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Just Said Yes July 2019

Eloping in Ohio - Do we need an officiant?!

Annie, on April 16, 2018 at 9:19 PM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 9
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Hello! My Fiance and I are eloping next year in Ohio with only a photographer with us for the ride.. unless we need an officiant to join us as we share our vows.

We've been struggling on finding concrete answers and the county office doesn't seem to be too helpful thus far.

We want a non religious joining and hope that someone can help clear the air for us. Can we just have an officiant sign our paperwork after?

Thanks so much for all of your help!

- Clueless

9 Comments

Latest activity by Christin, on April 17, 2018 at 8:46 AM
  • A
    Just Said Yes September 2018
    Allison ·
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    As far as I know you must have an officiant and 2 witnesses to sign the marriage certificate, which you will need ahead of time
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  • ThePeoplesBride
    VIP October 2020
    ThePeoplesBride ·
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    If you would like to have an official wedding ceremony in which you are legally married after you have exchanged your vows you need an officiant.

    There are plenty of officiants who will help guide you in having a non religious ceremony with just the two of you.
    • Reply
  • muriel
    Champion June 2018
    muriel ·
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    Marriage license

    https://www.ohiobar.org/ForPublic/Resources/LawFactsPamphlets/Pages/lawfactspamphlet-35.aspx

    Officiant

    http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3101

    3101.08 Who may solemnize marriages.

    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.

    Effective Date: 04-11-1991 .

    A minister must be licensed in the State of Ohio

    3101.10 License to solemnize marriages.

    A minister upon producing to the secretary of state, credentials of the minister's being a regularly ordained or licensed minister of any religious society or congregation, shall be entitled to receive from the secretary of state a license authorizing the minister to solemnize marriages in this state so long as the minister continues as a regular minister in that society or congregation. A minister shall produce for inspection the minister's license to solemnize marriages upon demand of any party to a marriage at which the minister officiates or proposes to officiate or upon demand of any probate judge.

    Amended by 129th General AssemblyFile No.52, SB 124, §1, eff. 1/13/2012.

    Effective Date: 06-04-1976 .

    How to get become an Ordained Minister in Ohio (must also get licensed by state)

    https://theamm.org/minister-licensing/ohio/

    Witnesses are not required in the State of Ohio

    https://www.usmarriagelaws.com/marriage-license/ohio/probate-courts/office-requirements.shtml


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  • A
    Just Said Yes July 2019
    Annie ·
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    Thanks all for the quick input! We have a friend in mind who is willing to do whatever it takes to become an officiant.. any reason why this would be an issue? We technically will have two photographers who I'm sure wouldn't mind signing off as witnesses too!
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  • Going to the chapel
    Master July 2017
    Going to the chapel ·
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    From what Muriel posted, it doesn't appear that your friend would qualify to marry you even if they were ordained online.

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  • A
    Just Said Yes July 2019
    Annie ·
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    I've read so many conflicting things online that I cant make sense of whats legitimate or not, but the probate office said they didn't think it had to be any one of religious nature so we thought we would be okay if our friend became ordained?

    Sorry everyone, just super confused and can't seem to find consistency in what we research 😟
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  • Shannon
    Expert October 2017
    Shannon ·
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    In Ohio you need an officiant but you don't need witnesses.
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  • C
    Master July 2018
    Cuoghi ·
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    Who would marry you if you don't have an officiant? Your question doesn't make sense
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  • Christin
    Devoted May 2019
    Christin ·
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    My step brother got his license online and officiated for our parents in Ohio, so yes your friend can do the same.
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