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1. How much does a marriage license cost?

Effective January 1, 2020, the fee for a marriage license is $70.00. You may pay this fee in cash, credit card, debit card, cashier's check, money order or by check drawn on a local bank made payable to Greene County Probate Court. 

If you pay by check, issuance of the marriage license is conditioned on the check clearing the bank. We will not issue a Certified Copy of Marriage Record until your check has cleared and payment is confirmed. If the check is dishonored for any reason, there will also be a $50.00 returned check charge and a $25.00 administrative fee.

2. How do I get a certified copy of my marriage record?

For Marriages After October 17, 1991, you can chose one of the following options:

Option One – Online

You may obtain your Certified Copy of Marriage Record online through our website by clicking on the following link:

Electronic Certified Copy of Marriage Record

There is no charge for an online Certified Copy of Marriage Record.

Note: The online version of your Certified Copy of Marriage Record is valid and accepted for many purposes, including at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. It may not be accepted by the Social Security Administration, as that agency has not yet approved the electronic format of this record.

Option Two – In Person

You may obtain your Certified Copy of Marriage Record in person at our office at the following address:

Greene County Probate Court

45 N. Detroit Street

Xenia, OH 45385

The cost is $2.00 for each certified copy. Payment must be in the form of cash, money order or cashier’s check. There is no charge for active duty or retired military (with acceptable proof).

Option Three – By Mail

You may obtain your Certified Copy of Marriage Record through the mail by sending a written request to our court at the following address:

Greene County Probate Court

45 N. Detroit Street

Xenia, OH 45385

Your request must include all of the following:

• The full names of both applicants at the time the marriage license was issued.
• How many certified copies you need.
• Payment of the cost of $2.00 for each certified copy. Payment must be in the form of cash, money order or cashier’s check. There is no charge for active duty or retired military (with acceptable proof).
• Self-addressed, stamped return envelope for us to use in sending the documents to you.

 For Marriages prior to October 1991 please contact the Record and Archives Department at (937) 562-6487.

3. How long will it take to get our marriage license?

Approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Is there a waiting period, or can we get married the same day?

After the application is accepted, there is no waiting period in Greene County to receive the license. You may receive your license and be married on the same day.
Greene County Probate Court does not perform marriage ceremonies.

5. How long is my marriage license valid?

The marriage license is valid for 60 days.

6. Do both parties have to be here together?

Yes, both applicants must appear together.

7. Must I show proof of divorce, dissolution or annulment?

If either applicant has been married before, they must bring all prior divorce, dissolution or annulment information and a certified copy of the final decree of their last divorce, dissolution or annulment. If the decree is in a foreign language, it must be translated in writing.

8. Do I need to make an appointment?

Yes, we no longer accept walk-ins. You must start the application process online, please see the Begin the Application Process Online link on the Marriage License page. Once you have completed the online application it will ask you to schedule an appointment. You may not schedule appointments by phone.

9. Who may solemnize a marriage?

Only a duly ordained minister who is registered with the Secretary of the State of Ohio, a Judge, a Mayor, or the Superintendent of the State School for the Deaf may solemnize a marriage.
Greene County Probate Court does not perform marriage ceremonies.

To register with the Secretary of State or to find out if your minister is registered, call (614) 466-2585.

10. How do I obtain proof of my "Common Law Marriage"?

Common law marriage was no longer recognized in the state of Ohio after October 10, 1991. The Probate Court has nothing to do with Common Law Marriage. If you need to provide verification of a Common Law Marriage that took place in Ohio, you need to contact the Social Security Administration in your area.

11. Are you open on Saturdays?

No, the courthouse is closed on weekends, all legal holidays, and the day following Thanksgiving.

12. Do we need blood tests?

No blood tests or physical examinations are required in the state of Ohio.