Delaware County Marriage License

Marriage license records in Delaware County are kept by the Probate Court on North Union Street in Delaware. Both applicants must appear in person, and the process can usually be finished in a single visit.

Delaware County Probate Court

The Delaware County Probate Court is the sole office that handles marriage license applications in the county. It is located at 145 N. Union Street, 3rd Floor, Delaware, OH 43015. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can reach the office by phone at (740) 833-2685 or (740) 833-2680. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours, though calling ahead can save you time if you want to check on any special requirements.

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 3101.05, both applicants must appear in person at the probate court in the county where either one lives. If neither person lives in Ohio, they can apply in the county where the ceremony will take place. The court clerk will put the application on file right away and, if there is no legal problem, issue the license on the spot.

The Delaware County Probate Court website shows current forms and contact information for the marriage license office.

This page from the court's site lists the steps for getting your license, along with phone numbers and office hours.

Marriage License Requirements

Both people must come to the courthouse together. You cannot send one person alone. Each person needs to bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. You also need your Social Security number. The court does not put your Social Security number on the license itself, which is required by ORC 3101.05 for privacy. If you have been married before, bring a certified copy of your most recent divorce decree. The decree must show the case number, date, and the court where it was granted.

There is no blood test in Ohio. That rule was dropped years ago. There is also no waiting period, so you can get your license and have the ceremony on the same day if you want. The license stays good for 60 days from the date it is issued, as set out in ORC 3101.07. If you don't use it in that window, you'll have to apply again and pay the fee a second time.

Fees and Certified Copies

The fee for a Delaware County marriage license is about $50. The court accepts cash and money orders. Check with the clerk's office to see if credit or debit cards are accepted, since payment methods can change. Certified copies of the marriage certificate are a small extra fee, typically a few dollars per copy. It is a good idea to get several copies at the time of your visit. You may need them to change your name with the BMV, Social Security, banks, and other places.

Marriage records in Delaware County are public under Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43. Anyone can ask to see them. The court will remove Social Security numbers before showing the records to the public, but all other details stay on file and can be viewed or copied during regular business hours.

Who Can Perform the Ceremony

Ohio law is clear on who can marry you. Under ORC 3101.08, the list includes ordained or licensed ministers who are registered with the Ohio Secretary of State, judges of county or municipal courts, probate judges, mayors of any Ohio city or village, and the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services. A religious group can also perform the ceremony if it follows its own church rules. Whoever performs the wedding must sign the marriage certificate and send it back to the probate court within 30 days, as required by ORC 3101.13. If the certificate is not returned in time, the officiant can face a $50 fine.

You can check if a minister is registered by calling the Ohio Secretary of State at (877) 767-6446.

Delaware County Marriage License Records

The Ohio Legal Help website has a directory page for the Delaware County Probate Court. It lists office contact details, hours, and links to legal resources if you need help with the process. For people who are not sure which county to contact, the site can point you in the right direction based on where you live.

The Ohio Legal Help page for Delaware County shows basic contact details for the probate court and links to free legal clinics.

Delaware County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. That means the probate court sees a high volume of marriage license applications, especially in the spring and summer months. If you plan to visit during a busy time, getting there early in the day can help you avoid a long wait. The court does not take appointments for marriage licenses, so all applications are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

For older records or genealogy work, the Ohio Department of Health keeps a statewide index of marriages from September 7, 1949, to the present. That index can tell you which county holds a specific record, though the actual certified copy must still come from the Delaware County Probate Court if the marriage took place here. For records before 1949, there is no statewide index. You would need to check directly with the court or look into collections at the Ohio History Connection.

After the Wedding

The officiant has 30 days to sign and return the marriage certificate to the Delaware County Probate Court. Once the court gets it back, the marriage is on record and you can order certified copies. If you need copies for a name change, ask for the certified abstract of marriage. Most banks, the BMV, and Social Security will want to see this document. Plan to get at least three or four copies so you don't have to go back to the courthouse later.

If there is a mistake on the certificate, you can file to have it corrected. Under ORC 3101.15, a person can ask the court to fix an error on a marriage certificate by filing an application with an affidavit from someone who knows the correct facts. The court may set a hearing, and if the judge is satisfied the facts are right, the certificate will be updated.

Nearby Counties

Browse marriage license records in neighboring Ohio counties.