Search Medina County Marriage Records

Medina County marriage records are maintained by the Probate and Juvenile Court in the city of Medina. The court has kept these files since the county was formed in 1812. You can search for a marriage license, get a certified copy, or apply for a new license at the courthouse on East Washington Street. The Medina County Probate Court has an online records search portal where you can look up marriage cases by name or case number. If you need a certified copy, the court charges $3.00 per copy.

Medina County Probate Court

The Medina County Probate and Juvenile Court is at 225 East Washington Street, 4th Floor, in Medina. Phone 330-725-9703. The court issues marriage licenses, records returns after ceremonies, and stores original marriage documents. Marriage license application hours are 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. This is more limited than the general court hours, so plan your visit accordingly.

A few things make Medina County's marriage license process distinct. At least one applicant must be a resident of Medina County to get a license here. The license fee is $88, which must be paid in cash. This is higher than many Ohio counties. No checks or cards are accepted for the license fee. Certified copies of existing marriage records cost $3.00 each.

The Medina County Probate Court also handles probate, juvenile, and guardianship matters. The courthouse is at 93 Public Square in Medina, with the Probate Court on the 4th floor of 225 E. Washington St. Phone 330-723-3641 for the general courthouse number. For marriage records specifically, call 330-725-9703.

How to Get Medina County Marriage Records

You can search for Medina County marriage records online through the Probate Court Records Search Portal. Search by name or case number. The results show both spouses' names, the date of marriage, and the case or license number. This is a free tool and a good first step before requesting a certified copy.

For certified copies, visit the Probate Court at 225 E. Washington Street in Medina. Bring the names of both spouses and the date of marriage. The fee is $3.00 per copy. You can also send a mail request with a check or money order. Include your return address. The court will mail the certified copy once the record is found.

Marriage records in Medina County are public under Ohio Revised Code 149.43. Anyone can request a copy. You do not need to be a party to the marriage. The Probate Court handles these requests during regular hours. The Archives Department at the Clerk of Courts, phone (330) 722-9328, maintains case records after the judge has issued a ruling. For marriage licenses specifically, contact the Probate Court.

Medina County Marriage License Process

Both parties must appear together at the Medina County Probate Court to apply for a marriage license. This follows ORC Chapter 3101. Bring valid photo ID. If either person was married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate.

The license fee in Medina County is $88. Cash only. This is one of the higher fees in the state. At least one applicant must live in Medina County. Ohio has no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days once issued. The ceremony can take place anywhere in Ohio. After the wedding, the officiant returns the signed license to the Medina County Probate Court within 30 days. The court records it and the marriage is official.

Note: Medina County requires the $88 marriage license fee to be paid in cash. No other forms of payment are accepted for new license applications.

Medina County Marriage Records Resources

The Medina County Probate Court marriage page has details about license applications, fees, and record copies.

The page lists the $88 license fee (cash only), the $3.00 copy fee, hours, and the residency requirement for Medina County marriage license applicants.

Older Medina County Marriage Records

Medina County has marriage records going back to the county's formation. The Probate Court holds the originals. The Clerk of Courts has divorce and court records from 1818, and the County Recorder keeps land records. Birth and death records to 1909 are at the Probate Court. After 1909, the County Health Department at (330) 723-9688 took over.

The Ohio History Connection does not have indexed Medina County records at their archives. You need to contact the Probate Court directly for historical marriage records. The Ohio Genealogical Society may have additional indexes. FamilySearch has free Ohio marriage collections. Ancestry's Ohio Marriage Index covers 1970 to 2007 statewide.

The Medina County Clerk of Courts Archives Department maintains case records after the judge has ruled. For older court records or archived files, the Archives Department at (330) 722-9328 can help. Marriage licenses, though, remain with the Probate Court at 330-725-9703.

Public Records Law and Medina County

Medina County marriage records are public. ORC 149.43 protects your right to inspect and copy public records. The Probate Court cannot ask why you want a marriage record. They must respond promptly. If access is denied, the court must give a written reason.

The online records search portal makes Medina County one of the more accessible places to look up marriage records in Ohio. You can verify that a record exists at no cost, then visit or mail your request for a certified copy at $3.00. The court staff handles these requests as part of their daily work.

Communities in Medina County

Medina County includes the city of Medina, Brunswick, Wadsworth, and several smaller communities. Medina is the county seat. All marriage records for the county are filed at the Medina County Probate Court. There is no separate office for any city or village. Whether you live in Brunswick, Wadsworth, or anywhere else in Medina County, the Probate Court on East Washington Street is where you go for marriage records.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Medina County. If you need a marriage record but are not sure which county has it, check the license. Each Ohio county keeps its own records.