Marriage records in Franklin County, Ohio, are available through several channels. FranklinCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. The Franklin County Probate Court serves as the official issuing authority for marriage licenses and maintains marriage records dating back to 1803. Records can also be accessed in person at the Probate Court, by mail, or through the court's online index tools.
Franklin County Marriage Records Search
In Ohio, the Probate Court in each county issues marriage licenses and retains the official marriage records. The Franklin County Probate Court maintains marriage records from 1803 to the present, making it one of the most extensive county marriage collections in the state. The records include marriage license applications, issued marriage licenses, and returned marriage certificates filed after the ceremony.
You can search the court's Marriage License Index online to locate a specific record by name. The index is updated through the previous day's date. For older or hard-to-find records, you may need to contact the court directly or visit in person.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Franklin County
The Franklin County Probate Court charges fees for certified and uncertified copies of marriage records. Fees are set by Ohio Revised Code and local court policy.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage record | $2.00 |
| Additional certified copy (same record, same order) | $1.00 |
| Search fee (per name searched) | $1.00 |
Payment methods accepted in person typically include cash, check, or money order made payable to the Franklin County Probate Court. Contact the Certified Records department to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods before submitting a request, as fees may be updated.
Processing for in-person requests is generally completed while you wait during regular business hours. Mail requests may take one to two weeks depending on volume.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Franklin County
There are several ways to obtain a copy of a marriage record from Franklin County.
Online
Start by searching the Marriage License Index to identify the record you need. The Franklin County Probate Court does not currently offer a full online ordering and payment system for certified marriage copies through its own website. For online ordering of Ohio vital records, you may check the Ohio Department of Health's vital records portal, which handles statewide requests for marriage records from December 20, 1936, forward.
In Person
Visit the Certified Records department at the Franklin County Probate Court:
Walk-in requests are accepted during regular hours. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can typically process your request the same day.
By Mail
To request a marriage record copy by mail, send the following to the address above:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage
- The applicable fee by check or money order payable to Franklin County Probate Court
- A copy of your valid photo ID
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return mailing
If you are unsure which record year or volume applies, include the $1.00 search fee per name so staff can locate the record on your behalf. For questions, call (614) 525-3894 during business hours.
For broader public record searches across Franklin County offices, the Franklin County Recorder's public records search and the Probate Court General Case Index may also be useful depending on your research needs. Additional marriage-related information, including resources for finding records, is available at FranklinCourt.us.