I get calls like this more than you might think: “We need to get married soon — is that even possible?” Yes, it is. You do not need six months and a guest list to have a real wedding. You need the two of you, a valid Ohio marriage license, and someone to stand with you and make it official. That is what I do — I work as a last-minute wedding officiant for couples-only weddings and elopements in Fairborn, Dayton, and the towns around them.
You Don’t Need Months of Planning
Couples end up needing a wedding on short notice for all kinds of reasons. Military orders that move fast. A courthouse deadline tied to benefits or paperwork. A second marriage where neither of you wants a repeat of the first big production. Family flying in from out of town for a short window. Or maybe there’s no complicated reason at all — you just know you’re ready and don’t see the point in waiting a year to say so. Whatever brought you here, a real, legal, meaningful wedding does not require months of planning. It requires the license and a few honest minutes together.
What “Couples-Only” Means
A simple, couples-only wedding is just that — it’s just the two of you. No guest list, no seating chart, no reception to plan around. We meet, we talk through your vows, and I lead a short ceremony that makes your marriage official. It can be as brief and quiet as you want it to be. If you’d like a witness or two there, that’s fine, but no crowd is required. The point is the marriage, not the production around it.
The One Thing You Have to Handle: The Ohio Marriage License
The ceremony itself can come together quickly. The part that takes a little advance attention is the marriage license, and Ohio handles that county by county.
Montgomery County (Dayton): Both of you apply together, in person, at the Probate Court, 41 N. Perry St. in Dayton. Bring valid photo ID, and note that at least one of you must be a Montgomery County resident. The fee is $75, and the license is good for 60 days. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Confirm current details at mcohio.org.
Greene County (Fairborn, Beavercreek, Xenia): Greene County Probate Court works by appointment only, with phone and video options available — no walk-ins. One of you must reside in Greene County, and you’ll need photo ID or a birth certificate with Social Security card and proof of residency. The fee is $50. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; call (937) 562-5284 or visit greenecountyohio.gov to schedule. Call the courthouse directly to confirm the exact validity window and whether both of you must appear together — those details are best confirmed straight from their office.
If neither of you lives in Montgomery or Greene County, call the probate court in whichever county one of you calls home and ask what they need — the residency rule is tied to the county where you apply. Either way, once the license is in hand, we can usually move quickly.
I Come to You
I travel to a location that works for you, anywhere in this area — your home, a quiet spot you already have in mind, wherever feels right for the two of you. You don’t need to find a venue. If you already have a place, we’ll use it. If you’re not sure, we’ll talk it through together.
Serving Fairborn, Dayton, and the Miami Valley
I’m based near Fairborn and serve Dayton and the surrounding Miami Valley area, including Beavercreek, Huber Heights, Kettering, Centerville, Xenia, Riverside, Vandalia, Miamisburg, West Carrollton, Bellbrook, Springboro, Yellow Springs, Enon, New Carlisle, Oakwood, Moraine, Englewood, Trotwood, Clayton, and Wright-Patterson AFB. If you’re somewhere nearby and not sure whether it’s in range, just ask.
Who I Am
I’ve been an ordained minister since 1993 — more than 30 years now. These days, simple, couples-only elopements and quiet ceremonies like yours are the heart of what I do. The price for a wedding ceremony is $150, with a sliding scale available if that’s a stretch right now — I’d rather help you get married than turn you away over cost. Sliding-scale premarital guidance is also available if you’d like to talk first, but it’s entirely up to you.
A Few Quick Questions
Do we need guests? No. Couples-only means just the two of you, though you’re welcome to bring a witness or two if you’d like.
Where can we do it? Wherever works for you, anywhere in the Fairborn/Dayton/Miami Valley area — your home, a quiet outdoor spot, or a place you already have in mind. I’ll come to you.
How last-minute is last-minute? Once you have your Ohio marriage license in hand, we can usually get on the calendar quickly. Give me a call and we’ll figure out timing together.
If you are looking for a last-minute wedding officiant for a couples-only wedding or elopement in the Fairborn / Dayton area, reach out. I’d be glad to help. Call or text me at 937-732-5868, or email frank@daytonsimpleweddings.com (FrankWyatt@gmail.com works too).
These articles offer general educational and pastoral guidance. Couples should seek qualified professional help when a concern requires counseling, legal advice, financial advice, or safety support. Marriage license requirements can change — always confirm current details directly with your county probate court.