What evidence proves that a minister has authority to solemnize a marriage?

Full question:

I am getting married in a couple of months. What evidence proves that a particular minister can solemnize marriage in Ohio?

• Category: Marriage
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Ohio

Answer:

In Ohio, ministers’ who are licensed to solemnize a marriage is entered by the secretary of the state. Such license shall be used as evidence that he shall have the authority to solemnize marriages.

This is stated in ORC Ann. §3101.12. It reads as follows:

“When the name of a minister licensed to solemnize marriages is entered upon the record by the secretary of state, such record and the license issued under section 3101.10 of the Revised Code shall be evidence that such minister is authorized to solemnize marriages in this state.”

ORC Ann. § 3101.10:

“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.”