GA Marriage License Info
Every state has its own marriage licensing requirements, and Georgia is no exception! While the process is relatively straightforward, individual counties may have slightly different procedures. We recommend contacting the Probate Court in the county where you plan to obtain your marriage license to confirm their specific requirements.
Below, we’ve outlined the most important things you need to know to get legally married in Georgia, along with some helpful resources to make the process easier.
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MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
If you’re getting married in Georgia, here are four important things to know before obtaining your marriage license:
1.
Both applicants must appear in person.
You and your partner must visit a Georgia Probate Court together to obtain your marriage license. If at least one of you is a Georgia resident, you can apply in any Georgia county. If neither of you is a resident, you must obtain your license in the county where your wedding will take place.
You and your partner must visit a Georgia Probate Court together to obtain your marriage license. If at least one of you is a Georgia resident, you can apply in any Georgia county. If neither of you is a resident, you must obtain your license in the county where your wedding will take place.
2.
Bring the required identification and documentation.
Both applicants must provide proof of age and identity, such as a valid driver’s license, government-issued ID, or passport. If either of you was previously married, additional documentation may be required. Check with the Probate Court before your visit.
Both applicants must provide proof of age and identity, such as a valid driver’s license, government-issued ID, or passport. If either of you was previously married, additional documentation may be required. Check with the Probate Court before your visit.
3.
Marriage license fees vary by county.
The fee is generally between $56 and $77, depending on the county. Couples who complete a qualifying premarital education program may receive a discount of approximately $40. This fee is paid directly to the Probate Court and is not included in your Love & Wisdom ceremony package.
The fee is generally between $56 and $77, depending on the county. Couples who complete a qualifying premarital education program may receive a discount of approximately $40. This fee is paid directly to the Probate Court and is not included in your Love & Wisdom ceremony package.
4.
Your marriage license does not expire.
Georgia marriage licenses have no expiration date, and there is no waiting period. You can get married as soon as your license is issued, provided you meet all the legal requirements.
Georgia marriage licenses have no expiration date, and there is no waiting period. You can get married as soon as your license is issued, provided you meet all the legal requirements.
ADDITIONAL GA MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS
- Residency: You do not need to be a Georgia resident to get married in the state. However, if neither applicant is a Georgia resident, you must obtain your marriage license in the county where your ceremony will take place.
- Where to obtain your license: If at least one applicant is a Georgia resident, you can obtain your marriage license from any Georgia county Probate Court, regardless of where in the state your wedding takes place.
- Bring your marriage license: Bring your marriage license to your wedding so your Officiant can complete the necessary paperwork after the ceremony.
- Witnesses: Georgia does not require witnesses to sign the license.
- Returning the license: The completed marriage license must be returned to the Probate Court that issued it by you or your officiant within 30 days of the ceremony.
- Previous marriages: If either applicant was previously married, that marriage must have legally ended through divorce or death. The Probate Court may require supporting documentation, such as a divorce decree or death certificate.
- Blood tests: Georgia does not require blood tests.
- Age requirements: Both applicants must generally be at least 18 years old. Applicants who are 17 may qualify under strict conditions, including emancipation, premarital education, and age-difference restrictions. No one under 17 can obtain a marriage license.
OBTAINING YOUR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
- What is a marriage certificate? A marriage certificate provides official proof of your marriage. It is different from the marriage license paperwork you receive at your ceremony. You can request a certified copy once your completed license has been returned and recorded.
- Where to obtain it: Contact the Probate Court in the Georgia county where your marriage license was issued to request a certified copy of your marriage record. You may also be able to obtain a certified copy through the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Vital Records office.
- Cost and processing: Fees, processing times, and ordering procedures vary by county. Check with the issuing Probate Court for current instructions and fees.
- Why you may need it: A certified marriage record is commonly needed for legal name changes, updating identification, insurance, and other official purposes. You are legally married even if you haven’t ordered a certified copy.
- Use a certified copy: Government agencies generally require an official certified marriage document rather than a photocopy. If you’re changing your name, it’s usually best to update your Social Security record first, followed by your driver’s license and passport, as applicable.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE?
We’re always happy to help! If you have questions about obtaining your Georgia marriage license or making sure everything is properly completed after your ceremony, our team is here to guide you.