Perry County Marriage License Search

Perry County marriage license records are managed by the Probate Court in New Lexington. All applications, copies, and record requests go through this office on North Main Street.

Perry County Probate Court Details

The Perry County Probate Court sits at 105 N. Main St. in New Lexington, OH 43764. You can reach them at (740) 342-1118 or (740) 342-1022. The fax number is (740) 342-5524. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This is the sole office in Perry County that handles marriage license applications and maintains marriage records.

Both applicants must appear in person at the court. That is a firm requirement under ORC 3101.05. There is no way around it. At least one of you must be a Perry County resident if you plan to use the license somewhere else in Ohio. If both of you live out of state, you can still get a license here, but the ceremony has to take place in Perry County.

Each person needs a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport will do. You also need to provide your Social Security number. It goes on the application but will not appear on the public record. ORC 3101.051 requires that Social Security numbers be stripped from any marriage record before it can be viewed by the public.

Application Requirements

The application covers basic personal information for both people. Under oath, you must provide your name, age, residence, place of birth, occupation, father's name, and mother's maiden name (if known). You also name the person who will perform the ceremony. Each of these items is spelled out in ORC 3101.05.

If either person has been married before, additional information is needed. You must list the names of all prior spouses, any minor children from those marriages, and for each divorce, the jurisdiction, date, and case number. A certified copy of the final divorce decree is required for every previous marriage. If a former spouse died rather than divorced, bring the death certificate. Giving false information is falsification under ORC 2921.13, which carries criminal penalties.

Fees and Timeline

Call (740) 342-1118 to confirm the current fee for a Perry County marriage license. Most Ohio counties charge around $50. Ask about payment methods at the same time. Some probate courts accept only cash, while others take money orders or credit cards.

Ohio eliminated its waiting period in 2001. Once the application is approved and the fee is paid, the license takes effect right away. You can hold the ceremony the same day. The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date, per ORC 3101.07. The expiration date is printed on the license in large type. If 60 days pass without a ceremony, the license expires and you start over.

Officiants in Perry County

ORC 3101.08 lists the people who can legally perform a wedding. Ordained or licensed ministers who are registered with the Ohio Secretary of State are on the list. So are county court judges, municipal court judges, probate judges, and mayors of any Ohio city or village. Religious groups may perform ceremonies following their own traditions.

After the wedding, the officiant must sign the certificate and send it back to the Perry County Probate Court within 30 days. That is the rule under ORC 3101.13. Missing the deadline is a minor misdemeanor with a $50 fine. A pre-addressed envelope comes with the license. The marriage is not on file at the court until that signed certificate is returned.

Perry County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Perry County are public. ORC 149.43 guarantees the right to view or copy them during regular business hours. Social Security numbers are removed first. You do not need a written request and do not need to state a reason for wanting the record.

The Perry County government website provides general information about court services. Below is a view of the county's official site.

Perry County has maintained marriage records since its formation. Early records may list only names and dates. Later records include parents' names, birth places, and occupations. For genealogical research, the Ohio History Connection may have some older Perry County records. The Ohio Department of Health keeps a statewide marriage index from September 7, 1949 forward.

Health Department and Records

The Perry County Health Department is a separate office at 2235 State Route 13 in New Lexington. They handle birth and death records from 1908 to the present. Certified copies of those records cost $25. However, the health department does not maintain marriage or divorce records at all. Those are exclusively in the hands of the Probate Court.

For birth and death records older than 1908, contact the Ohio History Connection at 1-800-686-6124. Below is a screenshot showing the Perry County Health Department vital statistics page.

If you need both a marriage record and a birth or death record for the same family, you will be dealing with two different offices. The Probate Court for the marriage license, and the health department (or Ohio History Connection) for birth and death certificates. Plan your trip to New Lexington so you can visit both if needed.

Nearby Counties

Browse marriage license records in neighboring Ohio counties.