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DeKalb County, Georgia
DeKalb County Marriage License
Where to apply, what it costs and what to bring for a marriage license from the DeKalb County Probate Court, covering Decatur, part of Atlanta, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Tucker, Stone Mountain and Lithonia. Written by Vitor Lindo, a wedding photographer who works across Georgia.
Where To Apply
The DeKalb County Probate Court
The DeKalb County Probate Court is at 556 North McDonough Street, 1100 Judicial Tower, in Decatur. Licenses are by appointment only, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Read the court's own page before you go, since procedures change. DeKalb County marriage license page.
Who Can Use It
If one of you lives in Georgia, a license from DeKalb County works for a ceremony anywhere in the state, and you could also apply in any other county. If neither of you lives in Georgia and you are marrying in DeKalb County, this is the court you need.
Step By Step
Getting Your License In DeKalb County
First
Complete the marriage license application online and keep the order number from your receipt confirmation.
Then
Return to the court's page and book an appointment with that order number. Print the email confirmation or keep it on your phone.
At The Court
Come in together with proof of age and any certified divorce decree or proof of death of a former spouse.
After
After the ceremony the license is returned and your included certified copy is mailed.
At A Glance
DeKalb County Probate Court Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office | 556 North McDonough Street, 1100 Judicial Tower, Decatur |
| Hours | 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., weekdays |
| Appointment | Required, booked after the online application |
| Fee | $66, or $26 with a premarital certificate |
| Included | One certified copy, plus $2 shipping |
| Payment | Money order or card, no personal checks, 3.5% service fee |
| Copies | $10 each |
| Expiration | The court says the license does not expire |
Last checked November 2026, from each court's own page.
Map
Fees
What It Costs In DeKalb County
DeKalb lists $66 without premarital education and $26 with a signed and dated certificate from a program of at least six hours, and both include one certified copy of the marriage certificate plus $2 for shipping and handling. The court takes money orders, Visa, MasterCard, AMEX and Discover, does not take personal checks, and adds a 3.5% service fee to card and ACH payments with a $1.50 minimum.
Last checked November 2026, from each court's own page.
After The Ceremony
Extra certified copies of the certificate, the license or the application are $10 each, with $2 shipping on online requests. The court links a records search where you can order copies.
The state asks that the signed license go back to the probate court within 30 days of the ceremony. See after the wedding for the full picture.
From A Photographer
Getting Married In DeKalb County
DeKalb surprises people because part of the city of Atlanta sits inside it. If your venue is in Decatur, Brookhaven or east Atlanta you might be marrying in DeKalb, and if one of you lives in Georgia it does not matter which county issued the license.
On the wedding day I photograph the license signing the same way I photograph the rings, close and unhurried, with your officiant's hands and pens in the frame. If you want that moment covered, tell me when you check your date with me.
What To Bring
- Both of you, in person
- Proof of age, such as a driver's license or passport
- A certified divorce decree or death certificate if either of you was married before
- Your premarital education certificate, if you have one
- The fee, in a form this court accepts
The full list is on the documents checklist.
Questions
DeKalb County License Questions
Can we get a DeKalb County license if we live in another Georgia county?
Yes. If at least one of you is a Georgia resident, any Georgia probate court can issue your license, and it works for a ceremony anywhere in Georgia. You do not have to apply in DeKalb County just because you live or marry there.
We live out of state and are marrying in DeKalb County. Where do we apply?
If neither of you is a Georgia resident, the license must come from the probate court in the county where the ceremony happens, so for a DeKalb County wedding that is the DeKalb County Probate Court.
Do we both need to be there?
Yes. Georgia requires both of you to appear in person at the probate court to apply.
Do I need an appointment in DeKalb County?
Yes. The court processes marriage license applications by appointment only, and you will not be let into the building for a license without proof of an appointment.
What do I need to book a DeKalb appointment?
The order number from the receipt confirmation you get after submitting the online application.
Does the DeKalb license include a certificate?
Yes. Both fees include one certified copy of the marriage certificate, plus $2 for shipping.
Does a DeKalb license expire?
No. The court says the marriage license does not have an expiration date.
Will you photograph our wedding in DeKalb County?
I photograph and film weddings across Georgia, from Savannah and the coast to Atlanta. Check your date and tell me where you are getting married.
Marrying In DeKalb County
Tell me about your Decatur wedding and I will tell you how I would photograph it.