Apply for a Marriage License in Cuyahoga County

This page helps users handle a marriage license need in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, including pre-registration, in-person issuance, fees, timing, and certified copies.

The main official channel is the Cuyahoga County Probate Court Marriage License Department. Couples must complete online pre-registration before appearing at the courthouse to obtain the license.

Cuyahoga County Probate Court Marriage License Registration

Marriage license pre-registration is mandatory in Cuyahoga County. Start with the official Marriage License Registration page. After pre-registration, the court provides a confirmation number and additional instructions for the required in-person appearance.

• Complete the online marriage license pre-registration before going to the courthouse.
• Keep the confirmation number issued after registration.
• Both applicants must appear together at the Marriage License Department.
• Stay present through the full license issuance process.

Pre-registration does not issue the license. The license is issued in person at the courthouse, and issuance is not a marriage ceremony.

In-person license issuance requirements

Both applicants must appear together to apply for and receive the marriage license. Each applicant must provide a Social Security number and valid government photo identification.

• Confirmation number from online pre-registration
• Valid government-issued photo ID
• All fees needed to purchase the license
• Social Security number for each applicant

Marriage licenses are issued in person at the courthouse. Limited online Zoom appointments are available for applicants who are medically compromised.

Residency and eligibility rules

A Cuyahoga County marriage license may be issued when one applicant is a current Cuyahoga County resident and can show evidence of current residence. If neither applicant is an Ohio resident, the application must be made in the county where the ceremony will take place.

The court will not accept the residence of family or friends in Cuyahoga County as proof of an applicant’s residence.

Applicants must be at least 17 years old. If either party is a minor, contact the Marriage License Department before applying.

Marriage license fees, timing, and office cutoff

The marriage license fee is $60. The court accepts cash, money order, cashier’s check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express credit or debit cards. Credit and debit card payments include a $2.95 convenience fee.

The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. Registration information and the confirmation number are valid for 90 days.

Payment is not processed after 4:15 p.m. under Local Rule 53. The court recommends arriving earlier in the day, and applicants in line may be asked to return another day if the license cannot be processed before the cutoff.

Prior marriages and special application issues

If either applicant has been divorced, the application requires the places, dates, and case numbers for the divorces. A certified copy of the last divorce decree must be presented at the time of application.

Certified divorce decrees are not available from the Marriage Department. If the divorce was finalized in Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court, certified copies can be obtained in Room 35.

If an applicant is physically incapacitated, a physician must complete an affidavit about the physical disability, and that affidavit must be filed with the marriage license application.

After the ceremony

After the marriage ceremony, the officiant must complete and sign the Marriage Certificate Return. It must be filed with the Marriage Department within 30 days of the ceremony.

The return may be e-filed, dropped off in person, or mailed to the Marriage Department. For e-filing, the officiant or either applicant may create an account through the E-File account creation page and upload a clear PDF image of the signed certificate.

To use an existing account, access the Probate Court E-File Gateway.

Certified copies of a marriage license

Certified copies can be requested after a marriage license has been returned and recorded. The court needs the first and last names of both applicants, including the maiden or name prior to marriage, and the date of marriage. If the exact date is not known, provide an approximate year.

Online certified copy requests are handled through the web docket by searching the case number and using the Request Full Case Copy link on the case summary page.

Certified copies may also be requested by mail using the certified copy request form. Each certified copy costs $2. Mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a money order or cashier’s check payable to Cuyahoga County Probate Court. Mail requests have a two-week turnaround time because of BMV rules.

Redaction and interpretation requests

If you believe Ohio Revised Code 149.45 allows your personal address and phone number to be redacted from the internet, the request must be made in person at the court.

For interpretation services, call ahead. The court asks for 48 hours’ notice for hearings and prefers 24 hours’ notice for telephonic interpretation in non-hearing proceedings.

Marriage License Department contact

Use the Marriage License Department for in-person license issuance questions, minor applicant questions, and courthouse service details.

• Cuyahoga County Probate Court Marriage License Department, 1 Lakeside Avenue West Room 129 (1st Floor), Cleveland, Ohio 44113
  Phone: (216) 443-8920
  Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays
• Interpretation Services
  Phone: (216) 443-8979