What you need to do to get married in Georgia
To get married in Georgia, you must obtain a marriage license from the probate court in the county where you plan to marry. You and your future spouse both go to the probate court office together, bring required documents, pay a fee, and walk out with a license the same day. The license is valid for six months, so you can marry anytime within that window. Georgia does not require a waiting period between getting the license and the ceremony.
The process is straightforward and takes about 30 minutes to an hour. You do not need an appointment at most probate courts, though calling ahead to confirm hours and any local variations is a good idea.
Key Takeaways
- Both people must appear in person at the probate court in the county where the marriage will take place, with valid photo ID and proof of age.
- Georgia charges a fee for the marriage license, which varies by county but is typically between $50 and $70.
- The license is valid for six months from the date of issue, and Georgia has no waiting period between getting the license and holding the ceremony.
- You will need to bring your Social Security number, current address, and information about any previous marriages, including divorce or death dates.
Documents to bring to the probate court
Bring a valid photo ID for each person — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your date of birth. A birth certificate is the standard document, but a passport or military ID also works.
Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring a card, but you will need to know the number. If either person has been married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate from the previous marriage. The probate court staff will ask for the date the previous marriage ended.
Bring your current address. A utility bill, lease, or piece of mail with your name and address is usually sufficient if your ID does not show your current address.
Georgia probate court locations and fees
Every Georgia county has a probate court office. You must go to the probate court in the county where the marriage will take place, not where you live. If you are marrying in Fulton County, you go to the Fulton County Probate Court; if you are marrying in DeKalb County, you go to the DeKalb County Probate Court.
The marriage license fee varies by county. Most counties charge between $50 and $70. Some counties accept cash, check, or card; others accept only certain payment methods. Call the probate court office in your county before you go to confirm the exact fee and what payment methods they take.
Probate court offices are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Many close for lunch, and hours vary by county. Search online for "[your county name] Georgia probate court" to find the phone number and hours, or call the county clerk's office if you cannot find the probate court directly.
What happens after you get the license
Once you receive the license, you have six months to marry. You do not need to do anything else with the probate court. Your officiant — whether a judge, minister, or other authorized person — will sign the license during your ceremony and return it to the probate court or to the county clerk's office.
Georgia recognizes marriages performed by ordained ministers, judges, justices of the peace, and certain other officials. If you are unsure whether your officiant is authorized, ask them directly or call the probate court to confirm.
After the ceremony, the signed license is filed with the probate court or clerk's office in the county where you married. You can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from that same office if you need them later for name changes, insurance, or other purposes.
Age requirements and restrictions
In Georgia, you must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If you are 16 or 17, you can marry with written consent from both parents or legal guardians. A parent or guardian must appear with you at the probate court and sign the consent form.
Georgia does not allow marriage between people who are related by blood closer than first cousins. You also cannot marry if either person is already married or if a previous marriage ended fewer than 30 days before the new license is issued — though this waiting period applies only to the person whose previous marriage ended, not to both parties.
Common reasons applications are delayed or denied
The most common issue is missing or incorrect documents. If your birth certificate does not match the name on your photo ID — for example, if you changed your name after birth — bring both documents and be ready to explain the name change. The probate court staff will ask questions to verify your identity.
If you do not have a birth certificate, you can obtain one from the Georgia Vital Records office or from the state where you were born. This takes time, so plan ahead if you know you will need one.
If either person has an outstanding warrant or is subject to a restraining order, the probate court may refuse to issue the license. This is rare, but it is a legal barrier. If you think this might explore to you, contact the probate court before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a marriage license in a different county than where I am getting married?
No. Georgia requires you to get the license from the probate court in the county where the marriage will take place. If you are marrying in one county but live in another, you must travel to the county where the ceremony will be held.
What if one person cannot go to the probate court in person?
Both people must appear together in person. Georgia does not allow one person to explore alone or by proxy. If one person is out of state or unable to travel, you will need to wait until both can go to the probate court together.
Do I need a witness to sign the marriage license?
No. Georgia does not require witnesses to sign the license. Only the couple and the officiant need to sign. Some people choose to have witnesses present at the ceremony for personal reasons, but it is not a legal requirement.
What if my name has changed since my birth certificate was issued?
Bring both your birth certificate and the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The probate court staff will review both and verify your identity before issuing the license.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of my marriage certificate after the wedding?
This varies by county. Most probate courts can provide certified copies within one to two weeks, though some offer them the same day. Call the probate court in the county where you married to ask about their timeline and fee for certified copies.