Search Preble County Marriage License

Preble County marriage license records are managed by the Probate Court in Eaton. All applications and certified copies go through this office.

Preble County Probate Court

The Preble County Probate Court is on the 2nd floor of the Preble County Courthouse at 101 E. Main Street in Eaton, OH 45320. The probate phone number is (937) 456-8137. The juvenile division is at (937) 456-8136. The fax number is (937) 456-5803. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Note the 3:30 closing time, which is earlier than many courts.

Both people must be present to apply for a marriage license. ORC 3101.05 requires personal appearance by each applicant. At least one person must be a Preble County resident. The court is strict about this rule. If neither person lives in Ohio, a license can still be issued, but the wedding ceremony must happen in Preble County.

You need a valid photo ID. The court accepts a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You will also need a birth certificate or at least the correct spelling of your parents' names. Your Social Security number goes on the application, but it is removed from the public record under ORC 3101.051.

Preble County License Fee

The marriage license fee in Preble County is $70. That is higher than most Ohio counties. The court accepts cash or check only. No credit cards. No debit cards. Make sure you have the right form of payment before you visit. There is no ATM in the courthouse.

Ohio has had no waiting period since 2001. Once your application is approved and you pay the $70, the license takes effect immediately. You can have the ceremony that same day. The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date, per ORC 3101.07. The expiration date appears on the license in large type. After 60 days, it expires and you would need to reapply and pay the fee again.

Documents for Previously Married

If either person was married before, the Preble County Probate Court requires the Final Decree of Divorce or Dissolution for all prior marriages. Not just the most recent. Every single one. This is a firm requirement. If a former spouse died, bring the death certificate instead. The court checks these documents to confirm there is no legal barrier to the new marriage.

The application form also asks for names of all prior spouses, any minor children from those marriages, and the jurisdiction, date, and case number for each divorce. Making false statements is falsification under ORC 2921.13, which is a criminal offense. Take the time to collect all your paperwork before the visit so you do not have to come back.

Ceremony and Certificate

ORC 3101.08 spells out who can legally perform a wedding in Ohio. The list includes ordained or licensed ministers registered with the Ohio Secretary of State, county court judges, municipal court judges, probate judges, and mayors of any Ohio municipality. Religious societies may also perform ceremonies following their own rules.

After the wedding, the officiant must sign the marriage certificate and return it to the Preble County Probate Court within 31 days. The court requires this so the marriage can be properly recorded. Under ORC 3101.13, the standard is 30 days, with a minor misdemeanor penalty for late filing. The court provides an envelope with the license to make the return straightforward. Your marriage is not officially on record until that signed certificate is filed.

Preble County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Preble County are public. ORC 149.43 gives anyone the right to request and view them. Social Security numbers are redacted before any record is released. You do not need to give a reason for your request, and a written request is not required under Ohio law.

The Preble County government website has information about the Probate and Juvenile Court. Below is a screenshot of the county's court page.

The court also has a dedicated marriage license page with details about fees, requirements, and office hours. Below is a screenshot of that resource.

For older marriage records, the Ohio History Connection may hold archived Preble County documents. The Ohio Department of Health maintains a statewide marriage index from September 7, 1949 to the present, covering all 88 counties.

Legal Resources

The Ohio Legal Help website provides free information about marriage license requirements, name changes, and family law in Ohio. Their county court directory includes details for the Preble County Probate Court. The Ohio Supreme Court website has standardized probate forms and court rules used statewide.

Preble County sits on the Indiana border, so some couples from eastern Indiana apply for Ohio licenses here. If you are coming from out of state, remember that at least one person must live in Preble County, or the wedding must happen within the county. Check the statute requirements before making the trip. The full marriage chapter of the Ohio Revised Code covers all the rules.

The probate judge in Preble County can also perform marriages under ORC 2101.27. If the judge charges a fee for the service, all of it goes to the county treasury. Some couples find it convenient to have the probate judge officiate right at the courthouse after getting the license, which keeps things simple and avoids scheduling a separate officiant.

Nearby Counties

Browse marriage license records in neighboring Ohio counties.