Franklin County (Columbus) issues marriage licenses same-day with no waiting period, through its Probate Court.
| License fee | $65. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | None — Ohio has no statewide waiting period. |
| Documents / ID required | Valid photo ID for both applicants; Social Security number required (the physical card is not needed, just the number). |
| License validity | 60 days from the date of issuance (Ohio statewide rule). |
| Where & how to apply | Both applicants appear together in person at the Franklin County Probate Court. |
| Office hours | Standard weekday business hours — confirm with the Probate Court before visiting. |
Special notes
How to get a marriage license in Franklin County (Columbus), step by step
- Confirm you meet Ohio’s basics: you must apply at the probate court of the county where at least one of you lives. If neither of you lives in Ohio, apply where the ceremony will take place. If one of you lives in another Ohio county, apply there instead.
- Gather valid photo ID for both applicants and know each applicant’s Social Security number — the number is required, the physical card is not.
- Go to the Franklin County Probate Court together (373 S. High Street, downtown Columbus) during weekday business hours. Both applicants must be present.
- Sign the application and pay the $65 fee. The court’s published information lists cash, money order and credit/debit cards.
- Leave with the license the same day — Ohio has no waiting period — and marry within 60 days.
What to bring to the Franklin County office
- Photo ID for both applicants
- Each applicant’s Social Security number
- $65 (confirm accepted payment methods with the court before you go)
- The full names and details of any prior marriage, if either of you was married before
When to apply for your Franklin County license
Because Ohio has no waiting period, Franklin County is one of the easiest places to get married on short notice: you can apply in the morning and marry that afternoon. The limit runs the other way — the license lasts only 60 days, so do not apply more than two months before your ceremony. If your date could move, apply closer to it rather than earlier.
After the ceremony: filing your Franklin County license and getting certified copies
In Ohio the officiant returns the completed license to the probate court within 30 days of the ceremony, and that filing is what records the marriage. Once it is recorded you can request certified copies from the court. (Filing rules checked September 2026.)
You will need a certified copy for name changes and other paperwork — see our guide to what to do after the wedding.
Certified copies in Franklin County
$2 for the first certified copy (same price for each copy)
| Issued by | Franklin County Probate Court, Marriage Department |
|---|---|
| Fee details | $2.00 per certified marriage abstract. Online orders add a $1.00 transaction fee; in-person card payments carry a 3% fee. |
| How to order | By mail (cash or money order) to 373 S. High St., 22nd Floor, Columbus; in person; or online. |
| Timing | The court cannot issue an abstract until your officiant has returned the certification. |
| Who can request | Only for licenses issued in Franklin County. |
| Heads up | Sources disagree on the floor of the Marriage Department (22nd or 23rd). |
Source: Franklin County Probate Court - Certified Records · checked October 2026 · How many copies do you need?
Local tips for Franklin County
- Franklin County is a probate-court process, not a clerk’s office. Search for “Franklin County Probate Court marriage,” not “county clerk.”
- Applying in the “wrong” county is the most common Ohio mistake: a Columbus wedding does not let you apply here if you and your partner both live in, say, Delaware County. Apply where you live.
More questions about getting married in Franklin County
Can we get married the same day we get the license in Franklin County?
Yes. Ohio has no waiting period and Franklin County issues licenses the same day the application is processed, as long as an officiant is available.
We live in a different Ohio county. Can we still apply in Franklin County?
Not usually. Ohio requires you to apply in the county where at least one applicant lives. If neither of you lives in Ohio, you apply in the county where the ceremony will take place.
What happens if we do not use the license within 60 days?
It expires and you need to apply again and pay a new fee.
Waiting periods by state → What licenses cost by state →
Last verified: August 2026
Read our general step-by-step guide →
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