Heartland Signature Ceremonies

If you are getting married in the state of Ohio here is what you need to know....

Ohio no longer requires a blood test and there is no waiting period, but there are restrictions on age, closeness of kinship between the couple, prior marriages being dissolved and where you must purchase your Marriage License.

Take your Birth Certificate and a form of government issued identification such as a drivers license, visa, passport or state issued ID. Make sure you know your social security numbers.

You do not have to be a resident of Ohio, but if you are not a resident, you must get married in the county where the license is obtained. If you are an Ohio resident then at least one of you must be a resident of the county in which you are applying. Ohio residents may use the license anywhere in the state. All licenses are valid for 60 days.

The Ohio Revised Code statue 3101.05 requires that any applicant for a marriage license who is a minor must provide proof of having had marriage counseling prior to applying for the license. The counseling can be provided by clergy or a person licensed by the State of Ohio to provide counseling. Proof of counseling may be in the form of a letter to the Court from the person who provided the counseling on his or her letterhead.

Previously married individuals need to bring a certified copy of his/her divorce decree or a copy of a deceased spouse's death certificate.

Marriage License fees are about $40, but could be more or less depending on the county.

Common Law Marriages are no longer recognized by the State of Ohio unless the couple entered into a common law marriage before October 10, 1991.

Ohio Bureau of Vital Statistics

Bureau of Vital Statistics
Ohio Department of Health
35 East Chestnut Street, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 15098
Columbus, OH 43215-0098
Phone: (614) 466-2531


Ohio Clerk of Courts County Offices