Find Lancaster Marriage License

Lancaster marriage license records are managed by the Fairfield County Juvenile/Probate Court on East Main Street. The court handles applications by appointment only, so you must call ahead or complete the online application before visiting.

Fairfield County Probate Court

The Fairfield County Juvenile/Probate Court is at 224 E. Main Street, Room 308, Lancaster, OH 43130. The phone number for the marriage license office is (740) 652-7485. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Judge Terre L. Vandervoort presides over the court.

Marriage licenses in Fairfield County are issued by appointment only, for both in-person and virtual appointments. You must complete the online marriage application first. After submitting it, call the court to schedule your appointment. This applies to all applicants regardless of where they live in the county.

The courthouse screenshot below shows the Fairfield County Probate Court marriage license information page.

The court also offers virtual appointments, which is something not every Ohio county provides. If you cannot appear together in person, ask about the virtual option when you call.

What You Need to Apply

Both parties must come together. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. If your ID does not show your current address, you need proof of residency like a utility bill or bank statement. Applicants 18 and under need a certified birth certificate.

If you were previously married, bring a certified or file-stamped copy of the final divorce or dissolution decree. If your former spouse died, bring the death certificate. Any legal name changes require a certified copy of the judgment entry. Non-U.S. citizens must show a passport or resident alien card.

Under ORC 3101.05, the application covers names, ages, residences, birthplaces, occupations, parents' names, and the expected officiant. Both people sign under oath. False statements are treated as falsification under ORC 2921.13.

Fees in Fairfield County

The marriage license fee is $65.00 if you pay with cash or money order. Credit card payments are $67.00, which includes a $2.00 processing fee. That puts Fairfield County above the $50 fee that many other Ohio counties charge.

Certified copies of marriage records cost $2.00 each. You can pay with cash, check, money order, or credit card. To order copies by phone, call (740) 652-7485. The court keeps records of all marriages performed in Fairfield County.

There is no blood test required. Ohio dropped its waiting period in February 2001, so your license is valid the day you get it. It stays valid for 60 days under ORC 3101.07.

Copies and Record Access

Marriage records in Ohio are public under ORC 149.43. The Fairfield County Probate Court has an online probate records search on its website. This is a good starting point if you want to check whether a record exists before requesting a certified copy.

The Ohio Department of Health has a statewide marriage index going back to September 1949. It covers all 88 counties. Use it when you are not sure which county holds a specific record. Keep in mind that the Health Department does not issue certified copies of marriage records. That comes from the Probate Court.

The Fairfield County Health Department at (740) 652-2800 handles birth and death records but does not deal with marriage records. The Clerk of Courts handles divorce records, not marriage licenses. These distinctions matter when you are looking for the right office.

To request copies by mail, contact the Fairfield County Juvenile/Probate Court at 224 E. Main Street, Room 308, Lancaster, OH 43130. Include both names as they were before the marriage, the date, and $2.00 per copy. Cash, check, money order, and credit cards are accepted for copies. The court can also handle phone requests at (740) 652-7485 if you need help finding a specific record before ordering.

Fairfield County was formed in 1800, so marriage records could go back over two centuries. Early records are basic, with just names and dates. Later records include birthplaces, occupations, and parents' names. The court's online probate records search is a good starting point for verifying what is on file before you request a certified copy.

Officiants in Ohio

Your marriage ceremony can be performed by anyone listed in ORC 3101.08. This includes ordained or licensed ministers registered with the Ohio Secretary of State, county and municipal court judges, probate judges, and mayors. Religious societies can also conduct ceremonies under their own rules.

The Fairfield County Probate Court does not perform wedding ceremonies at the courthouse. You will need to find your own officiant. The signed marriage certificate must be returned to the court within 30 days of the ceremony. A return envelope is provided with the license. Late filing is a minor misdemeanor with a $50 fine under ORC 3101.14. Make sure your officiant knows about this deadline before the wedding.

Free Legal Help

The Fairfield County Probate Court offers "Virtual Legal Clinics" on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Register by calling 844-302-1800. This is a free service for people who need basic legal guidance. Ohio Legal Help also has a county court directory and self-help resources that cover marriage license procedures.

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