Any couples wishing to apply for a marriage license must either make application online through the Court’s website or by completing an application with a deputy clerk over the telephone. Both persons must have their personal information available before making their application, including copies of any and all divorce decrees or death certificates for all previous marriages.

After the application is made, the applicants must speak directly with a deputy clerk to discuss payment for the application and to set up an appointment to come in to the court to finalize and sign their application and pick up their license.

Applicants must provide their documentation as instructed by the deputy clerk.

How to Apply for a Marriage License

Apply Online

Applicants must complete an online application via the court’s website. If applicants are unable to access the internet, then applicants may apply over the phone with a deputy clerk. No walk-ins are permitted.

After completing the form online, applicants should contact the probate court by telephone at (740) 947-2560 to complete the application process and provide payment by debit or credit card. The deputy clerks of the probate court will not contact you.

Upon completion of the application process, the deputy clerk will then schedule an appointment for you to come in during designated hours listed below. You will need to provide the documentation as outlined in these instructions.

Hours for Marriage Licenses

Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. or from 1:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. The probate court is closed on all legal holidays.

You must have an appointment


*Marrying in Ohio and live in Ohio? - Apply in the county of either applicant’s residence. One or both of the applicants must be a resident of Pike County to apply in Pike County.

*Marrying in Ohio and both applicants live out of state? - Apply in the county in which you will be married.

*Living in Ohio but marrying out of state? - Apply in the county of the state in which you will be married.

If either applicant is under 18 years of age, contact the court for further information.


Required Documents to Obtain a Marriage License

  1. A VALID driver’s license or government or state issued I.D. You cannot use an expired license.
  2. Proof of residency that you live in Pike County if your driver’s license does not have a Pike County address. No exceptions.
  3. If either applicant has been previously married and divorced, you must provide information on ALL of your previous divorces at the time when you make application. You must show the deputy clerk your most recent divorce or dissolution decree when you come in for your appointment. If you do not have the paperwork or the information that is needed, it is your responsibility to contact the clerk of court of the county in which your divorce was filed in order to obtain the information or file-stamped copy. The probate court does not have access to divorce records and cannot get this information for you.
  4. If either applicant has been widowed, then a certified copy of the death certificate of their spouse must be provided.

Cost

The cost to obtain a marriage license is $50.00 payable by debit/credit card (with $1.50 service fee) or cash. If paid in cash, you must have the exact amount. The deputy clerks cannot provide change.

Your marriage license is good the day that it is issued and is good for sixty (60) days.


What to Expect at Your Appointment

The deputy clerk will give you an appointment time to provide your documentation and to review and sign your application.

Both applicants MUST be present for the appointment. After the deputy clerk verifies your driver’s license, proof of residency, and any other documents, you will be administered an oath and your signatures will be obtained.

The deputy clerk will present you with your marriage license, receipt, and instructions.


The Marriage Ceremony

Marriages are to be performed by an ordained minister within the state licensed to perform marriages. In Pike County, a civil ceremony can be performed by the County Court Judge as well as any mayor of a municipal corporation.

You may contact the Pike County Court at (740) 947-4003 for additional information and times should you wish to be married by the County Court Judge.

Please Note: It is the couple’s responsibility to make sure that the person officiating their wedding ceremony is licensed in the State of Ohio through the Ohio Secretary of State.

The Application for Minister’s License Form can be obtained from the Ohio Secretary of State or by clicking here.


Marriage Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Get a Copy of My Marriage License?
Please note: Our Court can only provide copies and certifications for marriage licenses that were issued by our Court. We cannot process, assist with, or certify any marriage license or record issued by other counties.

If you obtained your marriage license in Pike County, our deputy clerks can provide you with a certified copy of your marriage record at a cost of $2.00. You can request a copy of your marriage record by telephone at (740) 947-2560 or by email at probatecourt@pikecounty.oh.gov. If you would like it mailed to you, you can pay with a debit/credit card and your certified copy will be mailed to you for a total cost of $3.00

You may contact the Probate Court by telephone at (740) 947-2560 or by email at probatecourt@pikecounty.oh.gov to request a copy.

You will need to provide the date of the marriage and the full names of both applicants.

How Do I Change My Name After I'm Married?
You will be provided a return stub and a self-addressed envelope when you obtain your marriage license. The wedding officiant (minister, judge or mayor) will complete this stub indicating their name and address and the date that you were married. The stub will be mailed back to the Court within 30 days of your wedding and recorded by the deputy clerk. After the information is recorded, the deputy clerk will issue a certified copy of your marriage record and mail it to you at the address given at the time of your application.

This certified copy of your marriage record will have a signature of the deputy clerk and a raised seal of the court. This certified copy is legal proof of marriage and this document can be taken to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to have your driver’s license or State I.D. re-issued in your new name. You will also need to take the document to the Social Security office to have your social security card changed to your new married name.

After your wedding, your marriage license simply becomes a souvenir keepsake and has no legal significance. Your marriage license will not be acceptable to use to have your name changed on your I.D. or social security card.

How Do I Get Licensed to Perform Wedding Ceremonies in the State of Ohio
Ohio law requires that you be registered with the Ohio Secretary of State in order to perform wedding ceremonies.

The Application for Minister’s License Form can be obtained from the Ohio Secretary of State or by clicking here.

What is the Earliest Legal Age a Person Can be Married?
The law requires that a male or female be eighteen (18) years of age to be married. Applicants that are 17 years of age may be joined in marriage only if a juvenile court has filed a consent to be married. No person under the age of 17 is permitted to be married.

If only one applicant is 17 years of age, that applicant may be joined in marriage only if juvenile court has filed a consent to the marriage and the other person to be joined in marriage is not more than four (4) years older than the applicant of 17 years of age.

Probate court may issue a license not earlier than fourteen (14) calendar days after the juvenile court files their consent if either applicant is 17 years of age.

Contact the juvenile court for information and instructions on how to file an application to marry.

Apply Online