How to Become a Wedding Officiant in Ohio
Min. Age of Minister: Age 18 Residency: in Ohio Required? No
Relevant Office of Registration: Secretary of State
Document(s) Required: Letter of Good Standing and Ordination Credentials (as low as $20 with Cibus Mission)
Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
Latest Document(s) Submission Date Allowed: Before Ceremony
Ministers ordained through Cibus Mission have legal recognition under Ohio law to perform marriages. However, the minister must register with the state by providing a letter of good standing and/or a copy of their credentials to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State will issue a license to the minister that allows them to perform weddings. Contributions made for ordination go towards our hunger-relief charity programs.
Ohio allows religious actors from all faiths to perform weddings in the state as long as they have the proper licensing. The state also allows non-religious weddings. Judges and mayors may perform weddings. Also, the superintendent of the state school for the deaf can perform ceremonies.
The state does not restrict weddings based on gender, religion, or other characteristics except age; to marry, you must be at least 18 years old.
Getting Married in Ohio
Marriage By Proxy Allowed:
No
Minister Required to be Present:
Yes
Number of Witnesses Required:
None
Min. Age of Witnesses:
N/A
Couple’s Consent Required:
Yes
Pronouncement Required:
Yes
Your wedding ceremony can take any form you wish as long as it includes both of you consenting verbally to the marriage and a pronouncement of you as a married couple. You do not need to have witnesses, but you both must be present. The minister also must be physically present. Marriage by proxy or marriages with the officiant not physically present are not valid in the state.
How to Get an Ohio Marriage License
Who Picks Up License:
The Couple
Where License is Valid:
Any County in Ohio
Marriage License Pick-Up:
In Person Only
Cost of License:
Varies, approx. $40-$80
Accepted I.D. Types:
Photo ID
Proof of Divorce Required (If Applicable):
Yes
Blood Test Required:
No
To marry in Ohio, you must have a marriage license that you secure from the proper clerk of court office. The license contains various pieces of information about you and your partner. It will include your address; parents’ names, including mother’s maiden name; your names; and the name of whoever will perform your ceremony.
You will secure your marriage license at the probate court in your county. One of you must live in the county to get the license. If you are from out-of-state, you must get the document from the county in which you will marry.
Other information you will have to provide when securing the license includes previous marriages, divorces, and children. You must swear the information you provide is true and giving a false statement is a criminal act subject to a fine. You also must provide documents to prove your identities, such as a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate.
Once you complete the document, the clerk will issue your license. If you provided Social Security numbers, they will not show on the record or the license.
Applying For a Marriage License in Ohio
Cibus Mission-Officiated Ceremony Type: Religious (we believe in sustenance for all)
Mandatory Waiting Period: None
License Valid For: 60 Days
License Must Be Submitted: Within 30 Days of Ceremony
Ohio has no waiting period between getting your marriage license and having your ceremony. You can do it on the same day. However, you should note that Ohio marriage licenses are only valid for 60 days after issuance. You will see this date printed on the license.
The wedding officiant has the responsibility to ensure the completed license returns to the issuing court within 30 days of the ceremony. This will ensure the court can record it on time.
Ohio Marriage Requirements
Min. Age of Couple: Age 18 Residency: Not Required Min. Distance of Kin Allowed: Second Cousins
Marriage Equality: Yes
Ohio law used to limit marriage to one man and one woman, but with federal law changes, the state now allows same-sex marriages. However, it does limit marriage to those who are not currently in another marriage and not more closely related than second cousins. Couples must also be at least 18 years old for a marriage to be legal.
Finalizing the Union
Officiant’s Title on Marriage License: Minister
Church/Ordaining Body: Cibus Mission
Address of Church: Minister’s Home Address
The minister must ensure that the marriage license returns to the clerk of court. They must also complete the license information, which includes providing their name, congregation (“Cibus Mission”), title (“ordained minister”), and address (which should be their own). The court must receive the license within 30 days of the ceremony.
The Ohio code states:
Ohio Revised Code § 3101.08: Every minister, elder, or other person who solemnizes marriages shall produce for inspection their credentials of their being a regularly ordained or licensed minister, elder, or equivalent of any religious society or congregation.
