Getting married in Franklin County, Ohio? Before you say your vows, you need one legal document in hand your marriage license. Without it, your ceremony has no legal standing, no matter how beautiful it is.
The good news: Franklin County makes the process straightforward. There is no waiting period, no blood test required, and you can walk out with your license the same day you apply as long as you arrive with the right documents and both partners show up together.
Who Issues Marriage Licenses in Franklin County?
Marriage licenses in Franklin County are issued by the Franklin County Probate Court, located at:
373 S. High Street, 22nd Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215
Court Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Marriage Department Phone: (614) 525-3108 General Probate Court Phone: (614) 525-3894 Email: probate@franklincountyohio.gov
No appointment is needed. You and your partner simply walk in during business hours, complete the process, and receive your license the same day provided you arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Franklin County Marriage License Fee
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Marriage License | $65.00 |
| Credit/Debit Card Surcharge | 3% service fee |
| Minor error correction (after issuance) | $5.00 |
| Amendment (additional marriages on record) | $35.00 |
Accepted payment methods: Cash, money order, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. The $65 fee is non-refundable once paid, so make sure all your documents are in order before you go.
Franklin County Marriage License Requirements
Basic Eligibility
Before applying, both partners must meet the following criteria:
- Both must be legally unmarried at the time of application
- Neither applicant may be more closely related than second cousins
- Both must be at least 18 years old (applicants under 18 require Juvenile Court approval more on this below)
- Both must swear or affirm that all information provided is truthful and complete
Residency Requirement
At least one applicant must be a Franklin County resident for the Probate Court to issue the license. If both applicants live outside Franklin County but still in Ohio, you must apply in the county where one of you lives.
If both applicants reside out of state but are getting married in Ohio, the license must be obtained in the county where the wedding ceremony will take place.
What Documents Do You Need?
Gather these documents before heading to the courthouse. Missing even one can delay your application.
Required for Both Applicants
1. Valid, Unexpired Photo ID Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
- Ohio driver’s license or state-issued ID
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID
The ID must include your date of birth and must not be expired.
2. Social Security Number Both applicants must provide their Social Security number if they have one. This information is kept confidential and does not become part of the court’s public records.
If Your Photo ID Shows an Out-of-County Address
If neither applicant’s photo ID lists a Franklin County address, at least one of you must provide proof of Franklin County residency dated within the last 30 days. Acceptable documents include:
- Utility bill
- Lease agreement or mortgage statement
- Bank statement
- Social Security statement
- Other government benefit letter
If You Were Previously Married
Applicants who have been married before must provide additional documentation depending on how the prior marriage ended:
If divorced or marriage was annulled:
You must bring a certified copy of the most recent divorce decree, annulment, or dissolution order. You will also need to provide the case numbers, dates, locations (county, state, or country), and names of all previous spouses, along with the names of any current minor children.
If a previous spouse passed away: You must provide a certified copy of the death certificate for the deceased spouse.
If You Have Had a Legal Name Change
Any applicant whose legal name has changed must bring proof of that name change (e.g., a court order or prior marriage certificate showing the name change).
If an Applicant Is Under 18
Minors cannot apply for a marriage license through the Probate Court alone. You must first obtain approval from the Franklin County Juvenile Court. After the Juvenile Court issues a final consent order, the Probate Court will not accept an application until at least 14 days have passed from that order. A copy of the court order must be presented at the time of application.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Complete the Online Pre-Application
The Franklin County Probate Court requires couples to complete an online marriage license application before appearing in person. You must submit this application within 30 days before your in-person visit.
Both applicants must review and agree to the requirements listed on the requirements page before accessing the application form.
Step 2: Gather All Required Documents
Use the checklist below to make sure you have everything before you go:
- Valid photo ID for both applicants
- Social Security number for both applicants
- Proof of Franklin County residency (if IDs show another address)
- Certified divorce decree / annulment / dissolution order (if previously married)
- Certified death certificate of former spouse (if widowed)
- Proof of legal name change (if applicable)
- Juvenile Court consent order (if either applicant is under 18)
- Payment of $65 (cash, money order, or card)
Step 3: Appear in Person Both of You
Both applicants must be physically present at the Probate Court. You cannot send one person on behalf of the other, and you cannot complete the process entirely online.
Arrive by 4:00 p.m. to ensure your license is processed the same day.
Parking tip: The courthouse is in a busy area of Downtown Columbus. Plan extra time for parking, especially on weekday mornings. Several parking garages and metered spots are available nearby.
