Medina County Marriage License Records

Medina County marriage license records are handled by the Probate Court in the city of Medina. All applications and certified copies go through the same office on East Washington Street, on the fourth floor of the courthouse.

Medina County Probate Court

The Medina County Probate Court is at 225 E. Washington St., 4th Floor, Medina, OH 44256. The phone number is 330-725-9703. Judge Kevin W. Dunn presides over the court. You can apply for a marriage license from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays. Note that the cutoff for applications is 3:00 p.m., not the usual 4:00 or 4:30 you see in some other Ohio counties.

Both people must appear in person. That is set in stone under ORC 3101.05. At least one of you must live in Medina County, unless both of you are from out of state and plan to have the ceremony here. The court will ask you to fill out the application under oath, so come ready to give your full name, age, place of birth, parents' names, and a few other details.

What You Need to Bring

Each person needs a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport will work. You also need your Social Security number. The court keeps it on file but removes it from any public record under ORC 3101.051. Nobody who pulls your marriage record will see your Social Security number.

Were you married before? Bring a certified copy of your divorce decree or dissolution. The court wants to see the final judgment, not just the filing. If your former spouse died, you need a certified death certificate instead. You must give the court the names of all previous spouses, dates the marriages ended, case numbers, and which court granted the divorce. False statements on the application can lead to a charge of falsification under ORC 2921.13.

Fees and Payment in Medina County

The marriage license fee is $88. Cash only. That is higher than some nearby counties, and the cash-only rule catches people off guard. Do not show up with just a debit card. Plan ahead and bring the right amount in bills. Ohio dropped its five-day waiting period back in 2001, so you can get your license and use it the same day if you want.

The license stays valid for 60 days. That is the rule under ORC 3101.07, and the expiration date gets printed right on the license. If you miss the 60-day window, the license expires and you have to start over with a new application and a new fee. Certified copies of the marriage record cost $3.00 each. You can get them in person or by mail with a check and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Marriage License Screenshots

The Medina County Probate Court has a dedicated marriage license page with details on hours, fees, and the application process. The screenshot below shows their marriage license page.

The main Probate Court site also has links to other services like certified copies and estate filings. You can see an overview of the court below.

Officiants in Medina County

Ohio law under ORC 3101.08 says who can perform a wedding. The list includes ordained or licensed ministers registered with the Ohio Secretary of State, county and municipal court judges, probate judges under ORC 2101.27, and mayors. Religious societies can also conduct ceremonies in line with their own practices.

The officiant must return the signed marriage certificate to the Medina County Probate Court within 30 days of the ceremony. That is the requirement under ORC 3101.13. Missing this deadline is a minor misdemeanor. The court provides a pre-addressed envelope with every license to make the return quick and simple.

Remember that the $88 fee must be paid in cash. No cards, no checks. That is one of the higher fees in the state, and the cash-only rule makes it stand out. Bring exact change if you can. The court staff may not always have bills to make change for large amounts.

Getting Copies and Doing Research

Marriage records are public in Medina County under ORC 149.43. Anyone can request them. Certified copies cost $3.00 each. You can pick them up at 225 E. Washington St. or mail a request to the same address with a $3.00 check and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Make sure to include the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage.

For older records, the Ohio Department of Health has a statewide marriage index going back to September 7, 1949. The index covers all 88 counties but does not provide certified copies. Those still come from the Medina County Probate Court. The Ohio History Connection may also hold some older Medina County records for genealogical research. Early records tend to show only names and dates. Records from the late 1800s forward usually include parents' names and places of birth.

The Medina County Probate Court also has a downloadable marriage license application form in PDF format on its website. You can fill it out at home and bring it with you. That will not replace the in-person oath, but it saves time at the counter. The form asks for your full name, Social Security number, birthdate, birthplace, residence, phone, occupation, and parents' names. If you have all of this ready before you walk in, the process goes much faster. The court staff can answer any questions about the form when you arrive.

Nearby Counties

Browse marriage license records in neighboring Ohio counties.