Access Washington County Marriage Records
Washington County marriage records are stored at the Probate Court in Marietta. This is the oldest county in Ohio, created in 1788 from original territory. The Probate Court has marriage records going back to that same era. Whether you need a certified copy for legal purposes or want to research old marriage filings, the courthouse in Marietta is the place to go. Washington County marriage records are public under Ohio law, and the court handles requests in person, by mail, and over the phone during regular business hours.
Washington County Overview
Washington County Probate Court
The Probate Court in Marietta handles all marriage records for Washington County. As Ohio's first county, Washington County has the longest continuous record of marriage filings in the state. The court issues licenses, records returns from officiants, and maintains the originals. Marietta, the county seat, sits at the point where the Muskingum River meets the Ohio River and was the first organized settlement in the Northwest Territory.
The court also handles estates, wills, guardianships, and adoptions. Marriage licenses are a routine part of the work. The Ohio History Connection has indexed Washington County marriage records at their archives. That gives researchers two paths for finding older marriage filings: the courthouse in Marietta and the state archives in Columbus.
| Court | Washington County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Courthouse Annex, 205 Putnam Street, Marietta, OH 45750 |
| Phone | (740) 373-6623 Ext. 2413 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Finding Washington County Marriage Records
To get a copy of a Washington County marriage record, visit the Probate Court at the Courthouse Annex, 205 Putnam Street, Marietta. Bring the names of both parties. The date helps speed things up. Walk-in visitors can get copies the same day in most cases. Certified copies cost about $2 to $3 each.
Mail requests are accepted. Send a letter with both names, the marriage date, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the court address. Processing takes a few business days. You can call (740) 373-6623 Ext. 2413 for questions, but copies still require written details and payment.
Under ORC Section 149.43, Washington County marriage records are public. Anyone can request them. No reason is needed. The court must respond within a reasonable time and charge only the actual cost of copies.
Note: Washington County is the oldest county in Ohio, with marriage records potentially dating back to 1788.
Washington County Marriage License Applications
Both parties must come to the Probate Court in Marietta to apply. Bring valid photo ID. If either person was married before, bring the certified divorce decree or death certificate. The court will verify these documents before issuing a new license.
License fees run about $50 to $65. Call the court for the exact amount. Ohio has no waiting period under ORC Chapter 3101. The license can be used the same day. It stays valid for 60 days and works anywhere in Ohio. After the wedding, the officiant files the signed license with the court. The marriage is recorded, and certified copies become available.
Details in Washington County Marriage Records
Washington County marriage records show the names of both parties, ages, addresses, and the date the license was issued. The officiant's return adds the ceremony date and location. These two parts form the full marriage record. Because Washington County is so old, some of the earliest records may have minimal detail. Before 1899, parent names were not required on Ohio marriage forms.
The Ohio History Connection has indexed Washington County marriage records. If you cannot find what you need at the courthouse, their archives in Columbus may have additional records. The county's long history means some records may also appear in territorial and early state records that predate the modern county filing system.
The Ohio History Connection holds indexed Washington County marriage records in their state archives.
Washington County marriage records at the Ohio History Connection provide another research path for older filings.
Genealogy and Washington County Marriage Records
Washington County has the longest marriage record history in Ohio, going back to 1788. The Ohio History Connection holds indexed records. FamilySearch has a free Ohio County Marriages collection covering 1789 to 2016. Ancestry's Ohio Marriage Index covers 1970 to 2007.
Because Marietta was the first settlement in the Northwest Territory, Washington County records can be uniquely valuable for early American genealogy. The Ohio Genealogical Society has early Ohio marriage indexes. The Ohio Department of Health has statewide marriage records from 1950 forward. The Ohio Secretary of State directory lists all 88 Probate Courts.
Public Access to Washington County Records
All marriage records at the Washington County Probate Court are public. ORC Section 149.43 requires Ohio public offices to provide records for inspection and copying. Marriage records are not exempt. The court cannot ask for your reason. Copy fees reflect actual duplication costs. Same-day service is typical for walk-in requests at the courthouse.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Washington County. Each Ohio county keeps its own marriage records at its own Probate Court.