Madison County Marriage Records

Madison County marriage records are on file at the Probate Court in London. The court has kept these records since 1810, the year the county was created. You can search for a marriage license or get a certified copy by visiting the courthouse, calling, or sending a mail request. The Madison County Probate Court also offers an online marriage application, which makes starting the license process more convenient. If you need to look up a marriage record or apply for a license, the Probate Court in London is the office to contact.

Madison County Probate Court

The Madison County Probate Court is at 1 North Main Street, Room 205, in London. The phone number is (740) 852-0756. The fax is (740) 852-7134. The court handles all marriage licenses, records, and certifications for the county. It also deals with estates, guardianships, and other probate matters.

One thing that sets Madison County apart is the online marriage application. You can start the application process from home and then complete it in person at the courthouse. This saves time during the visit. The court website has the application along with other Probate Court forms and local rules.

Madison County has marriage records going back to 1810. The Probate Court also holds birth and death records from 1867 to 1908 and probate records from 1810. The County Recorder keeps land and military records. The Clerk of Courts handles divorce and court records separately.

How to Search Madison County Marriage Records

To get a marriage record from Madison County, go to the Probate Court in London during business hours. Bring the full names of both spouses and the date of marriage. The clerk will search the index and pull your record. In-person requests are usually handled quickly.

You can also send a written request by mail. Include the names, date, and a check or money order for the copy fee. The court charges $2 to $3 per certified copy. Include your return address and the court will mail the record to you. Under Ohio Revised Code 149.43, marriage records are public. Anyone can request a copy without stating a reason. The court must respond promptly to your request.

If you are unsure whether the marriage took place in Madison County, contact Ohio Vital Statistics at 614-466-2531. They may be able to help you figure out which county has the record before you make a formal request.

Getting a Marriage License in Madison County

Both parties must appear in person at the Madison County Probate Court to apply for a marriage license. ORC Chapter 3101 requires this. You can start the application online through the court website, but you still need to finish in person. Bring valid photo ID. If either person was previously married, bring the final divorce decree or death certificate.

The license fee is typically between $50 and $65. Ohio has no waiting period. Once issued, the license is good for 60 days. The ceremony can happen anywhere in Ohio. After the wedding, the officiant returns the signed license to the Madison County Probate Court within 30 days. The court records the marriage and it becomes part of the permanent file.

Madison County marriage records are also required for certain legal processes. For example, the court's name change application requires a marriage record along with a filing fee of $96.00 and other documents like divorce decrees if applicable.

Note: Start the marriage application online at the Madison County Probate Court website to save time at the courthouse.

Madison County Marriage Records Resources

The Madison County Probate Court website provides forms, local rules, and an online marriage application.

The court site has links to the online marriage application, record search options, and contact details for the Madison County Probate Court clerk's office.

Historical Madison County Marriage Records

Madison County marriage records go back to 1810. The Probate Court in London holds the originals. The Ohio History Connection does not have indexed Madison County marriage records at their archives, so you need to contact the court directly for historical records.

FamilySearch lists Madison County marriage records as available from 1810. Their free online collections may include entries from this county. The Ohio Genealogical Society may have additional indexes. Ancestry's Ohio Marriage Index covers 1970 to 2007 statewide with over 3 million entries. Many public libraries give free access to Ancestry if you do not have a subscription at home.

The County Health Department has birth records from 1908 to the present. For birth and death records from 1867 to 1908, contact the Probate Court. The Clerk of Courts handles divorce and court records. The County Recorder keeps land and military records. Marriage records, however, have always been at the Probate Court since the county was formed.

Public Records Law and Madison County

Marriage records in Madison County are public under ORC 149.43. This means you have the right to inspect and copy them. The Probate Court cannot ask why you want a record. They cannot refuse based on who you are. If they deny your request, they must give a reason in writing.

Most requests for Madison County marriage records are processed without any problems. The Probate Court staff handles them daily. Whether you visit in person or send a letter, the process is simple. The fees are low and the turnaround is reasonable.

Communities in Madison County

Madison County includes London, West Jefferson, Plain City, and smaller communities. London is the county seat. All marriage records in the county are filed at the Madison County Probate Court. There is no separate office for any town or village. The Probate Court in London is the single source for all marriage licenses and certificates in Madison County.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Madison County. If you are not sure which county has your marriage record, check the license to see where it was filed. Each Ohio county keeps its own records.