This page helps users handle a marriage license need in Franklin County, Ohio, including where to apply, what to bring, and how to follow official Probate Court requirements.

The Franklin County Probate Court Marriage Department handles marriage licenses for eligible applicants, while the Franklin County Municipal Court provides civil wedding ceremony information by appointment.

Franklin County Probate Court marriage license requirements

Start with the Franklin County Probate Court because both applicants must appear in Probate Court to obtain the marriage license. Review the marriage license requirements before completing the online application and going in person.

Applicants should be ready to provide identifying and eligibility information, including:

  • Each applicant’s full name, date of birth, age, phone number, current address, place of birth, and occupation.
  • Parent names, including the mother’s maiden name.
  • Prior marriage information, if either applicant has been married before.
  • The expected officiant’s name and whether either party is under guardianship.

After preparing the information and documents, follow the license process in order.

  • Review the Probate Court requirements and confirm that the license can be issued through Franklin County.
  • Complete the online application before appearing in person.
  • Both applicants go to the Probate Court with valid photo ID and any required supporting documents.
  • Arrive by 4:00 p.m. with all required documents if you need the license issued the same day.
  • Check the marriage license for accuracy before leaving the court.

Important: Marriage license applications are valid for 30 days, and marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date issued.

Residency and eligibility rules

Ohio residents may obtain a marriage license in the county where either applicant resides. At least one applicant must live in Franklin County for the Franklin County Probate Court to issue the license, and that license is valid anywhere in Ohio.

If both applicants live outside Ohio but will marry in Ohio, the license must be issued in the county where the ceremony will take place. Out-of-state residents may use Franklin County Probate Court only when the ceremony will be in Franklin County.

Both applicants must be unmarried and may not be more closely related than second cousins. Applicants under 18 must first obtain consent from the Franklin County Juvenile Court, and the Probate Court will not accept the application or issue the license until 14 days after the final consent order is issued.

Documents and proof to bring

Both applicants must provide a valid photo ID and a Social Security number if they have one. Social Security numbers do not become part of the Court’s public records.

Bring extra proof when your situation requires it:

  • Proof of Franklin County residency dated within the last 30 days if both photo IDs show residency in another county or state.
  • A certified copy of the most recent divorce, annulment, or dissolution decree if a previous marriage ended that way.
  • Case numbers, dates, locations, previous spouse names, and current minor children information for prior marriages.
  • A certified death certificate if a previous marriage ended by death.
  • Proof of any legal name change granted to either applicant.
  • A certified Juvenile Court consent order if an applicant is under 18.

If a required document was issued by a foreign government in a language other than English, it must be professionally translated and include an attestation from the qualified translator.

Fees, timing, and corrections

The marriage license fee is $65.00 and is non-refundable. Payment may be made by cash, money order, or credit/debit card. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are accepted, and credit/debit card transactions have a 3% service fee.

The Probate Court Marriage Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The last marriage license is issued at 4:00 p.m., and both parties must be present by that time.

Check the license before leaving the Probate Court. Corrections after issuance may require additional fees. Correcting a minor marriage application error is $5.00, and amending an application to add previous marriages is $35.00 and requires both parties to sign before a notary.

Marriage records and certified abstracts

Franklin County marriage records are available online from January 3, 1995 to the present through the marriage license search. Marriage records from 1803 through 1994 are available at the Probate Court.

Certified marriage abstracts are $2.00 per copy. They may be obtained in person without an appointment, ordered online, or requested by mail. Before ordering, confirm that the marriage license was issued in Franklin County and that the officiant has returned the signed certification to Probate Court.

For mailed requests, use the certified abstract request form and include the applicant names, the year of marriage, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Officiants and civil ceremonies

Only an ordained or licensed officiant registered with the Ohio Secretary of State, a municipal court judge or other authorized judge, a mayor, or the Superintendent of the State School for the Deaf may solemnize a marriage.

You can check minister registration through the Ohio Secretary of State records portal search. The Franklin County Probate Court issues licenses, but it does not perform civil ceremonies.

Civil marriage ceremonies are handled by the Franklin County Municipal Court by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted. Review Municipal Court wedding ceremony information before scheduling a ceremony.

Marriage license contacts

Use these contacts for marriage license questions, records, and civil ceremony routing.

  • Franklin County Probate Court Marriage Department, 373 South High Street, 23rd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-6311
    Phone: (614) 525-3108
    Email: [email protected]
    Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; last marriage license issued at 4:00 p.m.
  • Franklin County Probate Court, 373 South High Street, 22nd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-6311
    Phone: (614) 525-3894
    Email: [email protected]
  • Franklin County Municipal Court wedding ceremonies, 375 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215
    Phone: (614) 645-3889

Common questions

Where do we apply for a Franklin County marriage license?

Apply through the Franklin County Probate Court Marriage Department. Both applicants must complete the online application before appearing in person, and both must appear at the Probate Court to obtain the license.

Can we get the license the same day?

Yes, if both applicants arrive by 4:00 p.m. with all required documents, the Probate Court can issue the license the same day.

How long is a Franklin County marriage license valid?

The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If the ceremony is rescheduled outside that period, another license must be issued.

Do we need proof of residency?

Proof of Franklin County residency is required when both applicants’ valid photo IDs show residency in another county or state. Accepted proof must be dated within the last 30 days.

Where can we get a certified marriage abstract?

Certified marriage abstracts are handled by the Franklin County Probate Court. They cost $2.00 per copy and may be requested in person, online, or by mail after the signed certification has been returned by the officiant.

Does the Franklin County Probate Court perform civil ceremonies?

No. The Franklin County Probate Court issues marriage licenses. Civil ceremonies are handled separately by the Franklin County Municipal Court by appointment only.