State guide
Ohio
In Ohio, marriage licenses are issued by the probate court, and the statewide validity period is 60 days. Ohio law lets a probate judge grant the license any time after the application is made, and probate judges may solemnize marriages within their county if they choose. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-section-3101.05?utm_source=openai))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- Probate court. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-section-3101.05?utm_source=openai))
- Waiting period
- none stated; a probate judge may grant the license at any time after application. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-section-3101.05?utm_source=openai))
- License valid for
- 60 days. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3101.07?utm_source=openai))
- Witnesses
- not required on the official ceremony pages found. ([franklincountymunicourt.org](https://www.franklincountymunicourt.org/Departments/Wedding-Ceremonies?utm_source=openai))
- License fee
- At least $29 by statute, with a possible local additional fee up to $3. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2101.16/9-30-2025))
Official resources in Ohio
Official statute on where to apply, who must appear, and when a probate judge may grant a marriage license. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-section-3101.05?utm_source=openai))
Official statute setting the 60-day expiration of an Ohio marriage license. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3101.07?utm_source=openai))
Official statute authorizing probate judges to solemnize marriages within the county and establish a reasonable ceremony fee by rule. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2101.27?utm_source=openai))
Official Secretary of State page for clergy licensing to solemnize marriages in Ohio. ([ohiosos.gov](https://www.ohiosos.gov/records/minister-license?utm_source=openai))
Official county page explaining local licensing rules and stating the probate court does not perform civil ceremonies. ([probate.franklincountyohio.gov](https://probate.franklincountyohio.gov/Departments/Marriage?utm_source=openai))
Key facts for Ohio
- Ohio marriage licenses are issued by the probate court. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-section-3101.05?utm_source=openai))
- A probate judge may grant an Ohio marriage license at any time after the application is made. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-section-3101.05?utm_source=openai))
- An Ohio marriage license expires 60 days after issuance. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3101.07?utm_source=openai))
- Probate judges may solemnize marriages within their county and may set a reasonable ceremony fee by rule. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2101.27?utm_source=openai))
- Ohio statutes set at least $29 in marriage-license charges: $10 license, $2 certified abstract, and $17 additional fee; some probate courts may add up to $3 more. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2101.16/9-30-2025))
- Franklin County Municipal Court says couples are not required to provide a witness for the ceremony. ([franklincountymunicourt.org](https://www.franklincountymunicourt.org/Departments/Wedding-Ceremonies?utm_source=openai))
Courthouse ceremonies in Ohio
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Franklin County | Franklin County Probate Court issues licenses, but civil ceremonies are performed by Franklin County Municipal Court judges by appointment. ([probate.franklincountyohio.gov](https://probate.franklincountyohio.gov/Departments/Marriage?utm_source=openai)) |
| Cuyahoga County | Cuyahoga County Probate Court performs marriage ceremonies during normal business hours, by appointment. ([probate.cuyahogacounty.gov](https://probate.cuyahogacounty.gov/localrule.aspx/FAQs.aspx?utm_source=openai)) |
| Hamilton County | Hamilton County Municipal Court’s Duty Judge conducts civil marriage ceremonies. ([hamiltoncountycourts.org](https://hamiltoncountycourts.org/index.php/muni-officiants/?utm_source=openai)) |
What to do next
- Apply in the probate court of a county where either applicant resides; if both applicants live outside Ohio, apply in the county where the ceremony will occur. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-section-3101.05?utm_source=openai))
- If you want a courthouse-style ceremony, verify whether your county uses probate court or municipal court for ceremonies before booking your license appointment. ([probate.franklincountyohio.gov](https://probate.franklincountyohio.gov/Departments/Marriage?utm_source=openai))
- If using clergy, confirm the officiant is licensed through the Ohio Secretary of State before the ceremony. ([ohiosos.gov](https://www.ohiosos.gov/records/minister-license?utm_source=openai))
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?