Ceremony Planning Tips

Ohio Marriage License

Things you should know before applying for a marriage license in Ohio:

• Both parties are required to be present at the time of making the application for the marriage license. If either, or both applicants are physically incapacitated, their physician must complete and affidavit as to the physical disability, and this affidavit shall be filed with the application for the marriage license

• You must be at least 18 years old to get married in Ohio.

• The couple will need a birth certificate, driver's license, military ID or valid passport as proof of identity.

• If a previous marriage ended in divorce or annulment, the applicant(s) must provide a certified copy of the most recent divorce/annulment/dissolution decree.

• If a previous marriage ended in death, applicants are required to produce a certified copy of the death certificate(s) for deceased spouse(s).

Tips to assist you with getting your marriage license:

• Visit the Ohio State Web site to find the link to the county office where you'll be married.

• If you are not a resident of Ohio. you must apply in the county in which you want to get married.

• Any applicant under the age of 18 must first obtain the consent of the Franklin County Juvenile Court. The Probate Court will not issue a license or accept an application any sooner than 14 days from the issuance of a final order of consent from the Juvenile Court. A copy of the order must be provided before an application will be accepted.

• Both people must be present to apply for and sign the marriage license.

• An Ohio marriage license costs between $40 and $75 and this varies according to the county. Some counties (such as the Stark County Probate Court) donate a portion of marriage license fees to shelters supporting victims of domestic violence.

• Accepted forms of payment for the marriage license are cash, check or money order.

• Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days in Ohio.

• The marriage license is valid immediately. There is no waiting period in Ohio.

• Blood tests and/or physical exams are not required in Ohio.

Wedding Elements

Your wedding will be one of the most important days of your life. You will spend endless hours and a lot of money on finding the perfect dress, invitations, flowers, photographer, catering, cake, music, and food. Make sure that equal time is spent on planning the perfect wedding ceremony. Many couples simply rely on the justice of the peace, minister, priest, or rabbi to select the words spoken at their wedding. Shouldn't you be the one to personally design what is said at this memorable event? I can help you do that.

Who Pays for What

Here is a list of who pays for what, traditionally.  Depending on the cost of your wedding, the number of guests being invited, and the financial situation of all party members, this list can vary.