Georgia Marriage License

If you're getting married in Georgia, you must first apply for a marriage license.
It'll cost you $56.00 to $82.00, and you'll have to use it within 60 days.

Where to Apply

Where can I get a marriage license?

You can apply for a marriage license at the probate court. It's typically located at the county courthouse. Some high population counties (400,000+) have extra satellite courthouses available.

Note: Your application will be processed by the probate court clerk, deputy, or judge.

Costs

How much does the marriage license cost?

A Georgia marriage license costs between $56 and $82, depending on the county.

Residency

How does my residency factor into applying?

Are you or your fiancé a Georgia resident?

If either you or your fiancé is a Georgia resident, you may apply for a marriage license at any Georgia probate court.

Are both you and your fiancé nonresidents of Georgia?

If neither you nor your fiancé is a Georgia resident, apply for a marriage license in the county where the marriage ceremony will take place.

Usage

Where can I use my marriage license?

If you or your fiancé is a Georgia resident, you can marry anywhere in the state. Otherwise, apply and marry in the county where the ceremony will occur.

Application

What information do I have to provide on the application?

The marriage license application will ask for your current name, new last name after marriage, residence, date and place of birth, social security number, marital history, along with your parents' names, residences, and dates and places of birth.

Attendance

What if I can't apply in person?

You must apply together, in person. Georgia does not offer the ability to submit an absentee marriage license application.

Age Requirements

How old must I be to marry?

Aged 18 and over?

If you're 18 years old or over, parental consent to marry is unnecessary.

Aged 16 and 17?

If you're 16 or 17 years old, you can marry with the consent of your custodial parents or guardian. Consent is either granted face-to-face with the probate court judge or by affidavit.

Aged 15 and below?

Minors below the age of 16 are not allowed to marry.

Premarital Education

What's to gain by taking a premarital education course?

Your marriage license fee will be reduced by $40 if you and your fiancé present a 6-hour premarital education course certificate of completion, signed by an authorized instructor within the past year.

Waiting Period

When will my marriage license be issued?

Your marriage license will be issued immediately and can be used right away.

Expiration

How long will my marriage license last?

Your marriage license will expire 60 days after it's been issued.

Identification

What ID must I bring?

Bring ID to confirm your age, such as a driver's license, state-issued ID card, military ID card, passport, birth certificate, immigration papers, or citizenship papers.

Note: Documents not written in English must be accompanied by a certified and notarized English translation.

Blood Test

Do I have to get a blood test?

You're not required to get a blood test before marriage. However, you'll be given brochures on AIDS and sickle cell disease that recommend getting tested.

Divorced

What if I've been divorced?

There's a high likelihood you'll be asked to show a certified copy of your divorce decree from every prior divorce.

Widowed

What if I'm a widow or widower?

Depending on the probate court, you may be asked to produce an obituary notice or certified copy of the death certificate for your late spouse.

Witnesses

Do I have to bring witnesses?

You do not have to bring witnesses to your marriage ceremony.

Name Change

How do I change my name after marriage?

Your marriage certificate can be used to change your name with government institutions based on the new name you specify on the application. You can use a marriage name change service to prepare the forms before or after your marriage ceremony.

License Return

When must my license be returned?

Your marriage license must be returned to the probate court judge to be recorded no later than 30 days after your marriage ceremony.

Marriage Certificate

How do I get a copy of my marriage certificate?

You can purchase a certified copy of your marriage certificate for roughly $10 from the probate court that issued and recorded your marriage license.

Common-law Marriage

Can I establish a common-law marriage?

Georgia will only recognize a common-law marriage established before January 1, 1997.

Cousin Marriage

Am I allowed to marry my cousin?

You can marry your first cousin, but no family relationship closer than that.

Proxy Marriage

Can I get married by proxy?

You cannot get married by proxy in Georgia.

Civil Ceremony

Where can I get married in a civil ceremony?

