Step By Step Guide To Getting Married At The Courthouse In Ohio What You Need To Know

Getting married at the courthouse in Ohio is a practical, affordable, and legally recognized way to begin your marriage. Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or simply prefer a no-frills approach, understanding the process ensures everything goes smoothly. This comprehensive guide walks you through each stage—from obtaining your marriage license to walking down the aisle in front of a judge—so you can focus on what truly matters: starting your life together.

Understanding Ohio’s Marriage Requirements

Before applying for a marriage license, both parties must meet Ohio’s legal criteria. These requirements are standardized across counties but administered locally, meaning slight variations may exist depending on where you apply.

• You must be at least 18 years old. Individuals aged 16 or 17 may marry with parental consent and court approval.
• Both applicants must appear in person at the probate court to apply for the license.
• You cannot be currently married to someone else.
• Siblings or direct blood relatives cannot legally marry in Ohio.
• There is no residency requirement—you do not need to live in Ohio to get married there.

“Ohio law treats all marriages equally, whether they take place in a cathedral or a county courthouse. The key is ensuring your license is valid and your officiant is authorized.” — Judge Rebecca T. Jones, Franklin County Probate Court (ret.)

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Married at the Courthouse

The process from application to “I do” typically takes just a few days, but planning ahead prevents delays. Follow this timeline for a seamless experience.

1. Choose Your County: Apply for your marriage license in any Ohio county, regardless of where you live. Many couples choose counties with convenient appointment systems or shorter wait times.
2. Gather Required Documents: Bring government-issued photo IDs (driver’s license, passport, or state ID), Social Security numbers, and proof of dissolution if either party was previously married (divorce decree or death certificate).
3. Apply for the Marriage License: Visit the probate court office together during business hours. Applications are not accepted online or over the phone.
4. Pay the Fee: Most counties charge between $45 and $85. Cash, credit cards, or checks are usually accepted—check ahead for payment options.
5. Wait the Mandatory 3-Day Period: Ohio enforces a 72-hour waiting period after issuing the license before the marriage can be solemnized, unless waived by a judge.
6. Schedule Your Ceremony: Some courthouses offer daily walk-in ceremonies; others require appointments. Confirm availability when applying.
7. Get Married: Appear before a licensed officiant—typically a judge or magistrate—at the courthouse. Bring two witnesses if required by the county.
8. Receive Your Certified Copies: After the ceremony, the officiant files the signed license. You can request certified copies for legal use (name changes, insurance, etc.).

Tip: Request 2–3 certified copies of your marriage certificate at the time of filing—they cost around $5 each and save time later.

Documents You Need to Bring

Being unprepared is the most common reason for delays. Use this checklist to ensure you have everything ready before heading to the courthouse.

Document	Purpose	Notes
Government-Issued Photo ID	Verify identity	Driver’s license, passport, or military ID
Social Security Number	Required for license application	Card not always needed, but number must be provided
Proof of Previous Marriage End	Divorce decree or death certificate	If divorced within the last year, bring official documentation
Witnesses (if required)	Sign the marriage license	Cuyahoga County requires two; Franklin allows zero or two depending on circumstances

Waiving the Waiting Period

Ohio’s standard 72-hour waiting period begins immediately after the license is issued. However, it can be waived under specific conditions. A judge may grant a waiver for:

• Medical emergencies
• Active military deployment
• Extreme hardship (e.g., imminent travel, terminal illness)

To request a waiver, submit a written motion to the probate court explaining the circumstances. Approval is at the judge’s discretion and often requires supporting documentation (doctor’s note, military orders, etc.). If granted, the ceremony can occur the same day as the application.

“We once performed a same-day wedding for a soldier deploying overseas in 48 hours. With proper paperwork, the waiver was approved in under two hours.” — Clerk Maria Thompson, Hamilton County Probate Court

Real Example: A Smooth Courthouse Wedding in Columbus

Emily and James, a couple from Toledo visiting family in Franklin County, decided on a courthouse wedding to keep things simple. They arrived at the probate court at 8:30 a.m. with IDs, SSNs, and Emily’s divorce decree (finalized six months earlier). After paying the $58 fee, they received their license and requested a waiver due to James’s return flight that evening.

The judge reviewed their case and approved the waiver by 10:00 a.m. They scheduled a noon ceremony with a magistrate, brought two friends as witnesses, and were pronounced married by 12:15 p.m. They left with three certified copies of their marriage certificate the following week—all for under $100 total.

County-by-County Variations: What to Expect

While Ohio state law governs marriage licensing, local probate courts manage logistics differently. Here’s a quick comparison of three major counties:

County	License Cost	Waiting Period Waiver?	Ceremony Availability
Franklin	$58	Yes, with judge approval	Appointments & limited walk-ins
Cuyahoga	$75	Yes, for extenuating circumstances	Daily walk-in ceremonies at 8:30 a.m.
Hamilton	$45	Limited waivers	By appointment only

Always contact your chosen county’s probate court directly for the most accurate information. Office hours, holiday closures, and witness rules vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we get married the same day we apply for the license?

Only if the 72-hour waiting period is waived by a judge. This requires a valid reason and documentation. Otherwise, you must wait three full days after issuance.

Do we need witnesses to get married at the courthouse?

It depends on the county. Franklin County does not always require witnesses, but Cuyahoga and Montgomery counties do. Check with your local probate court to confirm.

How long is the marriage license valid?

An Ohio marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If you don’t get married within that window, you’ll need to reapply and pay the fee again.

Final Checklist Before You Go

Use this concise checklist to prepare for your courthouse wedding day:

• ✅ Both partners will appear in person at the probate court
• ✅ Bring government-issued photo IDs
• ✅ Have Social Security numbers ready
• ✅ Provide divorce decree or death certificate if applicable
• ✅ Decide if you need a waiting period waiver—and gather supporting documents
• ✅ Confirm ceremony availability and appointment needs
• ✅ Arrange for witnesses if required by your county
• ✅ Plan to request certified copies of your marriage certificate

Tip: Arrive early—many courthouses stop issuing licenses 1–2 hours before closing. Weekday mornings typically have shorter lines.

Conclusion: Start Your Marriage with Confidence

Getting married at the courthouse in Ohio is straightforward when you know what to expect. With proper preparation, you can complete the entire process in a matter of days—and sometimes even hours. From gathering documents to saying your vows, every step is designed to uphold the legal integrity of your union while respecting your personal choices.

Whether you’re planning a quiet moment or building toward a larger celebration later, your courthouse ceremony is a meaningful beginning. Take the time to understand the rules, communicate with your local probate office, and protect your marriage documents. When you walk out hand-in-hand with a signed license and a new title—spouse—you’ll know you’ve started your journey the right way.

💬 Have questions about your courthouse wedding in Ohio? Share your thoughts or experiences below—your insight could help another couple start their marriage stress-free!