Search Stark County Marriage Records

Stark County marriage records are maintained by the Probate Court in Canton. The court keeps marriage licenses, applications, and certifications going back to when the county was formed in 1808. Whether you need a certified copy of a marriage license, want to check a marriage filing, or are doing family history research, the Stark County Probate Court is the office to contact. Marriage records in Stark County are public. The court accepts walk-in visits, mail requests, and phone inquiries during business hours throughout the week.

The Stark County Probate Court

The Stark County Probate Court in Canton handles all marriage-related records for the county. The court issues marriage licenses, records the returns from officiants after weddings, and stores the original documents. Stark County was created in 1808 from Columbiana County. Canton has served as the county seat since the beginning, and the Probate Court on Central Plaza South has been the keeper of marriage records for more than two hundred years.

The court also manages wills, estates, guardianships, and adoptions. Marriage licenses are a major part of the workload. The Probate Judge oversees the entire office, and the clerk staff handles the daily operations. If you need a marriage record from Stark County, you can visit in person, call, or write. The Stark County Courts website provides guidance on requesting marriage and divorce records. Divorce records are kept by the Clerk of Courts separately. Call (330) 451-7801 if you need a divorce filing instead.

The court has a recorded telephone message at (330) 451-7759 that summarizes marriage license information. This is a good first step if you have basic questions before visiting.

How to Get Stark County Marriage Records

Certified copies of Stark County marriage licenses cost $2.00 each. Marriage certificates cost $1.00. You can get these in person at the courthouse or by mail. For in-person visits, go to 110 Central Plaza South, Suite 501, Canton, OH 44702. The clerk will pull the record and make copies while you wait. Bring the names of both parties and the date of the marriage.

For mail requests, send a letter to the Stark County Probate Court at the address above. Include the names of both applicants, the date of marriage, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for $2.00 per copy, payable to "The Stark County Probate Court." The court processes mail requests within a few business days.

Under ORC Section 149.43, Stark County marriage records are public. You do not need to explain your reason for the request. The court cannot deny access. At $2.00 per certified copy, Stark County has some of the lowest copy fees in the state.

Getting a Marriage License in Stark County

The Stark County Probate Court requires appointments for marriage license applications. Schedule one by calling (330) 451-7758. Both applicants must appear in person with a completed marriage application and valid photo ID such as a driver's license or state-issued ID. Blood tests are no longer required.

The fee for a Stark County marriage license is $60.00, payable in cash. Of that fee, $17.00 goes to a state fund that supports shelters for victims of domestic violence. Unmarried adults who are 18 or older and no closer than second cousins may apply. With Juvenile Court consent, a 17-year-old may marry someone no more than four years older.

Each applicant must provide their address, name, age, place of birth, occupation, and parents' names. If either person was previously married, a certified copy of the final divorce decree or death certificate is required. All documents not in English must come with a certified translation.

Ohio has no waiting period under ORC Chapter 3101. You can pick up the license and use it the same day. It is valid for 60 days and works anywhere in Ohio. After the ceremony, the officiant files the signed license with the Probate Court. Then you can order certified copies.

You can also buy a keepsake certificate for $1.00, printed on heavy bond paper and suitable for framing. A wallet card is also available for $1.00.

Details in Stark County Marriage Records

Stark County marriage records include the names of both parties, their ages, addresses, places of birth, and occupations. Parent names are listed. The record shows the date the license was issued and the name of the person expected to perform the ceremony. After the wedding, the officiant's return adds the ceremony date and location.

Older records from the 1800s have less detail. Parent names were not required before 1899. The Ohio History Connection has indexed marriage records for Stark County, which can help with genealogy research on earlier filings. Their archives in Columbus hold records from many Ohio counties.

The Stark County Probate Court FAQ page provides detailed marriage license information and requirements.

Stark County provides clear fee schedules and application requirements on the court's website.

The Stark County Courts marriage and divorce records page explains how to request copies by mail or in person.

Both marriage and divorce record request procedures for Stark County are outlined on the courts website.

Genealogy and Stark County Marriage Records

Stark County has marriage records from 1808. The Ohio History Connection has indexed marriage records for the county. FamilySearch offers a free Ohio County Marriages collection covering 1789 to 2016. Ancestry's Ohio Marriage Index covers 1970 to 2007.

The Ohio Genealogical Society has published early Ohio marriage indexes and maintains a research library in Bellville. The Ohio Secretary of State directory lists all 88 Probate Courts. The Ohio Department of Health has statewide marriage records from 1950 onward if you need a state-level search.

Your Right to Stark County Marriage Records

Marriage records at the Stark County Probate Court are public documents. ORC Section 149.43 requires Ohio public offices to make records available for inspection and copying. Marriage records are not exempt. Anyone can visit the courthouse, call, or write to request them.

The court cannot require you to state a reason for your request. Fees must reflect the actual cost of duplication. At $2.00 for a certified marriage license copy and $1.00 for a certificate, Stark County fees are among the lowest in Ohio. Same-day service is standard for walk-in requests during business hours.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Stark County. Each Ohio county keeps marriage records at its own Probate Court. Check the county where the license was filed.