Ohio Marriage Records

Ohio counties have maintained their marriage records from the inception of the counties. However, the state standardized its system for keeping marriage records in 1908, directing each county to keep proper marriage records. Individual counties have older marriage records dating before 1908. In Ohio, the marriage rate is about 5.1 marriages per 1,000 residents, about 18% lower than the national average of around 6.2 marriages per 1,000 people.

Ohio marriage records are the official documents maintained by county probate courts that record the details of a marriage. In practice, Ohio maintains two types of marriage documents, including:

• Marriage License: Marriage licenses are issued before the wedding, granting the persons named on the document permission to get married after meeting the state's requirements. Before a wedding ceremony is conducted in the state, the couple must apply for and receive a marriage license from a local county clerk or state office, allowing them to tie the knot. Marriage licenses contain the couple's full names, dates and places of birth, ages, identification details, county of marriage, expiration date, and signature of the couple.
• Marriage Certificate: Marriage certificates are the official documents that prove the marriage took place. It is issued after the wedding ceremony once the officiant returns the completed certificate to the probate court. Marriage certificates contain information such as the names of the couple, date, place, and county of marriage, officiant details, witnesses' signatures, the official registration number, and the state or county seal.

Besides marriage certificates and licenses offered in Ohio, there are other marriage records useful for legal purposes. Marriage registers, or indexes in Ohio, are organized logs maintained by the probate courts that list every marriage recorded in the county along with key details. These records are usually best for genealogical research. The state also offers certified marriage certificates, which are verified and authenticated official copies of a marriage record used for accessing benefits, legal name changes, and genealogical research.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Ohio?

Marriage records are maintained at the county level by the probate courts in Ohio. Therefore, the availability of the records may vary by county. Generally, some counties have marriage records from 1803 to the present, while others may have records from 1908, when the state directed counties to keep marriage records.

Since there is no central repository for marriage records, you may contact the Ohio probate court where the marriage was recorded. Each county has its online portals or downloadable forms with instructions for ordering certified copies. Since specific procedures may vary, go to the official website of the county's probate court where the marriage was recorded. Some counties offer online ordering of marriage records, while others require record requests to be mailed or requested in person.

All applications for marriage records in the state must include the following:

• The full names of both spouses
• The marriage date
• The county where the marriage took place
• The certificate or record number
• A valid ID
• A self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requesters
• The fees

Are Marriage Records Public in Ohio?

Marriage records are considered public records in Ohio. Ohio's public records law, outlined in Section 149.43 of the Ohio Revised Code, mandates that most documents created or received by government agencies, including marriage records, are public records unless there is a specific exemption. While marriage records are open to the public, certain personal information is redacted to protect privacy. However, basic details like names and location of marriage remain accessible.

How Much Do Ohio Marriage Records Cost?

Ohio marriage records are maintained at the county level by the probate courts. Therefore, each jurisdiction sets its fee schedule. Generally, most Ohio counties charge between $2 and $3.50 per certified copy of a marriage record. Additional copies typically cost the same as the original fee per copy.

Not all counties offer expedited processing for marriage records. But for those that do, there is an extra fee. Where available, expedited processing fees range between $5 to $10 per request. Check with your county's probate court website for the exact fees.

Is It Possible to Make Your Marriage Records Confidential in Ohio?

No. In Ohio, marriage records are considered public records under state law. Unlike states that offer confidential marriage licenses or the option to seal the marriage records once a marriage is recorded in Ohio, there is no statutory provision for making the records confidential. Therefore, all marriage records are accessible to anyone who requests them. There is no waiting period or special procedure permitting couples to seal or restrict access to these records.

How Do I Verify the Authenticity of Ohio Marriage Records?

Verifying the authenticity of a marriage record can be essential for travel and immigration purposes, verifying eligibility for spousal benefits in insurance or social benefits, establishing legal rights to inheritance, name change after marriage, or initiating divorce proceedings. Generally, all authenticated and verified copies of Ohio marriage records contain security features to prevent fraud. These features include the signature of the issuing officer, unique certification numbers, and a raised or embossed official seal.

To ensure that a marriage record is authentic, determine the county where the marriage was recorded. Visit the website of the appropriate county probate court to determine if you may authenticate the record in person or by mail. You may use the county's online request downloadable form to request authentication by mail or in person at the probate court office.

Can I Find Ohio Marriage Records Online for Free?

Accessing Ohio marriage records online for free is possible through non-governmental sources, genealogical websites, and public records databases. These platforms offer access to historic and recent marriage records:

• FamilySearch.org: FamilySearch is a free genealogical resource that offers extensive collections of marriage records, including Ohio marriage records. The platform includes a collection of index names and images of the county marriage records acquired from local courthouses.
• Ohio State Archives: Ohio state archives and libraries maintain historical records, including marriage records, that can be invaluable for genealogical research.
• Third-Party Websites: Third-party websites, such as PublicRecords.us,aggregate public records from multiple sources. They provide access to public records, including marriage records. It is essential to verify the accuracy and completeness of marriage records obtained from third-party platforms.

What Is Required to Get an Ohio Marriage License?

Obtaining a marriage license in Ohio involves specific requirements, including:

• Both applicants must be 18 years or older. If either applicant is 17, they must obtain a Consent Order from the Juvenile court.
• Both applicants must come to the courthouse together to apply for the license.
• Both applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification.
• Social Security numbers of both applicants.
• Proof of residency in the county of application.
• Certified copies of divorce decree or death certificate if either partner has been previously married.

Ohio does not impose a waiting period. The licenses are issued on the day of application, and you can get married on the same day you apply. The marriage license, once issued, is valid for 60 days. If not used within this period, the license becomes void, and a new license must be obtained.

Can You Amend Marriage Records in Ohio?

Individuals can amend marriage records to correct errors on their marriage licenses and certificates. Generally, you may amend clerical errors such as misspellings of names, incorrect dates, or wrong personal information. You may also amend marriage records with omissions or factual errors, such as incorrect birth dates, place of birth, or parental information. Typically, applications to amend marriage records in Ohip must be supported with documents substantiating the requested corrections.

Amending Ohio Marriage License

If you notice an error on your marriage license before your wedding ceremony, you can have it amended through your county probate's court marriage license office. Reach out to the office. They will provide the appropriate amendment form and instructions to correct the error. Complete the form specifying the errors on the original license and provide the correct information. Include a copy of a government-issued ID and any relevant affidavit or notarized statement if the correction involves more than a typographical error.

Amending Ohio Marriage Certificate

Marriage certificates are maintained at the county level, and you will need to contact the probate court in the county where the marriage was recorded. Most counties provide an "Application to Correct Marriage Record" form meant for amending errors on a marriage certificate. You may download the form from the county's website or visit the courthouse to open the document.

Along with the application form, submit supporting documents to verify the correct information, such as a copy of your birth certificate or previous marriage documents. For more substantial amendments, such as a name change, you may need to provide a court order. Counties charge a fee for processing amendments on marriage certificates. The fee varies by county but generally ranges from $5 for amending minor errors to $35 for substantial errors, such as adding a previously omitted marriage. Check with your local probate court for specific fee structures and accepted forms of payment.