As we continue our journey through the United States, we head to Ohio and Indiana. I’ve not spent a lot of time in either state, but let’s take a look at their requirements for a marriage license.
Ohio
Ohio has no residency requirement. If you are a resident, you must apply in the county where you live. If you are not a resident, you must apply in the county where you want to get married. You need proof of ID and a certified copy of the death certificate or divorce decree if you were married previously. There is no waiting period in Ohio.
There is no covenant marriage, proxy marriage or cousin marriage options. Same sex marriages are also not allowed. There is an amendment to the state constitution made in 2004 that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Common law marriages are not recognized unless you entered into it before October of 1991.
Marriage licenses cost around $40 and most counties only accept cash. Be sure to check with the county where you plan to apply for your license. Minors will need parental consent from their parents or guardians. A judge may also require that they receive pre-marital counseling prior to approving their application for a license.
Your marriage license will only be valid for 60 days. If you need a copy of your Ohio Marriage Certificate:
Bureau of Vital Statistics
Ohio Department of Health
35 East Chestnut Street, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 15098
Columbus, OH 43215-0098
Phone: (614) 466-2531
Indiana
Welcome to Indiana where you will need a valid form of ID to apply for a marriage license. You may also have to present your birth certificate if you are under the age of 30. You do not need to be a resident to get married, but residents much apply in the county where one partner or the other lives. Residents only need to pay $18, but out of state residents will pay a fee for $60.
You’ll need to present a copy of your divorce decree if your previous marriage ended in the two years previous to the application for a new marriage license. There is no waiting period for a marriage license. Covenant marriage is not allowed nor are common-law or proxy marriages. Same sex marriages are also not allowed. Common law marriages are not recognized even if they are legal in another state. First cousins are allowed to marry if they are over the age of 65.
If you are under the age of 18, you need parental consent. If you are under 16, you need to petition the Circuit Court for permission to marry. The cost for the petition is about $124 and the fee is due whether the court approves the marriage petition or not.
Your marriage license will be valid for 60 days. To get a copy of your Indiana Marriage Certificate:
Vital Records Section
State Department of Health
2 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 233-2700
The above information should be taken as guidance only, legal requirements for state and county marriage licenses change often. Please verify the necessary paperwork and more with the office of the county clerk prior to making your wedding plans