Step 4: Swear or Affirm the Information
At the court, both applicants must swear or affirm — under oath — that all the information provided is true and accurate. Providing false information can invalidate the marriage license.
Step 5: Pay the Fee and Receive Your License
Once your application is verified and payment is made, you will receive two copies of your marriage license the same day. Before leaving, carefully review both copies for any errors. Corrections made after you leave are subject to additional fees.
After You Receive the License
No Waiting Period
Ohio has no mandatory waiting period. You can legally get married the same day you receive your license. There is no need to wait days or weeks after the Probate Court issues it.
License Validity: 60 Days
Your marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If your ceremony is rescheduled beyond those 60 days, you will need to apply for a new license.
The License Is Valid Anywhere in Ohio
The license issued by the Franklin County Probate Court can be used for a ceremony anywhere in the state of Ohio — not just within Franklin County.
Who Can Perform the Marriage Ceremony?
Ohio law is specific about who may legally solemnize a marriage. Only the following individuals are authorized:
- An ordained or licensed minister or religious officiant registered with the Ohio Secretary of State
- A municipal court judge (or another judge acting with an order from the probate judge)
- A mayor
- The Superintendent of the State School for the Deaf
The officiant is responsible for completing and returning the signed marriage certificate to the Franklin County Probate Court within 30 days of the ceremony.
Civil Ceremony Option
If you prefer a courthouse ceremony rather than a private one, you can schedule a civil ceremony through the Franklin County Municipal Court. Contact them directly at (614) 645-3889 for scheduling and details.
Correcting Errors on Your Marriage License
Always check your license for accuracy before leaving the Probate Court. If you notice an error after you have already accepted the license:
- Minor typographical errors can be corrected for a $5.00 fee
- Amendments that involve adding or correcting information about prior marriages require both applicants to sign the correction in front of a notary and cost $35.00
How to Get a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Record
After your wedding is legally recorded, you can obtain a certified abstract (official record of marriage) through the Franklin County Probate Court. This is the document you will need for legal name changes, updating Social Security records, passport applications, and similar purposes.
To request a certified copy, contact the Certified Records Department at: Phone: (614) 525-3894 In person: 373 S. High Street, 22nd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Certified copies cost $1.00 per page.
Franklin County Marriage License: Quick Reference Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Issuing Office | Franklin County Probate Court |
| Address | 373 S. High Street, 22nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215 |
| Phone | (614) 525-3108 |
| Office Hours | Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| License Fee | $65.00 |
| Waiting Period | None |
| License Validity | 60 days from issuance |
| Residency Requirement | At least one applicant must live in Franklin County |
| Minimum Age | 18 (under 18 requires Juvenile Court approval) |
| Blood Test Required | No |
| Both Applicants Must Appear | Yes |
| Arrive By | 4:00 p.m. for same-day issuance |
Conclusion
Getting your Franklin County marriage license is a simple process when you walk in prepared. Complete the online pre-application, gather your documents, show up together by 4:00 p.m. on a weekday, pay the $65 fee, and you will leave with your license the same day. From there, the rest is up to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Franklin County marriage license online?
You must complete a pre-application online through the Probate Court’s website within 30 days before your visit. However, both applicants must still appear in person to finalize the application and receive the license.
Do both people need to live in Franklin County?
No. Only one applicant needs to be a Franklin County resident. If neither applicant lives in Franklin County, the license cannot be issued here unless you are both out-of-state residents getting married in Franklin County.
Is there a waiting period after getting a marriage license in Franklin County?
No. Ohio does not have a waiting period. You can get married the same day your license is issued.
How long is a Franklin County marriage license valid?
The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If your wedding is postponed beyond 60 days, you will need to apply for a new license.
What if I was previously married?
You must bring a certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment, or dissolution order from your most recent marriage. If your previous spouse passed away, bring a certified copy of their death certificate.
Can a non-Ohio resident get married in Franklin County?
Yes. If both applicants are out-of-state residents but the ceremony is taking place in Franklin County, they can obtain their license from the Franklin County Probate Court.
What if there is a mistake on my marriage license?
Review your license carefully before leaving the courthouse. Minor corrections made after issuance cost $5. More significant amendments cost $35 and require notarized signatures from both applicants.
Who can perform the marriage ceremony?
nly an officiant registered with the Ohio Secretary of State, a judge, a mayor, or the Superintendent of the State School for the Deaf can legally solemnize a marriage in Ohio.
