Henry County Marriage Records
Henry County marriage records date back to 1847 and are kept by the Probate Division in Napoleon. The court is the only office in the county that issues marriage licenses under Ohio law. Henry County also has a strong local genealogy community that maintains marriage databases going back to the county's earliest records. Whether you need to apply for a new marriage license or look up an old record, the Probate Division in Napoleon is the place to start for all Henry County marriage record searches.
Henry County Overview
Henry County Probate Division Marriage Licenses
The Henry County Probate Division handles all marriage license applications. You must call (419) 592-7771 to make an appointment before coming in. Under ORC Chapter 3101, the Probate Court is the only office authorized to issue marriage licenses in Henry County.
The requirements are straightforward. Males must be at least 18 years old. Females must be at least 16 (with parental consent for minors). Anyone 25 or younger must provide a copy of their birth certificate. Ohio residents apply in their county of residence. Non-residents apply where the ceremony will take place. Both parties must appear in person and know their Social Security Number.
If you were married before, bring a file-stamped copy of each divorce or dissolution decree. If you had multiple prior marriages, you need a copy from each one. The fee is $45. If either person owes court costs in Henry County Probate, Juvenile, or Common Pleas Court, those costs must be paid before the license can be issued. The license is issued the same day (if all information is correct and all costs are paid) and is valid for 60 days.
| Court | Henry County Probate Division |
|---|---|
| Address |
660 North Perry Street, Suite 205 Napoleon, OH 43545 |
| Phone | (419) 592-7771 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (by appointment for licenses) |
Search Henry County Marriage Records
Henry County marriage records are not available online through the Probate Division. Office records are not on the internet. To search for a record, contact the court by phone or visit in person. The court can look up records by name. Under ORC 149.43, these are public records and anyone can request copies.
The Henry County Families website maintains a Marriage Records database covering 1847 to 1937. This is a volunteer-run genealogy site with searchable records. Other databases on the site include historical photos, military records, naturalizations, obituary indexes, and cemetery records. This is a great resource for older Henry County marriage records.
The Ohio History Connection lists Henry County among the counties with marriage record series available at the state archives. You can submit a research request or visit in person at their facility in Columbus. FamilySearch also has an Ohio County Marriages collection covering 1789 to 2013 that may include Henry County records.
Note: After the officiant returns the signed certificate, couples need a certified copy from the court to change their name with the Social Security office and BMV.
Henry County Marriage License and Copy Fees
The marriage license fee in Henry County is $45. That covers the license itself. Payment is due at the time of application. Contact the court at (419) 592-7771 for accepted payment methods.
Certified copies of Henry County marriage records cost $5.00 per copy. You can request them after the officiant has returned the signed certificate to the court. Certified copies are needed for name changes with the Social Security Administration and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. You can pick them up at the courthouse in Napoleon.
Henry County Marriage Records and Family Research
Henry County has genealogy records starting in the 1840s. Marriage records go back to 1847. Probate records and estates also start in 1847. Naturalization records begin in 1853. Birth and death records from 1867 to 1908 are kept at the Probate Court. For births and deaths after December 20, 1908, contact the Henry County Health Department.
Henry County was formed from Shelby County on February 12, 1820, and founded on April 1, 1820. Napoleon became the county seat. The Clerk of Courts has divorce records from 1880 onward. Court records date to the same period. Land records go back to 1835. Census records are available from 1820. The DataOhio portal has county-level marriage statistics.
Henry County Marriage Records Resources
The Henry County Probate Division website has details on the marriage license application process and requirements.
The Probate Division page lists requirements including age limits, birth certificate rules for applicants 25 and younger, and the $45 license fee.
The Henry County Families website provides a searchable database of marriage records from 1847 to 1937.
This volunteer-run genealogy site has transcribed and indexed Henry County marriage records spanning 90 years, along with other historical records from the county.
Nearby Counties
Counties bordering Henry County in northwest Ohio. Check the right county before requesting marriage records.