Frequently Asked Questions About Marriages
What Information is Required for Marriage?
Under What Influences or Diseases Will Marriage be Denied?
What are the Residence Qualifications?
Information on Marriage Certificates
Information on Marriages Involving Minors
Information for Parties Who Have Been Previously Married
Who May Perform the Marriage Ceremony?
What are the Time Limitations?
Marriage is a solemn and exalted state, sanctified by the church, respected by society, and licensed by the State. Marriage is basically a contract between two parties; however, there is a third party to all contracts of marriage--the State. For it is the State that by law provides conditions to and limitations of the marriage contract.
The Probate Court is the sole agency, under the laws of the State of Ohio, that is vested with the authority to issue marriage licenses.
The fee for obtaining a marriage license is $42.00, payable in cash at the time of the application. Of this fee, $17.00 is forwarded to Columbus to a fund established by the State of Ohio to provide financial assistance to shelters for victims of domestic-violence.
Males of 18 years of age and females of 16 years who are no nearer of kin than second cousins may apply for a marriage license. Application must be made in person, by both parties.
What Information is Required for Marriage?
Each of the applicants must supply to the court their respective address, name, age, place of birth, occupation, father’s name, mother’s maiden name, if known, and the name of the person who is expected to solemnize the marriage.
Under What Influences or Diseases Will Marriage be Denied?
No marriage license shall be granted when either of the applicants is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled substance or is infected with syphilis in a form that is communicable or likely to become so.
What are the Residence Qualifications?
At least one of the applicants must be a resident of Stark County for a marriage license to be issued. If BOTH applicants are not residents of Ohio, they may apply for a marriage license in Stark County, provided the marriage ceremony is performed in Stark County.
Information on Marriage Certificates
You may purchase a Marriage Certificate for $1.00. This certificate is printed on heavy bond paper and is suitable for framing. There is space provided for the names, titles and signatures of the persons involved in your marriage ceremony.
Information on Marriages Involving Minors
Ohio law requires all applicants under eighteen years of age to have a letter from their minister or a marriage counselor stating that they have received pre-marital counseling. All applicants under eighteen years of age must also have the consent of both parents, or surviving parent, or the parent who has custody or the legal guardian of his or her person or any person having custody under Ohio Revised Code Section 3101.01. Applicants under the minimum age must first obtain approval of the Juvenile Court.
Information for Parties Who Have Been Previously Married
If either party has been previously married, the application shall include the names of the parties to any such marriage and of any minor children from that marriage. If the prior marriage was terminated by divorce, a certified copy of the divorce decree must be submitted to the Probate Court at the time of application. If the prior marriage ended due to the other spouse's death, then a certified copy of the death certificate must be submitted to the Probate Court at the time of the application.
Blood tests are no longer required
Who May Perform the Marriage Ceremony?
An ordained or licensed minister of any religious society or congregation within this state licensed to perform marriages, a judge of a county court in his county, an authorized judge of a municipal court, the mayor of a municipal corporation in any county in which such municipal corporation wholly or partly lies, the superintendent of the state school for the deaf, or any religious society, in conformity with the rules and regulations of its church.
What are the Time Limitations?
You may obtain the marriage license at the time of the filing of a completed application. There is no longer a five day waiting period in Ohio. A marriage license is valid for sixty (60) days from the date of issue.
Where Can I Get More Information?
The Probate Court has a recorded telephone message that summarizes the information contained on this web site. This message is available at anytime by dialing 330.451.7759
What If I Need Certified Copies of My Marriage License?
If you need a certified copy of your marriage license, the cost is Two ($2.00) Dollars. You may obtain a copy in person or by mail. If you request a copy by mail please send a stamped self-address envelope, a check or money order (no cash please) for Two ($2.00) Dollars payable to "The Stark County Probate Court" and the names of the applicants and the date of marriage. The Court's address is: Stark County Probate Court, 110 Central Plaza South, Suite 501, Canton, Ohio, 44702-1413.