If you reside in Ohio, you apply for your marriage license in the county where you live. If you reside outside of Ohio but plan to get married in Ohio, you apply for your marriage license in the county where your ceremony will take place.

In Ohio, you may apply for your marriage license up to 60 days before your wedding.

Witnesses are not required, and there is no waiting period in the State of Ohio.

Each county’s Probate Court has its own requirements, and those requirements can change without notice. Be sure to check your county’s website before heading to court.

Cuyahoga County
Cuyahoga County asks couples to pre-register online before visiting Probate Court to receive their marriage license packet in person. You’ll need your Social Security number, a current photo ID, and, if applicable, certified proof that any prior marriage has ended (a certified divorce decree or certified death certificate).

Geauga County
Geauga County requires your Social Security card (knowing the number alone is not sufficient). If you are between the ages of 18 and 21, you’ll also need a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you are over 21, a current photo ID is sufficient. If either applicant has been married before, certified documentation for every prior marriage ending is required—not just the most recent. This applies to both divorce decrees and death certificates.

Lake County
Lake County requires you to complete the marriage license application online before obtaining your license. According to their website, you cannot receive your marriage license on the same day you submit the online application. You’ll need a current photo ID and certified proof that any prior marriage has ended (a certified divorce decree or certified death certificate).

Lorain County
Lorain County requires couples to call and schedule an appointment to obtain their marriage license. They will ask whether you have selected an officiant before scheduling your appointment. When you apply, you’ll also need to provide your officiant’s name, title, and phone number. Both applicants must know their Social Security numbers, present a current photo ID, and provide certified proof of any prior marriage ending (a certified divorce decree or certified death certificate).

Medina County
Medina County asks couples to complete the online marriage license application before visiting Probate Court. You’ll need a current photo ID, certified proof of any prior marriage ending (a certified divorce decree or certified death certificate), and the name of your officiant.

Portage County
Portage County allows couples to apply either online or in person. Appointments are available, and walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll need your Social Security number, a current photo ID, and certified proof of any prior marriage ending (a certified divorce decree or certified death certificate).

Summit County
Summit County asks couples to pre-register online before visiting Probate Court to receive their marriage license packet in person. You’ll also need the birth names of both parents. If a parent’s birth name is unknown, you’ll need to bring your birth certificate. As with most counties, you’ll need your Social Security number, a current photo ID, and certified proof of any prior marriage ending (a certified divorce decree or certified death certificate).

What Happens Next?

Most Probate Courts provide three copies in your marriage license packet, although the paperwork may vary slightly by county. One copy is your keepsake copy, one is the official court copy that must be signed and returned, and some counties also provide a copy for the officiant to keep.

In Cuyahoga County, I e-file all completed marriage licenses. In most other counties, I mail the signed license back to Probate Court on your behalf.

On your wedding day, simply give the entire marriage license packet to your officiant. After the ceremony, your officiant will return the legal copy to the appropriate Probate Court and give you your keepsake copy.

Each county handles issuing certified marriage certificates differently. Some automatically mail a certified copy to you, while others require you to request one or pick it up in person.

Your certified marriage certificate is the document you’ll use for legal purposes, including changing your name, updating your employer, bank accounts, insurance, Social Security records, and other official documents.

Don’t make the mistake of bringing your keepsake copy—it isn’t valid for legal purposes.

Please note: Marriage license requirements are set by each county’s Probate Court and may change without notice. While I do my best to keep this information current, always verify the latest requirements with your county before applying.

As always, if you have questions about this process, I’m happy to help!