MARRIAGE LICENSE
Our office issues marriage licenses Monday - Friday from 8:00am till 4:30pm.
Fees must be paid at time of application and are as follows:
$56.00 without premarital counseling
$16.00 with proper premarital certification Premarital Counseling Form
License are issued same day. We accept cash, check or money order. BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2010 WE WILL ACCEPT VISA/MASTERCARD; a processing fee will be charged.
Bride and Groom must both be present in the Probate Court to apply
A marriage license may be issued to a man and a woman under the following conditions/procedures:
County of Issuance:
1. If one of the parties is a resident of Georgia, the license can be issued in any county.
2. If neither party is a resident of Georgia, the license must be issued in the county in which the marriage ceremony is to be performed.
Application:
A marriage license is issued based upon an application made by the applicants, then verified by oath of the applicants. See legal requirements.
Identification:
Present identification in the form of valid driver’s license, certified birth certificate, passport or valid resident alien card. See legal requirements
Blood Test:
As of July 1, 2003, premarital blood tests are no longer required.
Surname:
The applicants must designate on the application the legal surname that will be used after the marriage. An applicant may choose his or her given surname or his or her surname as changed by order of the superior court, the surname from a previous marriage, the spouse's surname, or a combination of the spouse's surname and the applicant's given or changed surname or surname from a previous marriage.
Legal Requirements:
The parties must be of sound mind
Both parties must have no living spouse from an undissolved prior marriage--- If either applicant has EVER been married in any State or Country they must present a copy of their “Final Divorce Decree” signed by a judge or a death certificate if widowed.
If the parties are at least 18 years of age, they may apply without parental consent.
If either or both parties are less than 18 years of age, but at least 16 years of age, the parties may apply only with parental consent of the underage party or parties. A certified birth certificate of the underage party must be presented. If the parents have "Joint Custody" then both parents must be present with photo id and give written consent. If one parents rights have been removed then the custodial parent must be present with photo id and give written consent; proof of custody must be provided.
Persons related by blood or marriage, falling within the following relationships may not be married in Georgia: (1) father and daughter or stepdaughter, (2) mother and son or stepson, (3) brother and sister of the whole blood or half blood, (4) grandparent and grandchild, (5) aunt and nephew, and (6) uncle and niece.
Must not be related in a degree prohibited by law.
Premarital Education Program:
If a couple present to the court at the time of making application a certificate of completion of a qualifying premarital education program they shall receive a $35.00 discount on license fee. The premarital education shall include at least six hours of instruction involving marital issues, which may include but not be limited to conflict management, communication skills, financial responsibilities, child and parenting responsibilities, and extended family roles. The premarital education shall be completed within 12 months prior to the application for a marriage license and the couple shall undergo the premarital education together.
The premarital education shall be performed by:
(1) A professional counselor, social worker, or marriage and family therapist who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 10A of Title 43;
(2) A psychiatrist who is licensed as a physician pursuant to Chapter 34 of Title 43;
(3) A psychologist who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 39 of Title 43; or
(4) An active member of the clergy when in the course of his or her service as clergy or his or her designee, including retired clergy, provided that a designee is trained and skilled in premarital education.
PreMarital Education Form
All certified marriage certificates are $10.00 and certified copy of marriage application to be taken to social security office is $10.00.
Certified Marriage Certificate request form
Certified copy of a marriage certificate and the certified application required by Social Security are $10.00 each. These copies may be obtained during regular business hours; after ceremony and after county original has been returned to this office by the Officiant. Certified copies may be picked up in person or requested by mail using the form above.
All mail request must include self addressed stamped envelope, money order and request.
If you wish to have a wedding ceremony performed by Judge Margaret Deadwyler, please call 706-387-6275 during regular business hours to schedule.