You can request the probate court judge preside over your civil ceremony. The fee is usually minor and sometimes even free. If you can't be scheduled in a timely manner due to lack of available appointments, you may be referred to a magistrate court.

Office Locations

Where will you apply?

Comments

Share your questions or comments

156 Comments

Do we have to have 2 witnesses in order to get our marriage license/certificate because we're under the impression that we have to?

Do we have to have 2 witnesses in order to get our marriage license

You do not have to bring witnesses when applying for a marriage license. They're not required at the ceremony either.

So my fiance is at Fort Benning for basic training. His graduation is July 3rd and his family day is July 4th. We are both residents of Texas. His grandfather is an ordane. How do we go about getting our marriage license? because July 4th is a federal holiday, how else can we get married in the state of Georgia? I'm not sure if we will have a chance on July 3rd or 5th. If we do, how long does it take to get a marriage license?

How do we go about getting our marriage license? because July 4th is a federal holiday, how else can we get married in the state of Georgia?

Since your fiance cannot apply absentee or by proxy in Georgia, you'll have to take advantage of the 60 day expiration period and apply as early as possible. Even right now is not too early.

If we do, how long does it take to get a marriage license?

what is the $42 course fee

If you and your future spouse complete six hours of premarital education, you'll be given a $40 discount off the marriage license fee. If you don't take the course, you'll pay $82 instead.

My boyfriend and I plan on getting married in August but we want to just have a “courthouse wedding” or just a judge to legally bound us. We both live outside of Georgia and he is in the military so he only gets a couple days off for this. When we apply for a marriage license, is it possible for us to get married in the courthouse that same day? And does that become the marriage certificate after all parties have signed?

is it possible for us to get married in the courthouse that same day

You'll likely have to schedule your ceremony in advance. Call the probate court ahead of time to determine availability. They may have to redirect you to a magistrate court if your schedules can't align.

And does that become the marriage certificate after all parties have signed?

It might be the same document. After your ceremony is done, the judge will have to record and file your marriage license. You may or not be able to receive a certified copy of your marriage record moments after you're married. That's a question you can ask when you schedule your ceremony.

If I live in Gwinnett county Georgia and obtain a marriage license from Gwinnett county Can I get married in DeKalb county Georgia?

My fiance is coming to America from China on a fiance visa. What documents does he need to bring to get a marriage license? And is a marriage license and ceremony the only steps to getting married?

What documents does he need to bring to get a marriage license?

And is a marriage license and ceremony the only steps to getting married?

Your marriage license must also be returned to the issuing probate court within 30 days following your marriage ceremony. This records/registers your marriage. Your officiant should do this for you.

Is the ceremony mandatory

or can my fiance and i just fill out the marriage license paperwork

Completing a marriage license application to get a marriage license just allows you to marry. It doesn't make you married. You have to get the marriage solemnized and return the marriage license for recording.

Hi Zitania. Only you and the person you're marrying must be present for a courthouse marriage. Witnesses are not required.

Can I get married at the courthouse here in Moultrie?

How much does it cost to get married by magistrate in Camden county. I've looked online a d it says nothing of the cost to have a judge or magistrate to perform the ceremony.

Hi Dorcas. You may want to first try getting your marriage presided over by a probate court judge at the Camden County probate court. You'll have to go there anyway to get your marriage license. The probate court performs marriage ceremonies by appointment only. You'll have to contact them for fees. You can find their information using the locations drop-down.

How many friends and family can accompany me and my fiance the day we go get our marriage license to get marry that same day?

How many friends and family can accompany me and my fiance

My fiance was married for 38 years myself I was married for 25 years both spouses have passed away can we get the lower price on the marriage license? Since I feel this many years of marriage should be enough education.

can we get the lower price on the marriage license?

No, you would still have to complete the course to be eligible for the discounted fee. There are no exceptions for age or length of prior marriages.

We both live in South Carolina but want to elope in Augusta, GA (Richmond county). How do we go about this? My fiancée is also a permanent alien resident- what documentation do we need?

