of birth, occupation and parents' names, plus details of any prior marriage and divorce, and gives a Social Security number. Each must show proof of age, such as a birth certificate, passport, driver's license, or other government- or school-issued ID showing date of birth. The judge may grant the license at any time after the application is made, so there is no waiting period for adults. Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 3101.05 |
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| Minimum marriage age | The minimum age is 18. A 17-year-old may marry only if the juvenile court has filed a consent to the marriage, and if only one party is 17, the other may be no more than four years older. The probate court may then issue the license no earlier than 14 days after the juvenile court's consent, and 17-year-old applicants must state they received marriage counseling satisfactory to the court. |
Where to get help in Ohio
More Ohio divorce & family law
- Adopting a Child in Ohio
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Ohio
- Establishing Paternity in Ohio
- Changing Your Name in Ohio
- Child Custody Laws in Ohio
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Ohio
- Divorce Records in Ohio
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Ohio
- How to File for Divorce in Ohio
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Ohio
- All Ohio divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you get a marriage license in Ohio?
Both people must apply in person at the probate court in the county where either lives (or, if neither lives in Ohio, where the wedding will take place; the wedding must then happen in that county). Each applicant states under oath their name, age, residence, place of birth, occupation and parents' names, plus details of any prior marriage and divorce, and gives a Social Security number. Each must show proof of age, such as a birth certificate, passport, driver's license, or other government- or school-issued ID showing date of birth. The judge may grant the license at any time after the application is made, so there is no waiting period for adults.
What is the legal age to get married in Ohio?
The minimum age is 18. A 17-year-old may marry only if the juvenile court has filed a consent to the marriage, and if only one party is 17, the other may be no more than four years older. The probate court may then issue the license no earlier than 14 days after the juvenile court's consent, and 17-year-old applicants must state they received marriage counseling satisfactory to the court.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.