Marriage Applications Information

WHO CAN APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN ALLEN COUNTY, OHIO?

At least one applicant must be an Allen County resident and the marriage ceremony will be performed within the State of Ohio, or, both applicants are out of state residents and the marriage ceremony will be performed in Allen County, Ohio. The marriage ceremony must be performed within 60 days of the issuance of the license. After 60 days of issuance, the license is no longer valid and applicants must apply for a new license and pay the subsequent fee.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE?

The Marriage License Application must be completed online. After completing the online application, the applicants are required to come to the Allen County Probate Court, located at 1000 Wardhill Ave., Lima, OH between the hours of 8:30 A.M. -12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. (daily except legal holidays or other authorized closures). Applications after 4:00 P.M. will not be accepted.

Both applicants are required to appear in person. The Marriage License Application must be signed under oath by both Applicants in the presence of a Deputy Clerk at the Allen County Probate Court.

Applicants who were previously married will need to provide the following information:

1) names of both parties to the previous marriage

2) names and ages of any minor children born of the previous marriage

3) the jurisdiction, date and case number of the decree of divorce.

Each Applicant must present a government issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, visa) to the Deputy Clerk at the time of signing the Application. If either party has been previously divorced or had a prior marriage dissolved, that party must bring a copy of the divorce or dissolution decree when appearing at the Probate Court to submit the Application for the marriage license. The cost for making the Application is $50.00 and must be paid upon completion of the application

The Probate Court is not permitted to issue a marriage license if either Applicant is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or is infected with syphilis in a form that is communicable or likely to become communicable (Ohio Revise Code Section 3101.06).

HOW LONG DO WE HAVE AFTER THE LICENSE IS ISSUED FOR THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY TO BE PERFORMED?

The marriage ceremony must be performed within sixty (60) days after the license is issued by the Probate Court (Ohio Revised Code Section 3101.07). If the marriage ceremony is not performed within sixty (60) days, the license expires and a new Marriage License Application must be submitted.

*Click Here to access the online marriage application*

Having trouble with the online marriage application? Please email the Court at [email protected] or call the Court at 419-227-5531, Monday-Friday, between 8:30 -12:00 and 1:00 – 4:30