02/11/2022
GETTING MARRIED IN GEORGIA
So you’re planning to get married in Georgia! Congratulations! Here are a few things to know about getting married in Georgia and obtaining your marriage license.
To be legally married in Georgia, a couple must obtain a marriage license. This document authorizes and gives a member of the Clergy, Judge, or Authorized Officiant permission to join the couple in a legal marriage.
Any Georgia resident may apply for a license in any county in Georgia. However, if neither applicant is a resident of Georgia, you may only obtain your license in the county where the ceremony is performed.
All marriage licenses are issued by the County Probate Court. The Probate Court office is typically in the County Courthouse or Annex Building.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, many Probate Court offices are still requiring an appointment to go in and obtain your license. Please call the appropriate court office for guidance.
Both parties must be present in order to obtain a marriage license. Identification: You must have proof of age by presenting one of the following:
Valid driver’s license
Original or certified copy of birth certificate
Valid passport
Valid military ID
If a party is divorced or widowed, the court clerk may require a copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. Please call the appropriate court office for guidance.
Depending on the county that issues the license, fees range from $56-$82. Under Georgia Law, a couple who presents to the court at the time of making application a certificate of completion of a qualifying premarital education program shall not be assessed a marriage license fee (other charges may apply).
A Georgia marriage license does not have an expiration date, nor is there a waiting period to marry.
Pre-marital blood test results are no longer required in the State of Georgia.
Marriage ceremonies at most Georgia courthouses have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
APPLICANTS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE
As of July 1, 2019: You must be at least 17 years of age to obtain a marriage license in Georgia. If one party is 17 years of age when applying for a marriage license, you must show proof of emancipation and present a certificate of completion of separate specialized premarital counseling for each applicant.
On the day of the marriage ceremony, you will give the marriage license to the Officiant before the ceremony. After the ceremony is completed, the Officiant will sign the license which must be returned to the court for recording.
I hope this answers some of your questions about obtaining your marriage license in Georgia! As always, if I can answer any of your questions about the process of getting married, or if you are searching for an experienced Officiant, please email me at [email protected]
Valarie Manning
www.TheLGBTWeddingOfficiant.com
Let me help you marry the partner of your dreams!