What You Need to Know About Eloping in Ohio

Getting married is the ultimate statement of commitment for any relationship. Couples worldwide often choose one special day to throw a lavish party and express their love for one another in front of friends and family. But what if you and your fiance want a smaller, more intimate ceremony? Eloping is the perfect option for couples looking to avoid the stress of big weddings and jump straight to starting the rest of their lives.

There’s no better place to tie the knot than Ohio. Discover the laws and requirements of eloping in the Buckeye State and how our cozy bed & breakfast can offer you an intimate ceremony you’ll cherish forever.

License Requirements

To officially elope in Ohio, Ohio state marriage law requires you to obtain a marriage license from a probate court. Probate courts handle issues of estates, wills, and marriage licenses. You must apply for the marriage license in the county where you or your significant other resides. If you are from a state outside of Ohio, you must apply at a probate court in the county you’re eloping. You and your partner must appear in person and present official forms of identification, including a driver’s license, birth certificate, and passport. When filling out your marriage license form, you must provide the following information:

• Name
• Age
• Place of birth
• Social Security numbers
• Father’s name
• Mother’s maiden name

If you or your partner has been divorced, you must present an updated divorce decree to the court.

How far in advance can we apply for a marriage license in Ohio?

You may obtain a marriage license from a probate court up to 60 days before your elopement. There is no waiting period, and marriage licenses are often issued the same day you apply. If you do not elope within 60 days, you must reapply.

Does Ohio require married couples to share a last name?

No. You may keep your last name, adopt your partner’s last name, or adopt a new one after eloping.

Officiant Requirements

In Ohio, a legally recognized officiant must perform your elopement ceremony. The list of recognized officiants includes but isn’t limited to religious clergy, judges, and mayors. It’s important to confirm ahead of time that your chosen officiant is legally capable of performing your ceremony in Ohio.

Does Ohio require witnesses to be present during an elopement?

No. Ohio doesn’t require witnesses to be present during an elopement ceremony. You may have as many or as few guests as you wish. The choice is yours.

Age Requirements

You and your partner must be at least 18 years old to marry in Ohio without parental consent. Those between 16 and 17 years old may apply for a marriage license with parental consent. However, no one under the age of 16 may get married in Ohio under any circumstance.

What is the maximum age range for someone under 18 to elope?

No one under the age of 18 may elope with anyone more than four years older in Ohio.

Will there be changes to Ohio elopement laws anytime soon?

Keep in mind that new state laws pass every day. So try to stay current with elopement law changes as much as possible before making plans. Make sure to contact the probate court in the county you intend to apply for a marriage license for specific requirement details.

Let Hideaway Country Inn Take Care of Your Elopement!

Take the stress out of planning your big day and explore a few of the elopement packages our cozy bed & breakfast has to offer! Work with a seasoned wedding planner and choose from several wedding ceremony areas with our “Simply I Do” elopement package. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly ceremony, consider the “Just Us” elopement package, which includes a gourmet picnic basket and a two-night stay in a suite of your choosing, with late check-out after 2:00 pm!

All of our elopement packages include a bouquet of flowers in your wedding colors. We also provide a licensed Ohio wedding officiant for every couple’s ceremony. Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony for just the two of you or up to 25 guests, Hideaway is an enchanting option for your big day.

Now that you’re more familiar with Ohio elopement laws, contact one of our wedding specialists for a free consultation and reserve your spot today!