How to Apply for a Marriage License

Our Probate Court issues Marriage Licenses to Gallia County, Ohio residents who wish to marry in the State of Ohio, and those out of state residents wishing to marry in Gallia County, Ohio.

The following are requirements for EVERY applicant who wants to obtain a Marriage License from our Court:

  • If the applicants reside in the State of Ohio, ONE of the applicants MUST be a resident of Gallia County. The license can be used anywhere in the State of Ohio.
    • If NEITHER applicant is a resident of the State of Ohio, then they may apply for a license in the Gallia County Probate Court, but the license MUST be used (marriage performed) in Gallia County.
  • Each applicant must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
    • Note: If either applicant is age seventeen (17), the minor may only be issued a marriage license with the consent of the Juvenile Court and following a 14 day wait after the filing of the Juvenile Court order of consent. The 17 year old may not marry an individual more than 4 years, to the day, older than the 17 year old. A minor less than 17 years old may not marry in Ohio. At the time of the filing of an application, a minor must verify having received at least 3 hours of marriage counseling. Please contact the Court at (740) 446-3842 to review the requirements for a 17 year old to obtain a Marriage License.
  • Both applicants MUST COME TOGETHER to apply.
  • Marriage applications can be prepared on-line prior to your arrival at the Probate Court.
  • To apply for an online marriage license click Apply Online
  • Complete the form as much as possible and click the “Submit” button at the bottom of this page. After a few moments, a confirmation page will appear, on which you will find the information as you entered it as well as a 10 digit tracking number. Print or take a photo screen shot of the confirmation page and bring the confirmation number to the Gallia County Probate Court within 60 days to complete the application process (you must wait 24 HOURS after applying on-line before appearing at the court to allow the application to be processed). If the applicants do not appear at the Court and complete the application process within sixty days of the submission the application will be voided.
  • The cost is Sixty ($60.00) dollars, which payment may be made with cash, money order or check.
  • You must show a picture ID such as a current driver’s license or other valid state ID.
  • If your present address is NOT the address on your driver’s license, please provide the Court with a piece of current mail showing your present address (both applicants must show proof of their current address).
  • You must know your Social Security Number, your mother’s maiden name and the county and state you were born in.
  • If either Applicant has been previously married and the marriage ended by Divorce/Dissolution, a copy of all Divorce/Dissolution decrees must be presented to the Court. If either has been previously married and that marriage ended as a result of a death of the spouse, you need to provide the date of death or bring a copy of the Death Certificate of the deceased spouse.
  • The marriage license is valid the same day you apply and there is no required waiting period between the issuance and the marriage ceremony.
  • To avoid complications, it is recommended that the Application for a marriage between adults be obtained approximately two weeks prior to the intended marriage date.
  • An ordained or licensed minister of any religious society or congregation within this state, may perform a marriage within this state if, prior to the ceremony, that individual is also licensed by the state of Ohio to perform marriages. The license to perform marriages is obtained through the office of the Ohio Secretary of State. They must be registered with the Ohio Secretary of State before performing the marriage. You may check the individual’s licensure to perform marriages by calling 1-877-767-6446 or 1-614-728-9200 or by going to the Ohio Secretary of State website under minister licensing records.
  • A marriage license must be used within 60 days of issuance or it becomes void.

Additional Information:

  • No blood tests or witnesses are required in Ohio.
  • Probate Court hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. to ensure adequate time to prepare your application and answer your questions.
  • The Probate Court is located on the 3rd floor of the Gallia County Courthouse, 18 Locust Street, Gallipolis, Ohio 45631.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I get a certified copy of my Marriage License?

  • If you obtained your marriage license in Gallia County, Ohio you can call the Court at 740-446-3842 to request a copy and then come in to pick it up from the Probate Court office or you can mail in a request.
    • If you mail in a request, please include:
      • A letter with the names of both parties as they existed prior to the marriage, and the date of marriage;
      • A self-addressed stamped envelope; and
      • $2.00 per copy requested (cash, money order or check)
    • If you come to the office, you will need to have $2.00 (cash, money order or check) per copy requested. You will also need the name of both parties as they existed prior to the marriage, and the date of marriage.
  • If you have any further questions, call 740-446-3842.

Apply Online