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Last Updated: October 5th, 2023

10 Essential Facts to Know Before Officiating a Wedding in Ohio

The facts below cover all the important aspects of what requirements you need to meet to be able to legally officiate a wedding ceremony in Ohio.

1.

Who Can Officiate Weddings in Ohio?

This is the relevant exerpt from the Ohio Revised Code § 3101.08.


An ordained or licensed minister of any religious society or congregation within this state who is licensed to solemnize marriages, a judge of a county court in accordance with section 1907.18 of the Revised Code, a judge of a municipal court in accordance with section 1901.14 of the Revised Code, a probate judge in accordance with section 2101.27 of the Revised Code, the mayor of a municipal corporation in any county in which such municipal corporation wholly or partly lies, the superintendent of the state school for the deaf, or any religious society in conformity with the rules of its church, may join together as husband and wife any persons who are not prohibited by law from being joined in marriage. "



Basically, this means that as long as you are ordained through any church, you can officiate weddings.

2.

Are Online Ordinations Recognized in Ohio?

Yes. All online ordained ministers, including those ordained through AMM are recognized in Ohio.

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3.

Is Government Registration Required to Officiate a Wedding in Ohio?

Yes. All officiants must register with the Ohio Secretary of State before they officiate a wedding.

4.

What Office Do I Register with Before Officiating a Wedding in Ohio?

The Secretary of State in Ohio is responsible for officiant registration.

5.

What is the Minimum Legal Age to Officiate a Wedding in Ohio?

All Wedding Officiants in Ohio must be at least 18 years old.

6.

Does my Residency Affect the Registration Process?

No. Your state or country of residence is irrelevant to the officiant registration process in Ohio.

7.

Does the Ohio Government Provide an Application I Need to Complete?

Yes. You must complete and submit the Application For Minister's License To Solemnize Marriage.

8.

Do I Need to Submit Proof of my Ministry Credentials to the Ohio Government?

Yes. You are required to submit an official copy of your Ministry Credentials to the Secretary of State.

9.

How Much Does the Officiant Registration Process Cost in Ohio?

It will cost you about $10 to register as a wedding officiant in Ohio.

10.

How Long Does it Take to Register as a Wedding Officiant in Ohio?

You should receive notice of approval from the Secretary of State in no more than 2-3 Days.


Ohio Officiant Registration Step-by-Step Instructions

For a more detailed guide on how to complete the officiant registration process in Ohio, check out our Ohio Officiant Registration page by clicking the button below.


OFFICIANT REGISTRATION GUIDE FOR OHIO

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