Delaware County Marriage Records

Delaware County marriage records are kept at the Probate Court in the city of Delaware, the county seat. The county was formed in 1808 and sits just north of Columbus in central Ohio. If you want to find a marriage license or get a certified copy of a marriage record, the Probate Court is the place to go. You can search records online through the court's case search portal or visit in person. Delaware County has grown fast in recent years and handles a high volume of marriage license applications each year. The court staff can help you look up both old and new records.

Delaware County Probate Court Records

The Delaware County Probate Court has sole authority to issue marriage licenses under Ohio law. This is the only office in the county where you can apply for a license or get certified copies of marriage records. The court is in the county courthouse in downtown Delaware. Staff are on hand to help with both new applications and old record searches. Marriage records in Delaware County go back to the early 1800s, not long after the county was first formed.

Both Delaware County residents who plan to marry in Ohio and out-of-state residents who want to marry in Delaware County can get a license here. There is no waiting period once your application is approved. The license stays valid for 60 days from the date it is issued, as set by ORC Chapter 3101. Both parties must show up in person to apply.

How to Find Delaware County Marriage Records

You can look up marriage records in Delaware County a few ways. The court has an online case search tool that lets you look up records by name or case number. This is free to use. You can also call the Probate Court at (740) 833-2500 and ask staff to check for a record. In-person visits work too. Go to the courthouse during business hours and the clerk can pull the file for you.

For older records, the Ohio History Connection may have Delaware County marriage records in their collection. They hold records from 38 of Ohio's 88 counties. Since there is no statewide marriage records index in Ohio, you need to know that the marriage took place in Delaware County to search here. The Ohio Genealogical Society is another helpful resource for those doing family history research in the county.

Marriage records are public in Ohio under ORC 149.43, the state public records law. You do not have to give a reason to ask for copies. Anyone can request them.

Delaware County Marriage Record Copies

Certified copies of marriage records in Delaware County cost about $2 to $3 each. You can get them in person at the Probate Court or by mail. To request by mail, send a letter to the court with the names of both parties (before marriage), the date of the wedding, and your contact info. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and your payment.

The court takes cash, checks, and money orders. Some Ohio probate courts also accept credit cards by phone. Call ahead to check which payment methods the Delaware County Probate Court takes. Processing time for mail requests can vary. Most requests get filled within a few business days if the record is easy to find.

Marriage License Process in Delaware County

Getting a marriage license in Delaware County follows the same basic steps as the rest of Ohio. Both people must go to the Probate Court together. You need to bring valid ID and know your Social Security numbers. If you were married before, bring a copy of your divorce decree or death certificate for your former spouse. The fee for a marriage license in Ohio varies by county but is typically in the $40 to $65 range.

Once the court approves your application, the license is good for 60 days. There is no waiting period. You can get married right away. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the Probate Court. The court then files the record and you can order certified copies. Only an ordained or licensed officiant registered with the Ohio Secretary of State, a judge, or a mayor can perform the ceremony.

Delaware County does not perform wedding ceremonies at the courthouse. The court only issues the license itself.

Delaware County Marriage Records Research

Researchers and genealogists can find Delaware County marriage records through several channels. The Probate Court has records dating back to the early 1800s. For records not held locally, the Ohio History Connection archives may help.

The Ohio History Connection provides access to marriage records from dozens of Ohio counties. Their guide explains what is available and how to request copies or view records on site at the archives in Columbus.

This page from the Ohio History Connection shows their marriage records research guide, which covers Delaware County and other Ohio counties with available vital records for public research.

The DataOhio Portal also publishes statewide marriage and divorce report data. While it does not provide individual records, it can help you understand trends and totals for Delaware County. For deeper genealogy work, the Ohio Genealogical Society membership gives access to databases and resources that cover many Ohio counties including Delaware.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Delaware County. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where the license was issued. You file in the county where you reside or where the ceremony will take place.