Hancock County Marriage Records Lookup
Hancock County marriage records are kept by the Probate Court in Findlay, the county seat. The court has been maintaining marriage records since 1828 and is the sole office in the county with authority to issue marriage licenses. Hancock County also has a historical society that maintains a marriage index going back to 1849. Whether you need a new license or want to look up a past marriage record, Findlay is the place to start your search for Hancock County marriage records.
Hancock County Overview
Hancock County Probate Court Marriage Licenses
The Hancock County Probate Court issues all marriage licenses in the county. Under ORC Chapter 3101, no other office in Hancock County has this authority. Ohio residents must apply in their county of residence. Non-residents who plan to marry in Hancock County can apply at the courthouse in Findlay.
Both applicants must show up in person. There is no waiting period in Ohio. Once approved, the license is valid for 60 days. If you were married before, bring a file-stamped copy of your divorce decree or dissolution order. The court also requires that you know your Social Security Number to complete the application.
Hancock County was formed from Logan County on February 12, 1820. Marriage records at the Probate Court go back to 1828. Court records and land records date to the same era. The courthouse in Findlay also holds probate records from 1828 and naturalization records.
| Court | Hancock County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
300 South Main Street Findlay, OH 45840 |
| Phone | (419) 424-7079 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Search Hancock County Marriage Records Online
The Hancock County Courts portal provides online access to search public records, including marriage licenses. The Probate Court Record Search page also has a link for records prior to May 25, 2021. The court's case management system reflects public records maintained in accordance with Ohio law.
The Hancock County Historical Society maintains a Marriage Index covering 1849 to 1956. This database lists brides, grooms, and witnesses. Brides are indexed under both their maiden name and married name. Starting in 1938, the index also includes the names of parents for both parties. This is a valuable tool for genealogy research in Hancock County.
Under ORC 149.43, Hancock County marriage records are public. Anyone can request copies from the Probate Court. You do not need to show a reason for your request. Certified copies are available for a small fee.
Note: For records before May 2021, the Hancock County Probate Court has a separate search link on their records page.
Hancock County Marriage License Costs
Marriage license fees in Hancock County are set by the Probate Court. Ohio counties generally charge between $40 and $65 for a license. Call (419) 424-7079 for the current fee in Hancock County. Most courts accept cash and may take checks or cards.
Certified copies of Hancock County marriage records are available from the Probate Court. Fees are typically a few dollars per copy. You can request them in person or by mail. For mail requests, send the names of both parties, the marriage date, and payment to the Probate Court in Findlay.
Hancock County Marriage Records for Genealogy
Hancock County has strong resources for genealogy. The Probate Court has marriage records from 1828. The Historical Society's marriage index covers 1849 to 1956 and includes witnesses and (after 1938) parents' names. These details can help researchers build family trees and confirm relationships.
FamilySearch has digitized many Ohio county records, including Hancock County. Their Ohio County Marriages collection covers 1789 to 2013 and is free to use with an account. The Ohio History Connection may also have Hancock County records in their archives. The DataOhio portal publishes annual marriage and divorce reports by county. The Ohio Genealogical Society connects researchers with local chapter members who may have additional indexes.
Birth and death records from 1867 to 1908 are at the Probate Court. Land records go back to 1821. Census records start in 1820. Divorce records are held by the Clerk of Courts.
Hancock County Marriage Records Resources
The Hancock County Courts welcome page gives access to the court's online search tools for marriage licenses and other public records.
The courts portal lets you search Hancock County public records including marriage license filings through the Probate Court system in Findlay.
The Ohio Department of Health oversees vital statistics at the state level but directs all marriage record requests to the county Probate Court.
The state health department confirms that marriage records in Ohio are county-level records. Contact the Hancock County Probate Court for all marriage-related requests.
Hancock County Marriage License Requirements
Both parties must appear in person at the Hancock County Probate Court. You need a valid photo ID and your Social Security Number. Applicants must be 18 or older. If either person is 17, parental consent is needed. No blood test is required in Ohio. The license is issued the same day if all information is correct.
If you were married before, bring a file-stamped copy of each prior divorce decree or dissolution order. If there were multiple prior marriages, you need a copy from each one. The license is valid for 60 days. After the wedding, the officiant sends the signed certificate back to the court. Then you can order certified copies for name changes with the Social Security office or the BMV.
Cities in Hancock County
Hancock County includes Findlay and several smaller communities. All marriage licenses go through the Hancock County Probate Court in Findlay.
Findlay is the largest city and the county seat. Other communities include Arlington, Mt. Blanchard, and Vanlue. Residents of all these areas use the same Probate Court for marriage records.
Nearby Counties
Counties surrounding Hancock County in northwest Ohio. Verify the right county before requesting records.