CLEVELAND -- The United States Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, Case No. 14-556 granting all citizens the right to marry, regardless of sexual orientation.
In light of the ruling, Presiding Judge Anthony J. Russo and Judge Laura J. Gallagher of the Cuyahoga County Probate Court issued the first marriage license to Rob Rivera, 44, and Dan Siefried, 34, both of Cleveland Heights, mid-morning Friday.
They were married Friday evening in front of family and friends in a ceremony officiated by Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman.
Judge Russo performed same sex marriage ceremonies throughout the remainder of the day Friday and will continue through next week in honor of this historic legal occasion.
Marriage licenses may be issued only for residents of Cuyahoga County.
The fee to obtain a marriage license is $60. The court accepts cash, certified check, money order or credit/debit cards, including MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express. There is a $2.95 convenience fee for a credit/debit card. The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
However, if you are not a resident of Ohio, you may apply for a license if the marriage ceremony will be performed in Cuyahoga County. We require that all applicants for a marriage license pre-register on our website at www.probate.cuyahogacounty.us.
When you successfully complete pre-registration, you will receive a confirmation number. Please bring with you the confirmation number and a valid government issued photo ID. Additional documentation may be required if one or both parties are divorced. Please refer to our website. If you do not have access to the internet, you must pre-register in Room 146 or Room 134 at a pre-registration kiosk before waiting in line.
Starting Monday July 6, 2015, Judge Anthony J. Russo and Judge Laura J. Gallagher will continue to perform marriage ceremonies under the current court policy by appointment and at their discretion.
For questions related to this press release, please contact Magistrate Jennifer Alexander at (216) 443-8262 or jalexander@cuyahogacounty.us.
The Cuyahoga County Probate Court Marriage Department is located in Room 146 in the Old Courthouse at 1 Lakeside Avenue West, Cleveland, OH 44113. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hours may be extended if needed.
