Search Erie County Marriage License

Marriage license records in Erie County are held at the Probate Court in Sandusky. Walk-ins are welcome during regular court hours, and most couples leave with their license the same day.

Erie County Probate Court

The Erie County Probate Court sits at 323 Columbus Avenue, 2nd Floor, Sandusky, OH 44870. You can call the court at (419) 627-7750. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The court handles marriage license applications, estates, guardianships, and other probate matters. For marriage licenses, both people must show up in person at the courthouse in Sandusky. There is no way to apply by mail or online for the license itself, though some courts let you fill out a pre-application form ahead of time.

Erie County was formed in 1838 and sits along the Lake Erie shoreline. The courthouse in Sandusky is easy to find on Columbus Avenue near the center of town. If you are coming from out of the area, there is parking near the courthouse, and the probate court is on the second floor.

Marriage License Application Process

Both people must come to the court together. Each person needs a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID will work. You also need your Social Security number. The court uses it for the application but does not print it on the license, as required by ORC 3101.05. If either person was married before, bring a certified copy of the most recent divorce decree showing the case number, date, and court that granted it.

The application asks for each person's name, age, place of birth, occupation, and the names of both parents. You also need to name the person who will perform the ceremony. Under Ohio law, the probate judge reviews the application on the spot. If everything checks out, the license is issued right away. No blood test. No waiting period. You could have the ceremony the same afternoon if you wanted.

The Ohio Legal Help directory provides contact details and resources for the Erie County Probate Court.

This page lists the Erie County Probate Court office address, phone number, and links to legal aid services in the area.

Fees for Erie County Marriage License

The fee for a marriage license in Erie County is about $50. Call the court at (419) 627-7750 to confirm the exact amount and accepted payment methods before your visit. Some courts take cash only, while others also accept money orders or credit cards. Certified copies of the marriage certificate usually cost a few dollars each. It is smart to order several copies when you pick up your certificate, since you may need them for name changes at the BMV, Social Security office, your bank, and your employer.

Marriage records are public in Ohio under ORC 149.43. That means anyone can ask to see or copy a marriage record. The court removes Social Security numbers before making records available to the public, but all other information stays on file.

Authorized Officiants in Ohio

Ohio Revised Code Section 3101.08 lists who can perform a marriage ceremony. The list includes ordained or licensed ministers registered with the Ohio Secretary of State, judges of county or municipal courts, probate judges (under ORC 2101.27), mayors of any Ohio municipality, and the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services. Religious groups can also perform ceremonies in line with their own rules.

After the wedding, the officiant must sign the certificate and return it to the Erie County Probate Court within 30 days. That is the law under ORC 3101.13. If it is not returned on time, the officiant can be fined $50. Once the court gets the signed certificate, the marriage is officially on record and you can order certified copies.

Erie County Marriage Records Search

Looking for an older Erie County marriage license? The Probate Court keeps records going back to the county's formation in 1838. For records from September 7, 1949, forward, the Ohio Department of Health has a statewide index that can help you figure out which county holds a particular record. The index does not give you the certificate itself. You still have to get the certified copy from the Erie County Probate Court.

For genealogy research on marriages before 1949, there is no statewide index. You would need to contact the court directly or check with the Ohio History Connection, which holds marriage records from some Ohio counties. Early records may only include the names of the bride, groom, officiant, and date of the ceremony. Records after about 1899 tend to have more detail, including parents' names.

The license is good for 60 days under ORC 3101.07. If you don't use it within that time frame, you will need to start over with a new application and pay the fee again. The 60-day rule is printed on every license in large type so there is no confusion about the deadline.

Nearby Counties

Browse marriage license records in neighboring Ohio counties.