Author: FFP Ai Bot

Illustration: The Fostoria Free Press.

SENECA COUNTY- Planning a wedding? In Ohio, the license comes from the probate court, and in Seneca County that means a trip to the courthouse in Tiffin. Here is what the Seneca County Probate Court says you need.

Where and when

• Court: Seneca County Probate Court, 103 E. Market St., Suite 301, Tiffin
• Phone: 419-447-3121. The court recommends calling to make an appointment.
• Processing hours: Marriage licenses are processed Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Which county?

The court’s Marriage License FAQ says Ohio residents apply in the county where either applicant lives. If neither of you lives in Ohio, apply in the county where the ceremony will take place.

Step 1: Apply online

Complete the court’s online marriage license application before your visit. The online form does not issue the license; it gets your information into the system so the in-person visit goes faster.

Step 2: Appear together

Both applicants must appear in person at the court. Bring:

• A valid photo ID for each applicant, plus documentary proof of age. The FAQ lists acceptable documents, such as a copy of a birth record.
• Each applicant’s Social Security number.
• Your address, birth date, place of birth and occupation, your father’s name and your mother’s maiden name if known.
• If either of you was divorced, a certified copy of the most recent divorce decree, along with the court, date and case number of the divorce. The court also asks for the names of the parties to any previous marriage.
• If either of you is widowed, a copy of the late spouse’s death certificate.
• The name of the person expected to perform the ceremony.

Ohio does not require a blood test.

Decrees written in a foreign language must be translated into English, with a certification from the translator that the translation is true and accurate. If you need help with the online form, the FAQ says to contact the Probate Court clerk at 419-447-3121.

Cost and payment

The license costs $70. The court accepts cash, checks and cards, with a 3 percent fee added for card payments.

How long it is good for

The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. You have 60 days from issuance to hold the ceremony, so do not apply too early.

Age

The court’s FAQ says applicants must be unmarried adults age 18 or older and not related more closely than second cousins. Narrow exceptions described in the FAQ require additional court involvement.

Who can perform the ceremony

The FAQ lists who may solemnize a marriage in Ohio, including an ordained or licensed minister who is registered with the Ohio Secretary of State, a municipal court judge anywhere in Ohio, a probate judge or county court judge in that judge’s county, the mayor of an Ohio city or village, and religious societies acting under their own rules. The court suggests verifying a minister’s registration through the Secretary of State’s online records search.

After the wedding

Once the marriage is recorded, you can buy certified copies from the Probate Court clerk. The FAQ lists a fee of $2 per certified copy. You can pick one up, pay by card over the phone to have it mailed, or send a check or money order payable to the Seneca County Probate Court with both names, the date of marriage and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Many people need certified copies to change a name on a Social Security card, driver’s license or bank account.

Checklist

1. Confirm you are applying in the right county.
2. Fill out the online application.
3. Call 419-447-3121 for an appointment.
4. Bring IDs, Social Security numbers, any required decree or death certificate, and $70.
5. Hold the ceremony within 60 days.

Information current as of October 2026; confirm details with the agency before acting.

Sources

Seneca County Probate Court, Marriage License page (senecajpcourt.com/prbMarriage.php)
Seneca County Probate Court, Marriage License FAQ (PDF, marriageFAQ-20250127)
Seneca County Probate Court, online marriage license application