Marriage License Information
The following information is provided for your convenience. You should consult an attorney for legal advice.
Marriage Department Phone Number
614-525-3108
Marriage Information (after 5:00 p.m. and weekends)
614-525-3898
License Cost: $50.00 CASH
Certified Abstract: $2.00 each
Marriage Department Hours
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
Marriage License Department Location:
373 S. High St., 23rd Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6311
email
(*unavailable nightly 10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.)
- Who may apply?
- How do we apply?
- What if we need an interpreter?
- Must we show proof of divorces/annulments or the death of a previous spouse?
- Is there a waiting period?
- How do we get a certified copy of our marriage abstract?
- What if we discover there's an error on our marriage license or application?
- Who may solemnize a marriage?
- Civil ceremony information
- Helpful telephone numbers
- Marriage license statistics for Franklin County
Who may apply?
Per the Constitution of Ohio amended November 4, 2004 Article 15 section 11; Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state and its political subdivisions.
Both must be at least 16 years old, not nearer of kin than second cousins, and not having a husband or wife living.
An applicant younger than 18 must first get the consent of his or her parents or guardian and also have proof that he or she has received marriage counseling.
The license may be obtained in this county if either applicant is a resident of Franklin County, The license may be used anywhere in the State of Ohio. This Court also will issue the license if neither applicant is a resident of the State of Ohio, as long as the marriage ceremony takes place in Franklin County.How do we apply?
The license application may be initiated online or in person at the Court. Both applicants must appear in person to finish the application process. Each applicant must provide valid photo identification and know their social security number. All social security numbers are held in confidence and do not become a part of the Court's public records.
What if we need an interpreter?
If either applicant does not speak English well enough to complete the application process, they have two choices of how to proceed.
- They can bring in a family member or friend who is not the other applicant to interpret for them.
- If they do not have a family member or friend who can interpret for them, the deputy clerks at the marriage license department can schedule an interpreter to assist them. The applicants must pay a $38.00 fee, in cash, for the interpreter. This is the minimum cost for an interpreter. This $38.00 fee is in addition to the marriage license costs and must be paid each time an interpreter appears at Court, even if it is the same case.
Applicant must call the Court (614-525-3108) at least 48 hours in advance so that the Court can schedule an interpreter.
Must we show proof of divorces/annulments or the death of a previous spouse?
If the marriage ended in divorce or annulment, the applicant(s) must provide a certified copy of the most recent divorce/annulment decree along with case numbers/dates/locations (county/state/country) of all previous marriages, names of previous spouses and all current minor children.
Applicants are not required to produce copies of death certificates for deceased spouses.
Is there a waiting period?
No, after the application is accepted there is no waiting period to receive the license. The license is valid for 60 days from its date of issuance.
How do we get a certified copy of our marriage abstract?
If the Marriage License was issued in Franklin County, a certified copy of the marriage abstract may be obtained in the following ways:
Credit/Debit Request:
Use your credit or debit card through Official Payments Corporation. The cost is $2.00 for each certified copy, plus postage. There will be a convenience fee charged by Official Payments in the amount of $1.00 per transaction. Learn more about these fees or proceed to the credit/debit webpage.
Request in Person:
To obtain marriage records for Franklin County, Ohio you may visit the Court at 373 S. High Street, 23rd floor, Columbus, Ohio, and obtain the record while you wait. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Court is closed for all legal holidays. The cost for each certified abstract is $2.00 CASH. You will need the following information:
- Groom's full name
- Bride's full (maiden or previous to this marriage) name
- The year of the marriage (the Court needs at least an approximate year to be able to search for the record)
Request by Mail:
Mail your request to:
Franklin County Probate Court
ATTN: Marriage Records
373 S. High St., 22nd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6311
In your request you need to include:
- Groom's full name
- Bride's full (maiden or previous to this marriage) name
- The year of the marriage (the Court needs at least an approximate year to be able to search for the record)
- Daytime phone number where you can be reached
- $2.00 CASH OR MONEY ORDER ONLY for each copy that you are requesting
- A self addressed stamped envelope so the Court can send the abstract back to you.
What if we discover there's an error on our marriage license or application?
The cost of correcting a minor error on a marriage application is $5.00. The cost for amending an application to include additional information about past marriages is $35.00 and will require both parties to appear at a hearing before a magistrate for approval. If you believe there is an error on your marriage application, you can visit the Court's marriage department and apply to have it corrected.
Who may solemnize a marriage?
Only an ordained or licensed officiant who is registered with the Secretary of the State of Ohio, a judge, a mayor, or the Superintendent of the State School for the Deaf may solemnize a marriage.
To find out if your minister is registered with the Secretary of State, call (877)-767-6446 or visit http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/recordsIndexes/MinisterLicense/licensing.aspx
Civil ceremony information
| Franklin County Municipal Court | 614-645-8162 |
Helpful telephone numbers
| Franklin County Board of Elections | 614-525-3100 |
| Franklin County Clerk of Court - Auto Title Department | 614-525-3090 |
| Franklin County Municipal Court, Civil Marriage Ceremony | 614-645-8162 |
| Columbus Bar Association | 614-221-4112 |
| Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles | 614-752-7500 |
| Ohio State Bar Association | 614-487-2050 |
| Immigration & Naturalization Service | 1-800-375-5283 |
|
Social Security Administration or Toll Free |
1-866-964-1723 1-800-772-1213 |
Marriage License Statistics for Franklin County, Ohio
In 2010 the Court issued over 8,100 Marriage Licenses.
Legal Practice in the Probate Court
Legal practice in the Probate Court is restricted by law to attorneys who are licensed by the Supreme Court of Ohio. Due to the complexity of the law and desire to avoid costly errors, most individuals who have filings before the Court are represented by an attorney. Court employees are prohibited by statute from practicing law and cannot give legal advice.