Putnam County Marriage Records Search
Putnam County marriage records are kept at the Probate Court in Ottawa, the county seat. The county was formed in 1820 from Shelby County and has maintained marriage records since that year. Whether you need a marriage license, a certified copy of an existing record, or help with genealogy research, the Probate Court is where you start. You can visit the courthouse, call the office, or send requests by mail or fax. The court staff can help with both current filings and historical record searches going back more than 200 years.
Putnam County Overview
Putnam County Probate Court Records
The Putnam County Probate Court is the only office in the county with authority to issue marriage licenses. The court handles all marriage record requests and keeps files from 1820 to the present. If you need a certified copy, contact the court with both parties' names and the date of the marriage.
Marriage licenses in Putnam County are issued by appointment only. Call (419) 523-3012 to schedule your visit. Both applicants must appear in person with valid photo identification. The court accepts filings by mail or fax for some types of requests, which can save you a trip to the courthouse. Public records requests can also be made by phone at (419) 523-3110, by fax at (419) 523-5284, or by email through the clerk's office.
Payments can be made online (full payments only), by mailing a certified check or money order to the court at 245 E. Main Street, Suite 301, Ottawa, Ohio 45875, or in person with cash.
| Court | Putnam County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
245 East Main Street, Suite 204 Ottawa, OH 45875 |
| Phone | (419) 523-3012 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
How to Find Putnam County Marriage Records
To search for marriage records in Putnam County, your best bet is to contact the Probate Court directly. You can call, fax, or email the clerk's office with the names of both parties and an approximate date. The court will search their records and let you know what they find. In-person visits during business hours are another option.
Ohio does not have a statewide marriage index. You need to search in the county where the marriage took place. If you are not sure which county that is, check census records to see where the couple was living. The Ohio History Connection has indexed marriage records for Putnam County in their archives, which can help with older searches.
Marriage records are public in Ohio. Under ORC 149.43, anyone can request copies without giving a reason.
Putnam County Marriage License Process
Getting a marriage license in Putnam County follows the rules set by ORC Chapter 3101. Both applicants must go to the Probate Court together with valid photo ID. There is no waiting period in Ohio. Once the application is approved, you can use the license right away. It stays valid for 60 days.
After the wedding ceremony, the officiant must fill out and return the bottom portion of the license to the Probate Court. This step creates the official marriage record. Only then can you get certified copies. The court keeps the completed record on file permanently. Both applicants must be 18 or older, though a 17-year-old can apply with Juvenile Court authorization under Ohio law.
Note: Marriage licenses in Putnam County are by appointment only, so call (419) 523-3012 before you visit.
Putnam County Marriage Records Research
Researchers looking into Putnam County family history have several resources. The Probate Court has records from 1820 to the present. Historical marriage records at the court show license dates, marriage dates, and the book and page where each record is kept. For example, early records show license and marriage dates just days apart, with references to specific record books.
The Ohio History Connection has indexed Putnam County marriage records available at their archives in Columbus.
This page from the Ohio History Connection shows their vital records research guide, which covers Putnam County marriage records available for public research.
The Ohio Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps marriage records from 1950 onward. The DataOhio Portal publishes statewide marriage and divorce statistics. The Ohio Genealogical Society offers memberships with access to databases covering many Ohio counties including Putnam. The Ohio Secretary of State's probate court directory lists contact details for all 88 county probate courts.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Putnam County. If you need marriage records from a neighboring area, check with that county's Probate Court.