So You Wanna Get Hitched in Franklin County, Eh? Let's Do This!
Congratulations, lovebirds! You've decided to tie the knot in the great state of Ohio, specifically Franklin County. Maybe it's the delicious Buckeye ice cream, the vibrant city life of Columbus, or the undeniable charm of watching squirrels steal hot dogs (it's a thing, trust us). Whatever the reason, we're here to help you navigate the wonderful world of Franklin County matrimony.
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| How To Get Married In Franklin County Ohio |
Step 1: Prove You're Not Running Away From Your In-Laws (Just Kidding... Mostly)
First things first, you'll need a marriage license. Head over to the Franklin County Probate Court. Don't worry, it's not a place where ghosts of lawsuits past will haunt you (although the line might feel that long sometimes). Both of you gotta show up with valid photo ID and, if you have one, your social security number (don't worry, it stays private).
Fun Fact: At least one of you needs to be a Franklin County resident to get your license here. But hey, if you're planning the wedding and your partner's clueless, this might be the perfect excuse for a surprise move! (Just kidding... again... mostly.)
Proof of Residency: If your ID doesn't scream "Franklin County Resident," bring a document (bank statement, lease agreement, etc.) dated within the last 30 days to prove you're not just crashing on a friend's couch.
Bonus Tip: Aim to get there before 4:00 PM. Why? Because bureaucracy doesn't like to work late, and neither do you (hopefully) on your special day.
Tip: Bookmark this post to revisit later.
Step 2: I Now Pronounce You... Officially Paperwork-Filled
Once you've got your license, it's like a golden ticket to wedded bliss...well, almost. The license is valid for 60 days, so don't plan on eloping to Vegas next year. Pick a date, find your dream officiant (Elvis impersonator optional, but highly recommended), and get ready to say "I do!"
Side Note: The Franklin County Probate Court doesn't do ceremonies, so you'll need to find your own officiant (judge, ordained friend, rogue squirrel minister – we won't judge).
Step 3: Don't Forget the Fun Part (The Actual Wedding!)
This is where your love story comes to life! Whether it's a backyard bash, a rooftop soiree, or a ceremony under the watchful eye of the aforementioned rogue squirrel minister, make it your own.
Franklin County Fun Fact #2: The Franklin County Municipal Court does perform civil ceremonies, but you gotta schedule that in advance and make sure your license is still valid.
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
How-To FAQs for the Soon-to-be-Married
How to make an appointment for a marriage license?
Call the Franklin County Probate Court at (614) 525-3108 to schedule an appointment.
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How much does a marriage license cost?
The marriage license fee is subject to change, so it's best to call the Franklin County Probate Court for the most up-to-date information.
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
How long does it take to get a marriage license?
If you arrive by 4:00 PM with all the required documents, you can get your license on the same day.
What if I'm under 18?
If you're under 18, you'll need to get consent from the Franklin County Juvenile Court before applying for a marriage license.
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
Can I get married in Franklin County if I don't live there?
Yes, you can get married in Franklin County if one of you is a resident. However, if neither of you live in Ohio, you'll need to get your license in the county where the ceremony will take place.
There you have it, folks! With a little preparation and a lot of love, your Franklin County wedding will be a day to remember (and hopefully not because of a rogue squirrel incident). Now go forth and get hitched!
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