How To Obtain A Marriage License In Cuyahoga County
Planning your wedding comes with a long (and exciting!) to‑do list, and obtaining your marriage license is one of the most important steps. Whether you live in Cuyahoga County and are getting married in Ohio or are traveling from out-of-state and are getting married in Cuyahoga County, you are required to obtain your marriage license in Cuyahoga County. This guide will walk you through the process in a clear, stress‑free way.
Note: If you are an Ohio resident who does not live in Cuyahoga County and is getting married anywhere in Ohio, please refer to your county’s rules for obtaining a marriage license.
Step 1: Complete Online Pre‑Registration
All couples must complete online pre‑registration before appearing in person.
Pre‑registration is mandatory.
It allows you to enter most of the required information ahead of time.
Once completed, you’ll receive a confirmation number and next‑step instructions.
Your registration is valid for 90 days. If you don’t appear in person within those 90 days, you’ll need to re‑register.
Step 2: Visit the Probate Court in Person
After completing online pre‑registration, both partners must appear together in person at the Cuyahoga County Probate Court to obtain the marriage license. Keep in mind:
No appointment is required, however, payments are not processed after 4:15 PM. We strongly recommend arriving earlier in the day to avoid being turned away.
This visit is not a ceremony.
You must stay present together for the entire issuance process.
Limited Zoom appointments are available for medically compromised applicants.
Interpreter services are available with advance notice.
What to bring with you:
Be sure to arrive prepared. Each applicant must bring:
A valid government‑issued photo ID
Social Security number
Your online pre‑registration confirmation number
Payment for the license fee
Marriage License Fee
The marriage license fee is $60.
Accepted payment methods:
Cash
Money order or cashier’s check
Credit or debit cards* (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)
*Credit/debit payments include a $2.95 convenience fee.
If either of you was previously married…
You’ll need:
A certified copy of the most recent divorce decree
Divorce dates, locations, and case numbers
Note: Divorce decrees cannot be obtained through the Marriage Department. You must request certified copies from the court where the divorce was finalized.
License FAQs
How Long Is the License Valid?
Your marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued.
You must hold your ceremony within that 60‑day window.
Age Requirements
Both applicants must be 18 or older
Applicants who are 17 years old require:
Juvenile Court consent
Marriage counseling
Additional waiting periods before the license can be issued
If either applicant is under 18, contact the Marriage License Department directly for guidance.
Residency Rules (In‑State + Out‑of‑State Couples)
Ohio residents who are getting married in Ohio need to apply for their marriage license in the county in which either applicant resides, regardless of their ceremony location.
Out-of-state residents who are getting married in Ohio must obtain their license in the county where their ceremony will take place.
After the Ceremony
Filing the Marriage Certificate
Once you’re married, there’s one final step that must be handled by your officiant.
Your officiant must complete and sign the Marriage Certificate Return.
It must be filed with the Probate Court within 30 days of the ceremony.
The return can be:
Dropped off in person
Mailed to the Marriage Department
Timely filing is important, especially if you’ll need proof of marriage soon after your wedding.
Getting Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
Certified copies are often needed for name changes, benefits, or legal records.
Cost
$2.00 per certified copy
How to Request
Online: Once the license has been filed and recorded
By mail: Submit the certified copy request form with payment and a self‑addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests currently have an approximate two‑week turnaround time.
Final Tip for Couples
We recommend applying for your marriage license 3–6 weeks before your wedding date. This gives you plenty of flexibility while staying well within the 60‑day validity window.
If you have questions or need clarification, the Cuyahoga County Probate Court Marriage Department is your best resource — and we’re always happy to help guide you as well.
