Marriage Licenses

PLEASE NOTE:  The Probate Judge does not perform marriage ceremonies.

License Applications

Marriage license applications may be obtained Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

**All marriage license  applicants require an appointment at this time. Please call to schedule an appointment**

License Fees

• The fee for marriage licenses will vary according to the following circumstances. If the applicants have completed a qualifying premarital education program, the marriage license fee is $36. Without certification of a premarital education program, the marriage license fee is $76.
• These fees include the cost of a certified copy of the completed license once the ceremony has been performed for proof of marriage.
• Probate Court accepts cash or personal check (if local).

Marriage Application

• Print and complete the online application, then, call the Court for an appointment to complete the application process. 
• After the license is issued, there is no waiting period before the marriage ceremony can take place.  The marriage license authorizes the officiant to perform the ceremony; the marriage certificate certifies that you are legally married. 
• Both applicants must be present to obtain the license. Each person must also provide proper identification.
• If either applicant has been previously married and divorced, a copy of the final divorce decree, with the date and signature of the Judge, must be provided to the Probate Court.
•  If either applicant has been married previously and the marriage was dissolved by death, please provide the death certificate. Both applicants must know their parents' full names and birthplaces. Full name for mother is her maiden (birth) last name. "Birthplace" means the city or county and state where each parent was born.
• Georgia law requires each applicant to designate the legal surname he or she will use after marriage.  The applicant may choose his or her present surname, his or her partner's surname, or a combination of the two.

Identification for License Application

• Applicants must produce a valid Photo ID such as a Driver’s License, State ID Card, an Armed Forces ID Card or a Resident Alien ID Card.

Other License Regulations

• If either applicant is a Georgia resident, the license may be purchased in any county in Georgia.
• If neither applicant is a resident of Georgia, the marriage license must be obtained in the county in which the marriage ceremony will be performed.
• The Georgia marriage license can only be used for marriage ceremonies that are performed in Georgia.

Qualifying Premarital Education Program

• Under the law, a qualifying premarital education program shall include at least six hours of instruction involving marital issues, which may include but not be limited to conflict management, communication skills, financial responsibilities, child and parenting responsibilities, and extended family roles.
• The program must have been completed within the 12 months prior to the application, and the applicants must have undergone the premarital education together.
• To qualify, the premarital education must have been performed by a professional counselor, social worker, or marriage and family therapist; a psychiatrist; a psychologist; or an active member of the clergy when in the course of his or her service as clergy, or the designee of such active member of the clergy, provided the designee is skilled and trained in premarital education.
• In order to qualify for the reduced fee, the applicants must provide the court a signed, verified and dated certificate of completion of a qualifying premarital education program. A Certificate of Completion of Qualifying Premarital Education can be picked up at the Probate Court or downloaded here.

Age Requirement

• The minimum age of marriage is 17. Individuals who are 17 and wish to be married must:
• Be emancipated by the  juvenile court. (certified copy must be provided)
• At least 15 days have passed since emancipation order granted.
• The older party to the marriage may only be up-to-4-years older than the younger party to the marriage.
• Complete a premarital education course.
• Provide proof of age

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