How To Obtain a Marriage License or Certificate in Georgia?
A critical location associated with the Civil Right’s Movement, Georgia is rich in history and landmarks. The landscape spans beaches, farms, and mountains offering a wide variety of venues for your perfect wedding.
Rules and Regulations
Some rules and regulations to keep in mind before getting married in Georgia are:
- Both parties must be 18 years or older to apply.
- No blood test is required.
- Couples can file in any county if one person resides in Georgia.
- If neither party lives in Georgia, you must apply in the county where you will be married.
- You must designate any name change before getting married.
- Cousin marriages are legal.
- Same-sex marriage is legal.
- There is an optional pre-marital course you can take (6 hours long) to reduce the fees.
How to Apply
Each county probate court issues marriage licenses, and so you will need to contact the office and find out specific hours or any limitations for filing. You must appear in person (both parties) and bring the following paperwork:
- Marriage license fees vary by county, and some only accept cash payments.
- If you have been married before bring your divorce decree or death certificate if widowed.
- widowed birthplace (both city and state).
- Mother’s maiden name.
- Bride’s full name after marriage (name change).
- The date and place of marriage.
- A license fee of $56 plus $20 for a certified copy which is sent directly to you after re-cording. This cost will be reduced by $40 if you take the pre-marital course before ap-plying.
You must also validate your age via one of the methods below:
- Birth certificate.
- Driver’s license.
- Baptismal certificate.
- Military ID.
- Court record.
- Passport.
- Immigration papers.
- Alien documents.
- Citizenship papers.
- Armed forces discharge papers.
- Armed forces identification card.
- Hospital admission card.
Waiting Period and Expiration
There is no waiting period for getting married in Georgia, and there is no expiration date on the license.
Who Can Officiate
Any ordained ministers, members of the clergy and justices of the peace can marry you in the state of Georgia.
After the Wedding
If you wish to change your name, you will need to pick up a name change kit for your name change to be legal.