How to Get a Marriage License in Franklin County

What it costs, how far ahead you have to apply, what to bring, and the parts that catch couples out.

Before you book an appointment

Both of you have to come to the Probate Court in person. Ohio law requires it — there's no way to send one person with paperwork for two.

The Marriage Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. But the last license of the day is issued at 4:00 p.m., and you both need to be standing there at that time. Treat 4:00 p.m. as your real cutoff, not 4:30. The court is closed on all legal holidays recognized by Franklin County.

What it costs

The marriage license is $65.00. You can pay with cash or a credit/debit card.

How far ahead to apply

There's no waiting period in Ohio. A probate judge may grant a marriage license at any time after the application is made, so you can apply and marry the same day if that's what your schedule needs.

The catch is on the other end: your license is only valid for 60 days from the date it's issued. After that it expires and can't authorize a ceremony. So don't pick up your license too early — count back from your wedding date and stay inside that 60-day window.

What to bring

Both of you need to bring:

• A valid photo ID
• Your social security number, if you have one (these don't become part of the court's public records)
• Proof of any legal name change granted to you
• If either applicant is under 18: a copy of the Franklin County Juvenile Court consent order

If you live outside the county, or outside Ohio

In Ohio, you get your license in the county where either one of you lives. For Franklin County Probate Court to issue your license, at least one of you must live in Franklin County. Once it's issued, that license is good anywhere in the State of Ohio — so you can marry in another Ohio county with a Franklin County license.

If neither of you lives in Ohio but you're marrying here, your license has to come from the county where the ceremony takes place. So out-of-state couples get a license here only if the wedding itself is in Franklin County.

Filling out the application in advance

Everyone has to complete the online application before coming in. Do this first:

https://probate.franklincountyohio.gov/marriage-license-application

After the ceremony

You don't return the license — your officiant does. The authorized person who solemnizes the marriage must transmit the certificate to the probate judge of the county within thirty days after the ceremony.

It's still worth a quick word with your officiant beforehand so you both know that 30-day deadline is on their plate.