Canton Marriage Records Search
Canton marriage records are filed at the Stark County Probate Court at 110 Central Plaza South in downtown Canton. The court is the only office in the county that issues marriage licenses and keeps official marriage records. Canton serves as the county seat of Stark County, and the court handles marriage filings for the entire county. If you need to apply for a license, look up an old marriage record, or get a certified copy, you will go through the Stark County Probate Court. Appointments are required for marriage license applications, so plan ahead.
Canton Overview
Canton Marriage License Office
The Stark County Probate Court requires an appointment for marriage license applications. Call (330) 451-7759 for a recorded message about scheduling. Both people must come in person.
The marriage license fee is $60, payable in cash only. Of that amount, $17 goes to Columbus for the domestic violence shelter fund. There is no waiting period in Ohio under ORC Chapter 3101. The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. Unmarried adults 18 and older who are no nearer of kin than second cousins may apply. Both people need a valid photo ID and any documents showing prior marriages ended.
| Court | Stark County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 110 Central Plaza South Canton, OH 44702 |
| Phone | (330) 451-7370 (General) (330) 451-7759 (Recorded Info) |
| probate@starkcountyohio.gov | |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM |
Note: You must schedule an appointment in advance. Walk-ins for marriage licenses are not accepted.
Search Canton Marriage Records
The Stark County Courts website has information on how to get copies of Canton marriage records. Certified copies cost $2 for licenses and $1 for certificates. You can also get a keepsake certificate on heavy bond paper for $1.
For mail requests, send a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for $2 payable to "The Stark County Probate Court." Include the names of both applicants and the date of marriage. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM for in-person requests. Divorce records are kept by a different office. Call the Clerk of Courts at (330) 451-7801 for divorce record requests.
Marriage records in Canton are public records. Under ORC 149.43, anyone can ask for a copy without stating a reason. The court cannot deny your request based on who you are or why you want the record.
Stark County Marriage Records Portal
The Stark County Probate Court has an FAQ page where Canton residents can find answers about the marriage license process. You can view it at the Stark County Probate Court Marriage FAQ page.
The FAQ covers fees, appointment requirements, ID requirements, and eligibility rules. It is a good place to check before visiting the courthouse so you know exactly what to bring.
The Stark County Courts also has a page dedicated to marriage and divorce records. Below is a view of that page.
This page explains the process for getting copies by mail, what fees apply, and who to contact for divorce records. It is separate from the probate court's FAQ page but covers similar ground with more detail on copy requests.
Historical Canton Marriage Records
Stark County was created in 1808 from Columbiana County. Marriage records start from that year. The Ohio History Connection has indexed marriage records for Stark County at the Ohio History Center in Columbus. There is no statewide index, so you need to know the county.
The FamilySearch Ohio Vital Records collection has free digitized Stark County marriage records. You need a free account. The Ancestry Ohio Marriage Index covers 1970 to 2007 with more than 3 million records. Records before 1899 usually do not list parents' names.
Canton Marriage License Requirements
To apply for a marriage license in Canton, both people must be at least 18 years old. If one person is 17, they need parental consent and juvenile court approval. Neither person can be currently married to someone else. You cannot marry someone who is closer than a second cousin. These rules are in ORC Section 3101.01.
Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. If you were married before, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or the death certificate of your former spouse. The court checks all of this before issuing the license. The $60 fee must be paid in cash. No checks, no cards. Part of the fee goes to support domestic violence shelters across Ohio.
After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed marriage license to the Stark County Probate Court within 30 days. If this does not happen, your marriage is still valid, but the record may not show up in the court's system right away. Make sure whoever performs the ceremony knows about this step.
Nearby Canton Marriage Resources
Akron in Summit County is nearby and has its own probate court for marriage records. Youngstown in Mahoning County is to the east. If you are tracing older records, keep in mind that Summit County was carved from Stark County in 1840, so pre-1840 records that seem like they should be in Summit may actually be in Stark County.
Stark County Marriage Records
Canton is in Stark County. All marriage license applications and records go through the Stark County Probate Court. The court serves Canton and all other Stark County communities. For a full look at county resources, see the Stark County page.