Search Lima Marriage Records
Lima marriage records are held by the Allen County Probate Court. Lima is the county seat of Allen County, and the courthouse is right in the city. The Probate Court issues all marriage licenses and keeps all marriage record files for the county. If you plan to get married in Lima, need to search for an old record, or want a certified copy of a marriage license, the Allen County Probate Court is the place to start. The court now offers online marriage license applications, which saves time before your in-person visit.
Lima Overview
Lima Marriage License Process
The Allen County Probate Court handles all marriage licenses for Lima. To apply, at least one applicant must be an Allen County resident and the ceremony must take place in Ohio, or both applicants can be from out of state if the ceremony will happen in Allen County. The marriage license application must be completed online first at the court's website.
After filling out the online form, both applicants must come to the Allen County Probate Court at 1000 Wardhill Avenue, Lima, OH between 8:30 AM and 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM on weekdays. The application must be signed under oath by both people in front of a Deputy Clerk. Each person needs a government-issued photo ID. The cost is $50.00, paid when you complete the application.
Under ORC Chapter 3101, both applicants must be at least 18 to marry without parental consent. The license is valid for 60 days. If either person was married before, a certified divorce decree or death certificate is required. The ceremony must happen within those 60 days.
| Court | Allen County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 1000 Wardhill Avenue Lima, OH 45805 |
| Phone | (419) 223-8502 |
| Fax | (419) 221-3432 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
Lima Marriage Ceremonies at Court
The City of Lima website notes that judges at the Allen County court will perform marriage ceremonies on set days. Judge Payne performs ceremonies on Tuesdays and Fridays at 3:30 PM. Judge Hursh does them on Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:30 PM. To schedule, call the court at (419) 221-5275.
You must bring your photo ID and the marriage license to the ceremony. There is a $10.00 court cost fee, paid on the day of the ceremony. You must get the license from the Probate Court before the ceremony can take place. The Allen County Courthouse is at 301 North Main Street, Lima, OH 45801, which is a different address than the Probate Court. The Clerk of Courts office is at (419) 223-8513.
How to Search Lima Marriage Records
Lima marriage records can be searched through the Allen County Probate Court. The court maintains all marriage records for Allen County. You can request certified copies in person at the Probate Court or by mail. Include the full names of both parties and the date of marriage with your request.
Under ORC 149.43, marriage records in Ohio are public records. Anyone can ask for a copy without explaining why. The court must make records available during normal business hours. The Allen County Courts website has general information about the court system in the county.
Note: The Allen County Probate Court recently launched online marriage license applications at allenohioprobate.com, along with eligibility requirements and licensing instructions.
Allen County Marriage Records Tools
The Allen County Probate Court has a detailed page about marriage applications and requirements. Visit the Allen County Probate Court Marriage Applications page for the full rundown.
The page covers who can apply, what to bring, the fee, and the online application link. It is the most complete resource for Lima couples looking to get married.
The City of Lima also has a page about marriages with information on court ceremonies. See the City of Lima Marriages page for ceremony schedules and requirements.
This page is useful if you want a judge to perform your ceremony right at the courthouse. It lists which judges are available on which days and the fees involved.
The Allen County Courts website provides a broader look at the court system in Allen County, including the Probate Court, Common Pleas Court, and Municipal Court.
This site is a good starting point if you need to figure out which court handles a specific type of case or record. For marriage records, you always go to the Probate Court.
Nearby Cities With Marriage Records
Findlay is in Hancock County to the east. The Hancock County Probate Court handles marriage records there. Toledo is in Lucas County to the north. Dayton is in Montgomery County to the south.
Mansfield is in Richland County further east. Springfield is in Clark County to the southeast. Each city uses its own county probate court. Fees and specific procedures can differ from one county to the next, though the basic process is the same across Ohio.
Allen County Marriage Records
Lima is the county seat of Allen County. All marriage licenses and records for the county are filed at the Allen County Probate Court in Lima. The court serves every city and township in Allen County. For more county details, visit the Allen County page.