Columbus Marriage Records
Columbus marriage records are filed and kept at the Franklin County Probate Court in downtown Columbus. The court sits on the 22nd and 23rd floors of the Franklin County Courthouse at 373 South High Street. Whether you need to get a marriage license, search for an old record, or order a certified copy, this is where to go. Columbus is the state capital and the largest city in Ohio, so the court handles a high volume of marriage filings each year. You can also search the court's online Marriage License Index for records going back to 1803. Staff can help with in-person requests during normal business hours.
Columbus Overview
Columbus Marriage License Office
The Franklin County Probate Court Marriage Department is the only place to get a marriage license in Columbus. Both people must show up in person. The office is on the 23rd floor. You can't send someone else in your place.
Before you go, fill out the online application on the court's website. Applications stay valid for 30 days. You will need a valid photo ID and any paperwork that proves prior marriages ended. The fee is $65, which you can pay with cash or a credit card. A 3% service charge applies to card payments. There is no waiting period in Ohio, so once you get the license, you can have your ceremony the same day. The license stays good for 60 days under ORC Chapter 3101.
| Court | Franklin County Probate Court - Marriage Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 373 South High Street, 23rd Floor Columbus, OH 43215 |
| Phone | (614) 525-3108 |
| marriage@franklincountyohio.gov | |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last license at 4:00 PM) |
Plan to arrive by 4:00 PM at the latest. The court closes its doors for new license applications after that time even though the building stays open until 4:30.
Note: If a document was issued by a foreign government in a language other than English, you must bring a professional translation with an attestation from the translator.
Search Columbus Marriage Records Online
The Franklin County Probate Court runs an online Marriage License Index that covers records from 1803 through 1994. You can search by name and pull up basic record details. All records in the system are current as of the prior day's close of business. This free tool is a good first step if you just need to confirm that a marriage took place in Franklin County.
For more recent records or full case information, use the Franklin County Case Information Online system. This covers civil and criminal case data. It is meant for public use and is free. Keep in mind that it is not set up for bulk data downloads.
If you want a certified copy, you have to go through the court. You can visit in person, order online, or send a request by mail. The cost is low. Certified marriage abstracts can be picked up without an appointment. You can also order them through USPS. Call (614) 525-3899 or email probate@franklincountyohio.gov to ask about copy requests.
Note: Marriage records in Ohio are public records under ORC 149.43, so anyone can request them without giving a reason.
Franklin County Marriage Records Portal
The Franklin County Probate Court offers a dedicated online marriage department page where Columbus residents can start their application and find all the forms they need. You can view the portal at the Franklin County Probate Court Marriage Department website.
The page shows hours, fees, and step-by-step instructions for applying. It also explains who can officiate a wedding in Ohio and how to check if a minister is registered with the Secretary of State.
The court also provides a Case Information Online tool for searching public records. Below is a view of the Franklin County Clerk of Courts Case Information system.
This system lets you look up civil and criminal cases filed in Franklin County. It is updated regularly and free to use for the general public.
Historical Marriage Records in Columbus
Franklin County has marriage records dating back to 1803, the year Ohio became a state. The Ohio History Connection holds microfilm copies of Franklin County marriage records from 1803 through 1968. You can view these at the Ohio History Center at 800 E. 17th Avenue in Columbus.
There is no statewide index for marriages. You need to know the county where the marriage took place. If you are not sure, check the U.S. Federal Census to see where the couple lived around the time of the wedding. The FamilySearch Ohio Vital Records page has free digitized marriage records for Franklin County as part of a larger collection covering 1789 to 2016. You will need to sign up for a free account to see the images.
Ancestry's Ohio Marriage Index covers 1970 through 2007 and has more than 3 million records. It is a paid service but can be used free at many public libraries and FamilySearch Centers. The Columbus Metropolitan Library system may also provide access.
Note: Records before 1899 usually do not list parents' names, so plan for extra research if you are tracing older family lines.
Columbus Marriage Record Fees
The marriage license fee at the Franklin County Probate Court is $65. That covers the application and the license itself. A 3% service charge is added for credit and debit card payments. Cash payments have no extra fee.
If you need to fix a small error on your application, that costs $5. Amending an application to add previous marriages costs $35, and both parties must sign in front of a notary. Certified copies of marriage abstracts are available for a small fee. You can get them in person, by mail, or online through the court's website.
Only certain people can perform a wedding in Ohio. This includes ordained or licensed ministers registered with the Ohio Secretary of State, judges, mayors, and the Superintendent of the State School for the Deaf. To check if a minister is registered, call (877) 767-6446 or visit the Secretary of State's website.
Legal Resources for Columbus
The Ohio Legal Help website has information on the Franklin County Probate Court, including how to prepare for a hearing and how to change your name after getting married. The site covers wills, estates, guardianships, and other probate matters too.
If you need help with forms or do not know where to start, the court staff can point you in the right direction. They cannot give legal advice, but they can tell you which forms to use and where to file them. The Ohio Genealogical Society is another resource for people tracing family marriage records. Their library in Bellville has county-level marriage indexes and databases.
Franklin County Marriage Records
Columbus is in Franklin County. All marriage license applications and records go through the Franklin County Probate Court. The court serves Columbus and surrounding communities including Dublin, Westerville, and Gahanna. For a full look at county resources and procedures, see the Franklin County page.