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Ohio marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What Ohio's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished October 30, 2026

Editorial standards

Ohio marriage license at a glance

Fee: $65 at the Franklin County Probate Court. Ohio fees vary by county. Waiting period: None for adults once the application is accepted. How long it is valid: Valid for 60 days from the date it is issued.

Ohio counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Franklin County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Ohio marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked October 30, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $65 at the Franklin County Probate Court. Ohio fees vary by county. (Source: probate.franklincountyohio.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: None for adults once the application is accepted. (Source: probate.franklincountyohio.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: Valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. (Source: probate.franklincountyohio.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: Valid for a ceremony anywhere in Ohio. (Source: probate.franklincountyohio.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Who may officiate: Ordained or licensed officiants registered with the Ohio Secretary of State, plus judges, mayors and the superintendent of the State School for the Deaf. (Source: probate.franklincountyohio.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: 18 or older. Anyone under 18 must first petition juvenile court for consent, and the license is not issued until 14 days after the court's final order. (Source: probate.franklincountyohio.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Each applicant needs an unexpired photo ID showing a birth date, plus proof of residency if the ID lacks a Franklin County address. (Source: probate.franklincountyohio.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: The probate court of the Ohio county where either applicant lives; if neither lives in Ohio, the county where the ceremony will be held. (Source: probate.franklincountyohio.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Yes. Every applicant must complete an online application before appearing in person for the license. (Source: probate.franklincountyohio.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Certified marriage abstracts cost $2.00 per copy, with card payment through Point & Pay for online orders. (Source: probate.franklincountyohio.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Ohio?

$65 at the Franklin County Probate Court. Ohio fees vary by county. Ohio counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Franklin County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Ohio?

None for adults once the application is accepted.

How long is a Ohio marriage license valid?

Valid for 60 days from the date it is issued.

Who can officiate a wedding in Ohio?

Ordained or licensed officiants registered with the Ohio Secretary of State, plus judges, mayors and the superintendent of the State School for the Deaf.

How do you get a certified copy of a Ohio marriage certificate?

Certified marriage abstracts cost $2.00 per copy, with card payment through Point & Pay for online orders.

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