How To Apply For and Obtain a Marriage License

Residential requirement: If the applicants reside in the State of Ohio, ONE of the applicants MUST be a resident of Delaware County. 

Only OUT OF STATE residents having the marriage performed in Delaware County may apply at the Delaware County Probate Court.

  • Use the online E-Marriage application portal to complete the application, choose an appointment time and make payment prior to your arrival at the Probate Court by clicking this LINK.   
  • Call 740-833-2680 for an appointment if you would like to use the Court’s public terminal to create an online application. Payment by Credit or debit card required.
  • Call 740-833-2680 to schedule and appointment to bring in the completed Marriage Information Sheet (to the right)  for each Applicant   Application fee of $41.00 can only be made by cash or check. 
  •  All appointments require both applicants to appear in the Probate Court and bring all required supporting documentation. 

Applicants should take care to enter all information accurately and correctly when completing the online application.  NOTE: If you experience technical difficulties contact the Probate Court for assistance:  (740) 833- 2680.

Required documentation

         A current driver’s license (or other valid state ID).

  • Proof of Social Security Number must be shown to the Deputy Clerk at the time of application.
  • If either applicant’s present address is NOT the address appearing on the driver’s license, please provide the Court with a piece of current mail showing the present address (both applicants must show proof of their current address).
  • If either applicant was previously married and the marriage ended by Divorce/Dissolution, a CERTIFIED copy of your most recent Divorce/Dissolution decree must be presented to the Court. If either applicant has been previously married and that marriage ended as a result of a death of a spouse, a CERTIFIED copy of the Death Certificate of the deceased spouse must be presented to the Court.

 

The following are requirements for EVERY applicant who wants to obtain a Marriage License from our Court:   

  • If the applicants reside in the State of Ohio, ONE of the applicants MUST be a resident of Delaware County. The license can be used anywhere in the State of Ohio.
    • If NEITHER applicant is a resident of the State of Ohio, then they MAY APPLY for a license in the Delaware County Probate Court, but the license MUST be used (marriage performed) in Delaware County.  A letter is required from the individual performing the ceremony (on the Officiant’s letterhead) to confirm the ceremony is going to take place in Delaware County.  This letter MUST BE presented to the Court at the time you apply for your marriage license.  Please contact the Probate Court with questions regarding this process (740) 833-2680.
  • Each applicant must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
    • Note:  If either applicant is age seventeen (17), the minor may only be issued a marriage license with the consent of the Juvenile Court and following a 14 day wait after the filing of the Juvenile Court order of consent.  The 17 year old may not marry an individual more than 4 years, to the day, older than the 17 year old.  A minor less than 17 years old may not marry in Ohio.   At the time of the filing of an application, a minor must verify having receiving at least 3 hours of marriage counseling.  Please contact the Court at (740) 833-2680 to review the requirements for a 17 year old to obtain a Marriage License.
  • Both applicants MUST COME TOGETHER to apply, unless one or both of the applicants are incapacitated.
  • A current driver’s license (or other valid state ID).
  • Proof of Social Security Number must be shown to the Deputy Clerk at the time of application.
  • If your present address is NOT the address on your driver’s license, please provide the Court with a piece of current mail showing your present address (both applicants must show proof of their current address).
  • If either of Applicant has been previously married and the marriage ended by Divorce/Dissolution, a CERTIFIED copy of the most recent Divorce/Dissolution decree must be presented to the Court. If either has been previously married and that marriage ended as a result of a death of the spouse, a CERTIFIED copy of the Death Certificate of the deceased spouse must be presented to the Court.
  • The marriage license is valid when issued and there is no required waiting period between the issuance and the marriage ceremony.
  • An ordained or licensed minister of any religious society or congregation within this state, may perform a marriage within this state if, prior to the ceremony, that individual is also licensed by the state of Ohio to perform marriages.  The license to perform marriages is obtained through the office of the Ohio Secretary of State.  You may check the individual’s licensure to perform marriages by calling 1-877-767-6446 or 1-614-728-9200.
  • A marriage license must be used within 60 days of issuance or it becomes void.  
  • To avoid complications, it is recommended that the Application for a marriage between adults be obtained approximately two weeks prior to the intended marriage date.

Additional Information:

  • No blood tests or witnesses are required in Ohio.
  • Probate Court hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  
  • The Probate Court is located on the 3rd floor of the Hayes Building, 145 N. Union St., Delaware, OH  43015.
  • Complete an Online Marriage application and choose your appointment time prior to your arrival at the Probate Court by clicking this LINK
  • On-line Applications are considered void, if the application is not completed within sixty days of the application submission.
  • To hear a recorded message about the application process – (740) 833-2685.
  • Couples marrying outside of the United States and requiring evidence that they were never issued a marriage license from Delaware County, Ohio, may contact our office at (740) 833-2680.

Please Note: Our Court administers oaths, provides certifications and/or seals only for applications for marriage licenses issued by our Court.   Our Court does not process, assist with, or participate in the issuance of marriage license applications for other jurisdictions.


Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a copy of my Marriage License?

  • If you were married prior to 1996, contact the Delaware County Records Center at (740) 833-2140 to obtain further instructions.  The Records Center address is 2079 US 23 North, Delaware, OH  43015.
  • If you were married in 1996 or after, you can either come into the Probate Court offices or you can mail a request.
    • If you mail in a request, please include:
      • A letter with the names of both parties as they existed prior to the marriage, and the date of marriage;
      • A self-addressed stamped envelope; and
      • $2.00 per copy requested (cash or check).
    • If you come to the office, you will need to have $2.00 (cash or check) per copy requested.  You will also need the name of both parties as they existed prior to the marriage, and the date of marriage.
  • If you have any further questions, call 740-833-2680.

Marriage License Forms

Click here for the Online Marriage License Application