My fiancé and I are getting married outside the United States.  Do we need to file anything here in the US, Ohio, or Hamilton County?  Also, I was told by a foreign institution to bring a form stating I have never been married before, do you provide those forms? back to top

For the first question: no, once you have been married, you are married.  However, you do want to keep a couple of things in mind.  Other countries have different procedures and customs -- especially concerning separation of church and state.  So call and find out what exactly is involved.  There will be times in your life as a US citizen that you will need legal proof of marriage.  Make sure you are able to receive this necessary documentation.  For the second question: yes -- in part.  We have a form that certifies we (meaning Hamilton County) have never issued you a marriage license.  This is called a "Certification of Records."  This does not necessarily mean that you have "never been married before," because we cannot certify for every county in the United States.

We were interested in getting married on the Ohio River, where do we apply? back to top

That depends.  Technically the Ohio River is not owned by Ohio or Kentucky.  Therefore, Hamilton County's stance is this: the officiant does need to perform some type of ceremony on either Ohio or Kentucky's shore.  This does not need to be an elaborate formal ceremony.  The formal ceremony, before friends and family, can be done once on the river.  As a result, where you obtain the license depends on which shore you decide to exchange vows. 

Is it required by law that we need witnesses? back to top

No.  Witnesses are not required by law to sign the license.  However, there are signature lines provided on the souvenir marriage license.  These are typically reserved for best man and maid of honor, but since the souvenir copy is for decoration only, it is completely up to the bride and groom as to who they want to sign.

I have been living with someone for a number of years, are we considered a "Common Law Marriage"? back to top

No.  Common-law marriage is prohibited and is not recognized in Ohio if the parties entered into the "marriage" (or commitment) after October 10, 1991.  However, a common law marriage remains valid if it was created prior to October 10, 1991.  

Do you require a waiting period, or a blood test? back to top

We do not require blood testing.  At one time we did have a five (5) day waiting period, however this was eliminated by the Ohio legislature effective February 12, 2001.

How do we know whether our minister is licensed in Ohio to perform ceremonies? back to top

The best way is to ask the minister.  By law, they have to present anyone asking with proof of their licensing.  You can also call the Ohio Secretary of State's office and ask if they have the minister's license on file.  Please refer to Information on Who Can Perform Marriage Ceremonies.