In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a
marriage license. This is the document in your state that
allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The
rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state
to state, so you should check with your city's marriage
bureau at your
clerk of court's officeto find out what your
local rules are.
You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.
When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, but you'll need to apply for the certificate together, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.
And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.
ID Requirement: Government issued ID such as drivers license, visa, passport, state ID. You need to know your social security numbers.
Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Ohio. You must apply in the county in which you want to get married.
If previously married: Bring certified copy of divorce decree or a copy of deceased spouse's death certificate.
Application Requirement: Both parties to a marriage should appear in person to obtain the license.
Fees: $40+ depending on county - Cash only. Some counties accept money orders.
Waiting Period: No waiting period.
Blood Tests: No tests.
Under 21: If you are 18 to 21 years of age, you will need to show your birth certificate. Persons aged 16-17 must have consent to marry from parents or legal guardians and may have to contact the Probate Court. Additionally, the Judge may require the minors to state that they have received marriage counseling that is satisfactory to the court. Section 3101.05 also mentions how the court will deal with a pregnant minor.
Proxy Marriages: No.
Common Law Marriage: Yes and No. A Common Law marriage entered into in Ohio before October 10, 1991 constitutes a valid, legal marriage in Ohio. After October 10, 1991, new Common Law marriages are prohibited in Ohio.
The six essential elements of a Common Law marriage in Ohio are:
mutual agreement of marriage "in praesenti" (presently);
made by persons competent to marry;
followed by cohabitation (including a sexual consummation of the marriage);
holding out to the public that the parties are actually husband and wife;
reputation in the community that the parties are husband and wife;
and at the Common Law marriage was entered into before October 10, l991.
Cousin Marriage: No.
Same Sex Marriage: No.
Officiants: Authorization to solemnize marriages in Ohio is issued by Secretary of State’s office to any ordained or licensed minister of any religious society or congregation requesting the license.
Valid: License is
valid for 60 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Ohio.
It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license officeor county clerkbefore making any wedding or travel plans.
Please Note: State
and county marriage license requirements often change. The
above information is for guidance only and should not be
regarded as legal advice.
Summit County
Akron, OH
330.643.2323
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