What is required for a marriage to be legally recognized in Ohio?

For a marriage to be legally recognized in Ohio, obtaining a marriage license is essential. This license serves as a formal document that shows both parties have met the required criteria to enter into marriage. In Ohio, couples must apply for a license together, which requires them to provide necessary identification, information about their residency, and sometimes health information, depending on the circumstances.

The other options lack the legal weight necessary for marriage recognition. For example, a verbal agreement between partners does not constitute a legal marriage because it lacks the formal documentation and legal process needed. The presence of a witness, while significant during the ceremony, does not replace the requirement for a marriage license. Similarly, a judge's decree is not a prerequisite for recognizing a marriage; instead, it may pertain to marriage validation under specific circumstances, such as with common law marriages or annulments but is not necessary for the initiation of a legal marriage. Thus, the key element is the marriage license, which formalizes the union under Ohio law.