Find Clermont County Marriage License Records
Marriage license applications and records in Clermont County go through the Probate Court in Batavia. This court stands out from many Ohio counties because it offers a Zoom video option for couples who cannot both appear in person at the same time.
Clermont County Overview
Clermont County Probate Court
The Clermont County Probate Court is at 2379 Clermont Center Drive, Batavia, OH 45103. Phone numbers are (513) 732-7243 and (513) 732-7300. Fax lines are (513) 732-7921 and (513) 732-8183. The court is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. One thing to keep in mind is that the office closes from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch. If you show up at noon, you will have to wait an hour.
Clermont County sits in the Cincinnati metro area. The court serves both suburban and rural parts of the county. Whether you live in Batavia, Milford, or any of the smaller towns, this is the only place to get a marriage license in Clermont County.
Clermont County Marriage License Application
The standard way to apply is in person. Both of you walk into the Probate Court, show your IDs, and fill out the application. But Clermont County also has a Zoom option. This is a real help for couples where one person works odd hours or lives far away. To use it, you mail in a completed Application for Marriage License along with $50 in cash and a self-addressed stamped return envelope. The court will then call you to set up a Zoom appointment.
For the Zoom call, you need a Zoom account (sign up free at zoom.us). Both people must be on the video call and show photo IDs and any required documents on camera. The court treats this the same as an in-person visit for the purposes of ORC 3101.05.
Note: The Zoom option requires mailing your application and $50 cash first. The court will not schedule a video call until they have the paperwork and fee in hand.
What to Bring for Your License
Valid photo ID is a must. A driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport all work. You need your Social Security number. The application form asks for name, age, residence, place of birth, occupation, father's name, and mother's maiden name.
If you were married before, bring a file-stamped copy of your Final Divorce Decree. If your former spouse died, bring the death certificate. You must also list the names of any minor children from prior marriages. Lying on the application is falsification under ORC 2921.13, which is a criminal offense. Be honest and complete.
Marriage License Fees and Copies
The marriage license fee in Clermont County is $50. Certified copies of marriage records cost $3.00 each. That is one of the lower certified copy fees you will find in Ohio. To get certified copies by mail, send your request to the Probate Court at 2379 Clermont Center Drive, Batavia, OH 45103. Include the full names of both applicants at the time of the marriage, the date of the marriage, $3.00 per copy in cash or money order (no personal checks), and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Certified copies are only available after the officiant has returned the signed marriage certificate and the court has recorded it. If your officiant has not filed the certificate yet, the court cannot help you with copies.
Officiants and the Ceremony
The marriage license is just one piece. You still need someone to perform the ceremony. In Clermont County, as in all of Ohio, the list of authorized officiants comes from ORC 3101.08. That includes ordained or licensed ministers registered with the Secretary of State, county court judges, municipal court judges, probate judges, and mayors. Religious societies can also perform marriages under their church rules.
The officiant must return the signed certificate to the Clermont County Probate Court within 30 days. The court gives a return envelope with each license. To check if a minister is properly registered, call the Secretary of State at 1-877-767-6446.
Public Access to Marriage Records
Ohio law makes marriage records public. Under ORC 149.43, anyone can ask to inspect or copy public records at any public office during regular business hours. The Clermont County Probate Court follows this law. However, Social Security numbers are always removed before records are shown to the public, as required by ORC 3101.051.
You do not need to give a reason for your request. The court cannot require a written request, though they may ask for one. You can ask for paper copies or electronic copies, and the court can charge the actual cost of making them.
Note: The Clermont Law Library can help you understand legal questions about marriage records and probate procedures.
Legal Help and Additional Resources
Ohio Legal Help has a page for the Clermont County Probate Court with directions and contact details. The site offers free guidance on marriage license requirements and related family law matters. The Ohio Supreme Court website has standardized probate forms that can be useful for self-represented individuals.
For genealogy research, the Ohio History Connection maintains a statewide guide to marriage records. The statewide index covers marriages from September 7, 1949, to the present. For older records, you would need to check with the Clermont County Probate Court or historical archives directly.
The Clermont County Probate Court website provides details on its marriage license application process, including the Zoom video conferencing option for couples who cannot appear together.
Nearby Counties
Browse marriage license records in neighboring Ohio counties.