Hi B. Since neither of you are South Carolina residents, apply for your marriage license in the county where your marriage will take place. Bring ID that proves your age.

I married a couple for the first time and need to turn in their marriage license. Where do I go to do this?

We have obtained a marriage license in Gwinnett County but the magistrates calendar for marriage ceremonies is full through December. Is there a judge or official in Walton County that could perform the ceremony this or next week? Thanks for any information and contacts you can provide.

Hi Russ. You'll need to contact the Walton County probate court clerk for a referral or recommendation.

We want to get married in early county so we can get a marriage certificate not just a contract. We both live in Alabama and they dont give certificates anymore. Does our minister need to have a copy of his credentials or just his signature. He has done some in Alabama and Florida and wasn't sure what all Georgia required. We would just need to get another copy online and was trying to make sure we have everything before the day.

We both live in Alabama and they dont give certificates anymore.

Does our minister need to have a copy of his credentials or just his signature.

We would just need to get another copy online

Hi, I want to inquire because me and my fiance wants to get married on December 6 there in Tbilisi Georgia. We will arrive on 5th and already arranged a tour as well after marriage.. we are both working in UAE and both in Residence working Visa. I am filipina and he is a Pakistani.. we want to know if we can direct request there for this wedding without assistance of any law office here in UAE or we must have a Consultant from here to coordinate there.. hope to help us in our concern and the requirements and procedure.. if direct is very helpful as a little expensive fees we have consulted in here.. thank you so much Regards, Erine

Hi Erine. You can get married in Georgia as long as your have sufficient ID. You should focus on if you need to have your marriage certificate authenticated/attested for the UAE.

Hi, I and my boyfriend are both non-US citizens? Only I live in Georgia. We are thinking to get married at the court. Do we only need drivers license or do we need any other documents?

Do we only need drivers license or do we need any other documents?

Hi Shawanda. That's fine. The process is nearly 100% the same for non-Georgians. The only difference is you'll have to apply in the county where your marriage will take place. The sole restriction for nonresidents.

Hi Chermaine. It varies. You'll have to contact the judge's office to determine availability and space.

Hello, I am an ordained minister and was asked by a family member to officiate their wedding ceremony in GA. I'm from Louisiana and here I have to register with the Parish (county) that I plan to perform the wedding in. Is there any county registration requirement for me to perform a wedding in GA?

Is there any county registration requirement for me to perform a wedding in GA?

Hello! I am a U.S Citizen and Georgia resident (although originally from Germany/ also a German citizen), but my fiance is a nonresident from Mexico. We are wanting to get married in Gwinnett county (where I am a resident). We were wondering: to apply for a marriage license, do we both need to have/provide a social security number? If no, whereabout would we apply for the license (since if this is the case, I'm looking at the wrong thing)? If yes, are there any other documents he can provide instead? Thank you so much.

do we both need to have/provide a social security number?

HI Osayabamwen. It's up to the probate clerk whether or not an expired ID card is acceptable. If it's a Georgia ID, you may be able to use an expired driver's license or non-driver ID that's not more than one year expired. Other ID typically must be current, such as a passport or military ID. Still, you should contact the probate court clerk in advance to make sure.

I wanna apply for marriage certificate. But I'm outside the country. Would you help me how to process our papers and it's open now your country this time? Frm uae.

Hi Chamz. Are either you or your partner a resident of Georgia? If not, where will your marriage ceremony take place?

Hello. How far in advanced can you take your premarital counseling before getting your marriage licenses and having your ceremony? How I do find out info on the premarital counseling course? Do you need to have a ceremony? Are courts open on Labor Day?

How far in advanced can you take your premarital counseling before getting your marriage licenses

and having your ceremony

How I do find out info on the premarital counseling course?

Do you need to have a ceremony?

Are courts open on Labor Day?

How far in advance do I need to apply for a marriage license? Also, could we married at the same time the marriage license is obtained?

