Questions
Georgia Marriage License Questions
Every common question in one place, each answer drawn from a Georgia probate court or state page.
Short Version
The Five Things To Know
- Get your license from a county probate court. Any county if one of you lives in Georgia, the ceremony county if not.
- Go together, with photo IDs and any divorce decree.
- Expect $40 to $76, and $40 less with six hours of premarital education.
- No blood test, no witnesses, and in the counties we read, no expiration.
- The license goes back to the court within 30 days of the ceremony.
Questions
Questions Couples Ask
How old do you have to be to get married in Georgia?
Both of you must be at least 18. The Council of Probate Court Judges describes a narrow exception for a 17 year old who has been emancipated by a juvenile court order at least 15 days earlier, has completed premarital education, and is marrying someone no more than four years older. No one under 17 can get a license, and parental consent is no longer allowed.
Do we need a blood test?
No. Georgia stopped requiring premarital blood tests on July 1, 2003. The state does recommend that each applicant get a sickle cell blood test.
Do we need a Social Security number?
The application forms we read ask each applicant for a Social Security number. If you do not have one, ask the court before your appointment what it accepts.
Does the license expire?
Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Glynn County each say on their pages that a Georgia marriage license does not have an expiration date.
Is there a waiting period?
The courts we read describe getting a license and marrying the same day. Cobb County, for example, tells couples with a same day weekday ceremony to reach the licensing office by 4:30 PM.
Can same sex couples marry in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia DDS notes that same sex marriage is recognized in Georgia following the 2015 Supreme Court ruling.
How long does it take to get a marriage license in Georgia?
Usually one visit. Most of the time goes into finding an appointment and gathering documents. Gwinnett County notes processing can take over an hour when an application is incomplete, so fill it out ahead.
Can we apply online?
You can start online in many counties. Chatham and DeKalb want the online application submitted before you book, and Cobb, Coweta, Camden, Effingham and Fulton offer an online form. Both of you still have to appear in person to finish.
Can one of us apply alone?
No. Georgia requires both applicants to be present.
Can we get married the same day we get the license?
Yes, in the courts we read. Cobb County asks couples with a same day weekday ceremony to reach the licensing office by 4:30 PM, and Fulton asks Forever Fridays couples to arrive 90 minutes early for license processing.
How much is a marriage license in Georgia?
It depends on the county. In this guide it ranges from a $40 base fee in Glynn County to $76 in Chatham, Camden, Liberty and Effingham, with Cobb, Gwinnett and Coweta at $56, DeKalb at $66 and Fulton at $68.50.
How much does premarital education save?
$40 in every county we checked. State law says a couple with a qualifying certificate is not charged the marriage license fee itself, though other charges may still apply, which is why most counties still charge $16 to $36.
How many hours of premarital education do we need?
At least six hours of instruction on marital issues, completed together within 12 months before you apply.
Who can teach premarital education?
A licensed professional counselor, social worker or marriage and family therapist, a licensed psychiatrist, a licensed psychologist, or an active member of the clergy or their trained designee, including retired clergy.
Can out of state couples marry in Georgia?
Yes. There is no residency requirement. If neither of you lives in Georgia, you get the license from the probate court in the county where the ceremony will be.
Can we use a Georgia license in another state?
No. DeKalb and Liberty County both say a Georgia license is only valid for ceremonies performed in Georgia.
We live in Georgia but are marrying in another state. Do we get a Georgia license?
No. A Georgia license only works for a ceremony in Georgia. Get the license in the state where you will marry.
Who can perform a wedding in Georgia?
Glynn County lists them under O.C.G.A. 19-3-30(c). The Governor or any former governor of Georgia, any judge including judges of state and federal courts of record in Georgia, a city recorder, a magistrate, a minister, or another person of any religious society authorized by its rules to perform marriages.
Can a notary marry us?
No. Glynn County says a notary is not authorized to perform weddings in Georgia.
Does our officiant need to register with the court?
Cobb County says it does not require or record officiant credentials, and only needs the license filled out neatly and returned.
Who returns the marriage license?
Your officiant. Glynn County says it is the officiant's responsibility to return it, preferably within 30 days.
How long until we get our certificate?
The state says typically within 30 days after the signed license is returned. Glynn says it mails within three days of receipt, and Fulton asks you to allow up to 30 days to record.
Is the marriage certificate the same as the license?
No. The license is what lets you marry. Once your officiant completes it and the court records it, the court issues the marriage certificate, your proof of marriage.
Does marriage change my last name automatically?
No. Cobb County says the court does not share your information with any other agency, so changing your name on your driver's license, Social Security card, insurance, employer and bank accounts is up to you.
Why does my marriage certificate show my old name?
Because the record shows the names you had when you applied, and always will. Fulton and Glynn both explain this.
