The Probate Court has exclusive jurisdiction to issue marriage licenses.
 
Who may apply for a marriage license?

Male persons of the age of eighteen years, and female persons of the age of sixteen years, not nearer of kin than second cousins, and not having a husband or wife living, may be joined in marriage. A minor must first obtain the consent of the minor’s parents, surviving parent, parent who is designated the residential parent and legal custodian of the child by a court of competent jurisdiction, guardian, or any one of the following who has been awarded permanent custody of the minor by a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction:

(A) An adult person;

(B) The Department of Job and Family Services or any child welfare organization certified by such department;

(C) A public children services agency.

A minor shall not be required to obtain the consent of a parent who resides in a foreign country, has neglected or abandoned such minor for a period of one year or longer immediately preceding the application for the marriage license, has been adjudged incompetent, is an inmate of a state mental or correctional institution, has been permanently deprived of parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the child and the right to have the child live with the parent and to be the legal custodian of the child by a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction, or has been deprived of parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the child and the right to have the child live with the parent and to be the legal custodian of the child by the appointment of a guardian of the person of the minor by the probate court or by any other court of competent jurisdiction.

(See Ohio Revised Code 3101.01 - Person who may be joined in marriage; minor to obtain consent.)

How do we apply?

Both marriage applicants must apply in person, together. The license may be obtained in this court if one of the applicants is a resident of Greene County. The license may be used anywhere in the State of Ohio. The minimum age for applying for a license in Ohio, without parental consent, is eighteen (18) years of age. No blood tests or physical examinations are required in Ohio.

This Court will also issue the license if neither of the applicants is a resident of the State of Ohio, but the marriage ceremony must take place in Greene County.

A valid driver’s license or state I.D. with date of birth and current address is required. In lieu of a valid driver’s license or state I.D., the Court will accept a birth certificate and social security card*. If correct address is not on I.D., a checkbook, car title or mail addressed to you at your current address will be accepted. If you have done a legal name change or have been restored to a prior name through a divorce or dissolution, please contact the court for specific information.

*All social security numbers are held in confidence.

Must I show proof of divorce, dissolution or annulment?

If either applicant has been married before, they must bring all prior divorce, dissolution or annulment information and a certified copy of the final decree of their last divorce, dissolution or annulment. If the decree is in a foreign language, it must be translated in writing.

Is there a waiting period?

After the application is accepted, there is no waiting period in Greene County to receive the license. The license is valid for sixty (60) days from the date of issuance.

How much does a marriage license cost?

The cost of the license is presently $65.00 cash only (no checks, credit or debit cards), and must be paid upon completion of the application.

How do I get a certified copy of my marriage license?

When proof of the marriage is needed, a certified copy of the marriage abstract can be obtained by writing to the Courts’ Marriage License Bureau or by appearing at the Marriage License Bureau in the Greene County Probate Court, 45 North Detroit Street, Courthouse, Xenia, Ohio, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. The cost of a marriage abstract is $2.00, cash or money order (no checks). Requests made by mail, must include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the marriage abstract to be returned. Usually, the marriage abstract can be obtained the same day it is applied for.

Who may solemnize a marriage?

Only a duly ordained minister who is registered with the Secretary of the State of Ohio, a Judge, a Mayor, or the Superintendent of the State School for the Deaf may solemnize a marriage.

To register with the Secretary of State or to find out if your minister is registered, call (614) 466-2585.

Civil Ceremony Information - Judge Michael K. Murry (937-376-7289) or Judge Beth  W. Root (937-754-3045)