Getting married in 2026? Here’s who can legally officiate weddings in Ohio
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If you are planning a wedding in 2026, there are a lot of things to check off before tying the knot: the venue, the dress, the food.
Of course, you’ll need someone to officiate the wedding, too. But can anyone do that? Here’s what to know:
Who can legally officiate a wedding in Ohio?
According to Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules: “An ordained or licensed minister of any religious society or congregation within this state who is licensed to solemnize marriages” or any judge can join together a couple in marriage.
You can file a minister application online at the Ohio Secretary of State website. The application requires credentials from a religious society or congregation and there’s a fee of $10.
How to make sure your marriage is legal
Once your officiant is a minister and is ordained, they are legal. This means once they perform the ceremony, your marriage is legally binding. However, there is one last step that the ordained minister, or in this case, your officiant, must complete: the officiant and the couple together must complete a certificate of marriage.
When all parties sign it, the minister must return it to the courts within 30 days after the marriage. When finished, a copy of the completed certificate will be sent to the couple.
Probate court in Youngstown: 120 Market St, Youngstown, OH 44503
More questions? Comment below or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
