Age:  In general a male must be at least 18 and the female at least 16 years old. A minor must first obtain the consent of his or her parents or guardian. Pre-marriage counseling generally is required when either party is under the age of 18.

Mental and physical capacity:  Since marriage is a contract, each individual must possess the mental capacity to understand the nature of the marriage relationship.

Kinship:  The couple cannot be any closer than second cousins. It should be noted that adult incest (marrying or having sexual relations with someone who is nearer than a second cousin) is no longer a criminal offense in Ohio.

Single status:  Each individual must be single. The crime of bigamy is committed when someone marries knowing he or she is still married to someone else.

Heterosexuality:  Individuals of the same sex can bind themselves in legal marriage in Ohio.

Marriage license requirement:  A license must be obtained from the probate court in the county where either of the couple resides or, if neither is a resident of Ohio, where the marriage is to be performed. Both parties seeking the license must personally appear in the probate court and apply for the license.