Marriage is a solemn, honorable, and lifelong commitment. Only a male and a female may enter into marriage.  Males must be 18 years of age or older to be married.  Females must be 16 years or older.  Girls who are under 18 must first obtain the consent of their parents, custodian, or legal guardian before they can marry.  The minimum age requirements can be waived only with the permission of the Juvenile Court.  Married persons may not be nearer of kin than second cousins.  No one can be married to two persons at the same time.  Marriage applicants must declare any prior marriages and show those marriages have ended either by divorce, dissolution, or death of the prior spouse.

Males must be 18 years of age or older to be married.  Females must be 16 years or older.

Minors must have a letter from a minister or a marriage counselor stating they have attended three sessions of marriage counseling.  Persons under 18 must have the consent of their parents, custodian or legal guardian.  Applicants under the minimum age must first obtain approval from the Juvenile Court.

What is the fee for a license?

The fee for obtaining a marriage license is $42.00.  The fee must be paid in cash.

What personal information is required?

The court needs the applicant's address, age place of birth, occupation, father's name and mother's maiden name; and the name of the person who is expected to solemnize the marriage.

What are the residence qualifications?

At least one applicant must be a resident of Medina County for a marriage license to be issued.  Applicants from out of state may apply for a marriage license provided the marriage ceremony is performed in Medina County.

What about prior marriages?

If either applicant had prior marriages, the applicant must include the names of the parties to such marriages and the names of any minor children.  If the marriage ended in divorce or dissolution, the applicant must submit a certified copy of the most recent divorce decree.  If the prior spouse is deceased, the applicant must submit a certified copy of the death certificate.

Does the Bride's name change automatically?

No.  Traditionally the bride takes the husband's last name, but that is not necessary or automatic.  If the bride is going to change her name, she should contact the businesses, banks, and stores with which she has accounts; the Social Security Administration, the Board of Elections, and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Who can perform the ceremony?

A licensed minister of any religious society within the state, the judge of the Wadsworth or Medina Municipal courts, Judge Lohn, or the mayors of Medina County cities or villages.

Where and when is the license valid?

The license is valid for a ceremony anywhere in Ohio. By law there is a five day waiting period; however, our Court automatically waives that waiting period and issues the license at the time of application.  The license is valid for 60 days anywhere in the State of Ohio.