Guide

How to Get a Georgia Marriage License

Georgia marriage licenses come from the county probate court. Here is the whole process, and the one step that makes the license fee disappear.

Facts checked against the Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia and O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1. Last updated .

The short answer

Both of you go in person to the probate court in any Georgia county, swear to the application, and show photo ID. There is no blood test and, for adults 18 and older, no waiting period. Bring a certificate showing you finished at least 6 hours of premarital education together in the last 12 months, and the court does not charge the license fee: up to $40 saved in most counties.

Step by step

  1. Take premarital education first (optional, but it pays). 6 hours, as a couple, within 12 months before you apply. Our online Georgia premarital course is $17.49 per couple. Allow time for the mailed certificate.
  2. Pick your probate court. Any of Georgia's 159 county probate courts can issue your license. Many couples use the court in the county where they live or where the wedding is.
  3. Check that court's checklist. Hours, appointment rules, accepted payment and document lists differ by county. Look at the court's own web page or call before you go.
  4. Apply together, in person. Both of you sign the application under oath. Bring valid photo ID and your original premarital certificate.
  5. Get married. No waiting period for adults. Follow your probate court's instructions for returning the completed license after the ceremony.

The fee waiver, in plain English

O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1 rewards couples who prepare for marriage. If you are both 18 or older and certify on the application that you completed a qualifying premarital education program, you are not charged a marriage license fee. Probate courts may still collect other charges, which is why the saving is "up to $40" rather than the whole bill in every county.

Details on who may teach the course, the 12-month window and the rules for 17-year-olds: O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1 explained.

The course pays for itself: Georgia waives the marriage license fee for couples who finish premarital education, which saves up to $40 in most counties.

Start the course – $17.49 per couple

One price covers both of you. Signed, notarized certificate mailed to your door. Standard, Faith-Friendly or Inclusive version.

Georgia marriage license FAQ

Where do you get a marriage license in Georgia?

From the probate court. Each of Georgia's 159 counties has one, and the probate judge's office issues marriage licenses (not the clerk of superior court).

Do both of us have to be there?

Yes. The application is sworn under oath by both applicants, so plan to go together. Some probate courts let you start the form online first; you still finish it at the court.

Is there a waiting period?

No, not for adults 18 and older. You can get the license and marry the same day.

Do we need a blood test?

No. Georgia dropped the blood test on July 1, 2003. The state recommends, but does not require, sickle cell testing.

How do we avoid paying the license fee?

Finish a qualifying premarital education program of at least 6 hours, together, within 12 months before you apply, and bring the certificate. If you are both 18 or older, the court does not charge the marriage license fee. Other court charges may still apply.

Can a 17-year-old get married in Georgia?

Only under strict conditions set by law, which include completing premarital education. Nobody under 17 can get a Georgia marriage license, and parental consent is no longer an option.

Official source: Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia, marriage licenses.

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