How far in advance do I need to apply for a marriage license?

could we married at the same time the marriage license is obtained?

That's up to the probate court judge. You'll need to schedule this in advance. Contact the probate court to make arragements.

My fiancé and I plan on getting married out of state (where he is originally from) in December, but we will reside in GA and are both already GA residents. Do we need both the license and certificate before getting married on our ceremony date, or can we legally get married at the court here before?

My fiancé and I plan on getting married out of state

If you're not marrying in Georgia, you're on the wrong state page. You'll want to jump back to the marriage license homepage and choose the state where your marriage ceremony will take place.

Do we need both the license and certificate before getting married on our ceremony date

Yes. Wherever you apply for a marriage license will supply you with a license and certificate of marriage. Each must be completed post-ceremony and returned for recording.

or can we legally get married at the court here before?

I don't know what you mean by this. Get married at court before you get your license? Please clarify.

I see conflicting information about when a wedding must take place after obtaining a marriage license. At the top it says there is no expiration date so you can get married any time. But in the faq section it says you must get married within 60 days. Which is correct?

Hi Rick. The top portion was mistaken and corrected. The expiration period is indeed 60 days after issuance.

Are the courthouses still doing marriages since Covid me and my fiancé wanna get married at the courthouse soon?

We’re planning to marry in Tibilisi, but we have a 3 years old child, how can we register our kid after getting married? Can we register our kid in back date so I can use for applying their visa in UAE? Also we’re not in same religion, I am Muslim & she’s Christian, does she needs to convert first before our marriage? I'm residence of UAE but my fiancé lives in Philippine.

Hi Ali. This page is dedicated to marriage in the U.S. State of Georgia. You appear to be referencing the country Georgia. Having said that, you can review these two resources about child registration woes and registering your child's birth in UAE for further guidance.

Hi Nadia. That depends on the courthouse and if they have in-person limits, but it's unlikely any such limitation exists.

I am a Pastor/Ordained Minister in the states of Florida and Arizona. My childhood best friend asked if I would fly out to Glynn County, GA to officiate he and his bride-to-be's wedding. Do I need to present my credentials or am I okay to officiate?

Hello, I and my fiancé would like to come to Georgia to get married. We are both coming from abroad and can only have time to be there for 5 days. Is it enough time to get all the required documents including marriage certificate and translation and Apostille so that he can use to apply for marriage visa for Germany? Do we need to make any in-advance appointment at PSH? I would be really grateful of you could please briefly write the steps and procedures and the time required for each + costs. Very many Thank You in advance.

We are both coming from abroad and can only have time to be there for 5 days.

There's no waiting period to receive your marriage license or marry afterward, so there's no bottleneck there.

Is it enough time to get all the required documents including marriage certificate and translation and Apostille

It depends on how fast your marriage license is returned to the probate court for recording and how fast they can provide you a certified copy. Then you'd have to take the certified copy to an apostille service for processing. You'll have to contact the probate court in advance to determine if they'll allow you (the couple) to return your marriage license in person the same day you marry and get issued a certified copy the same day as well.

Do we need to make any in-advance appointment at PSH?

I don't know what you mean by PSH. But you'll want to get in touch with an apostille office to determine if they can express mail you the certificate to your designated address.

could please briefly write the steps and procedures and the time required for each + costs.

Marriage license is $56–82. Certificate is $10. Obtaining an apostille varies, but you should expect to pay anywhere between $70 to $140, which may or may not include the cost for shipping.

Hey, I’m hard of hearing & I’ve been thinking getting married soon but my question is would they be able to provide interpreter for me or do I have to pay?

would they be able to provide interpreter for me or do I have to pay?

If you're referring to a courthouse wedding, you must contact the probate court to inquire. It's up to them.

Hi Robert. Bring photo ID, proof of divorce (if applicable), and the fees (license and ceremony). You should schedule your ceremony in advance.

