Marriage

For inquiries regarding Ohio's new Compliant Driver License and Identification Card, please review FAQ on obtaining a certified copy of a marriage license/certificate.

General Information

Hours: Location Monday thru Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cuyahoga County Probate Court

Marriage License Department Pursuant to Local Rule 53

All pleadings requiring a new case number

or the payment of court costs

shall be filed by 4:15 p.m. 1 Lakeside Avenue West

Room 129 (1st Floor)

Cleveland, Ohio 44113

Phone number: (216) 443-8920 CLOSED SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS,

and LEGAL HOLIDAYS Need Directions?

Top of Page

Online Pre-Registration

Probate Court COVID-19 Information

The Probate Court is issuing new marriage licenses in person and online video call. Appointments are required. This is NOT a ceremony. To limit exposure, only the marriage applicants are allowed in the building for in person license issuance.

Couples MUST pre-register for a marriage license online via our website. The pre-registration will direct them how to contact the Marriage Department to set up their appointment.

For online video appointments Applicants must have:

a valid email address;

a computer, laptop, cell phone or tablet with a working video camera;

a functional printer with them at the time of the video call;

both applicants physically together and on the same call (not two separate calls);

all prior marriage/divorce information available at the time of the video call;

official government issued IDs present at the time of the video call;

a scanner or camera (can be cell phone) to make a digital copy of the marriage ceremony return certificate. These certificates may be E-Filed or sent back to the Probate Court Marriage Department by regular mail

a credit or debit card for payment.

This procedure has been implemented in order to issue marriage licenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note that any prior marriage license remains valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.

Pre-Registration for a Marriage License is mandatory. Thank you!

Online Marriage Pre-Registration

Top of Page

What are the Procedures Regarding Marriage Licenses?

In the State of Ohio, the application for a marriage license must be made in the county of either applicant. If neither applicant is a resident of Ohio, the application must be made in the county in which the ceremony is performed.

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.

Each applicant must provide a social security number.

Top of Page

Satellite Offices

ALL SATELLITE OFFICES ARE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Top of Page

Our Historical Marriage Index Search is now included in our Docket Search.

Top of Page

Interpretation Services

Please call (216) 443-8768 to inquire about Interpretation Services for hearings. Forty-eight (48) hours notice is needed. Telephonic interpretation is available for all non-hearing proceedings; twenty-four (24) hours notice is preferred. For additional information please visit the Ohio Supreme Court.

Top of Page

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Won't A Marriage License Be Issued To?

Persons nearer of kin than second cousins (O.R.C. 3101.01), or when either of the applicants is under the influence of an intoxicating liquor or controlled substance or is infected with syphilis in a form that is communicable or likely to become communicable (O.R.C. 3101.06).

Top of Page

What are the Procedures Regarding Marriage Licenses?

In the State of Ohio, the application for a marriage license must be made in the county of either applicant. If neither applicant is a resident of Ohio, the application must be made in the county in which the ceremony is performed.

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.

Each applicant must provide a social security number.

Top of Page

What is the Earliest Legal Age One Can be Married?

The law requires that a male or female applicant be SEVENTEEN (17) YEARS or more. Proof of age is required for all applicants.

If both applicants joining in marriage are SEVENTEEN (17) YEARS of age, they may be joined in marriage only if juvenile court has filed a consent to the marriage.

If only one applicant is SEVENTEEN (17) YEARS of age, that applicant may be joined in marriage only if juvenile court has filed a consent to the marriage and the other person to be joined in marriage is not more than four (4) years older than the applicant of seventeen (17) years of age.

Probate court may issue a license not earlier than fourteen (14) calendar days after the juvenile court files their consent if either applicant is seventeen (17) years of age.

COUNSELING: Applicants under 18 years of age must have received marriage counseling before the license can be issued.

Top of Page

If One (or Both) of Us Have Been Married Before, Do We Need to Show Our Divorce Papers?

Yes, if either party has been divorced, the Places, Dates and Case Numbers of the Divorces are required. A certified copy of the last divorce decree must be presented at the time of application.

What is the Cost for a Marriage License?

The fee for a Marriage License is $60.00. The Court accepts cash, money order, cashier’s check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express credit or debit cards. There is a $2.95 convenience fee to use a credit or debit card.

Please note that the Marriage License is valid for SIXTY (60) DAYS from the date of issuance.

SPECIAL NOTE: Because of the numerous requests by civilians and persons in the Armed Forces to show proof of marriage at an early date, it is to be emphasized that upon the marriage of the parties, it is very important that the CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE be signed by the person Solemnizing the marriage who then sends the Certificate of Marriage Return to the Probate Court as soon as possible, but within THIRTY (30) DAYS. (R.C.3101.14)

Top of Page

Where Can I Obtain a Certified Copy of My Marriage License/Certificate?

To obtain a certified copy of your Marriage License the Court needs to know the first and last names of the groom, the first and maiden (or name prior to marriage) name of the bride, and the date of marriage. (If the exact date is not known, give an approximate year.)

The cost of each certified copy is $2.00. You may request copies by mail. Please enclose a self addressed stamped envelope with money order or cashier's check made payable to:

Cuyahoga County Probate Court

1 Lakeside Avenue West

Cleveland, OH 44113

Due to the new BMV rules there is a two (2) week turnaround time to obtain your marriage license by mail. You may also call the Certified Copies Department at 216-443-8792 and pay by credit card.

Due to the high volume of calls and extended wait times, requests by mail are strongly encouraged over in-person or phone requests at this time.