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 an 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 website 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 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.

  • 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.

✓ Lighting of the candles

✓ Seating of Groom’s grandparents

✓ Seating of Bride’s grandparents

✓ Seating of Groom’s parents

✓ Seating of Bride’s mother/parents

✓ Musical selection (optional element)

✓ Maid/Matron of Honor enters

✓ Ring Bearer and Flower Girl enter

✓ Bride enters on escort’s left arm

✓ Presentation of the bride

✓ Escort takes his/her seat

✓ Welcome/Invocation given by Officiant

✓ Consent of the Bride and Groom

✓ Address and readings by the Officiant (Friends/Family may join readings)

✓ Musical Selection (optional element)

✓ Wedding Vows

✓ Explanation of the rings

✓ Ring exchange and vows

✓ Lighting of the Unity Candle (or other wedding tradition)

✓ Musical selection (optional element)

✓ Wedding prayer/blessing

✓ Musical selection (optional element)

✓ Pronouncement of marriage

✓ First Kiss

✓ Presentation of the couple

✓ Recessional begins

✓ Groom and Bride exit

✓ Ring Bearer and Flower Girl exit

✓ Groomsmen and Bridesmaids exit

✓ Bride’s parents are escorted out

✓ Groom’s parents are escorted out

✓ Bride’s grandparents are escorted out

✓ Groom’s grandparents are escorted out

✓ Officiant makes any necessary announcements, dismisses the guests, then exits

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.

    • All reception costs (with the exclusion of alcohol) including venue, food, cake, music, all rental costs, favors and gratuities

    • Bride's gown, veil, and accessories

    • Wedding invitations, postage and related staionery expenses

    • Photography and videography

    • Ceremony and reception flowers

    • Rental fee for the ceremony site

    • Fees for ceremony musicians or DJ's

    • Transportation of the bridal party on the wedding day

    • Bridesmaid bouquets

    • Rehearsal dinner

    • Alcohol/bar at the reception

    • Groom's cake

    • Groom's wedding ring

    • Gifts for her bridesmaids

    • A wedding gift for the groom

    • Marriage license

    • Bride's engagement and wedding rings

    • Bride's bouquet, corsages and boutonnieres

    • Ceremony officiant's fee

    • Gifts for groomsmen

    • The honeymoon

    • His own attire

    • Wedding gift for bride

    • Limousine service

    • Today, more couples are directly contributing to the wedding. Simultaneously, more grooms’ families are also willing to split costs. According to a recent survey by The Knot, on average, parents contribute to 51% of the wedding budget, while couples cover the remaining 49% percent.

    • Expenses of items desired which have exceeded the original budget

    • Gifts for parents or others who helped with the wedding planning and costs