Hi Gloria. Bring them into where and for what purpose? To offer consent for an underage marriage? If so, they can do that via affidavit. If it's to service as a witness to a courthouse marriage, that must be arranged with the court. Keep in mind, Georgia law doesn't require ceremony witnesses. If it's something else, please clarify.

Hi Taquoya. You should be able to make an appointment the day you apply, but that doesn't mean you'll get a same day appointment. If you need your license and ceremony done in the same day (or on a specific day), it's better to make your appointment in advance.

Oh no don't want to get married the sane day I'm applying for the license. Going to make an appt at the time I apply for a future date to come back to get married. Thank you.

Do you have to get married in GA if you get your license in GA? How do the courts keep track of this if so?

Do you have to get married in GA if you get your license in GA?

How do the courts keep track of this if so?

It begins and ends with the probate court. They issue marriage licenses with a 60-day expiration period. You must return your license after you're married for them to record for posterity. The original records are kept in the courthouse.

When you get your marriage license (2/22) can we get legally married same day with a court officiant? We don't need the marriage ceremony but just need an officiant to marry us. Is that possible?

We completed the marriage license paperwork but did not have a ceremony or an officiant (judge, pastor, etc) marry us. Are we married?

Hi Nylah. If you didn't hold a ceremony, then you're not married. You must get your marriage solemnized, and then return your marriage license to the probate judge for recording.

Hi, my fiance and I are getting married, I've been married before, I don't have my final divorce decree. Can it be looked up from the courts that granted my divorce?

How many witnesses can I bring to a courthouse ceremony? I heard it was 10 people but I just wanted it confirmed.

How many witnesses can I bring to a courthouse ceremony?

Me and my fiance are from North Carolina but we are getting married at a venue in GA. If we come the Friday before the wedding on Saturday is that enough time to get our license?

My fiance & I are planning on getting married soon in the very near future, however our current judge (Bulloch county) no longer does the ceremonies just the license - are we able to go to a neighboring county to have another judge do the ceremony part of it all? Both of us do reside in Bulloch County, GA etc.

Hi Jonathan. You can marry anywhere within Georgia since at least one of you is a resident of the state.

I plan on getting married in June when my fiancé graduates from Fort Benning but he will not be able to leave base. Is there a way can apply for a marriage license with him not being aloud to leave base?

My boyfriend and I both live in Georgia. His license is a GA license, mine however is still a Jacksonville address. Do I need to have my license changed before we were to get married?

Do I need to have my license changed before we were to get married?

Me and my boyfriend want to get married. What is the totally time needed for this process to be done? Does this make us fully married or is there another step to that?

What is the totally time needed for this process to be done?

That depends on the workload of the office. If they're not busy, the application process should take about 20 minutes.

Does this make us fully married or is there another step to that?

Filling out the application to get your marriage application is part one. Part two is getting your marriage solemnized (the ceremony). Part three is returning your marriage license to the clerk for recording.

Hi Thuy. Here's a Georgia courthouse dress code that's for the probation office. But courthouse dress codes are similar across the board. Across states. It's not so much about what you should wear, but what you shouldn't.

I already got my marriage licenses we paid $56 for them last week and we was told when we get through getting married when we go to turn them in its $10. But I was wondering we are getting married at the Albany GA courthouse they said the magistrate court judge will be the one marrying us tomorrow but I was wondering do we have to pay the judge anything for marry us and preforming the wedding ceremony for us and if so how much do we have to pay?

Hi Savannah. Most judges will charge a fee, but they don't have to. Some may officiate your marriage for free. They set their own rates.

I am an Georgia residence and my fiancée is Chinese. She will come to the state on a tourist visa. What documents does she need to bring in order to get married?

Hi Matthew. Any government-issued ID that confirms her age is sufficient. If she's been divorced, she should bring a certified copy of your divorce certificate. The certificate should be translated if not in English. The equivalent document should be produced if she's been widowed.