Planning a wedding in the Peach State? While Georgia is one of the easier states to get married in, there are several key legal requirements you need to follow to ensure your marriage is valid.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for a marriage license in Georgia:
- Both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- If either applicant is 17, specific parental consent and education requirements apply.
- Applicants must not be closely related by blood or marriage (up to first cousins).
- Neither applicant can currently be married to someone else.
Where to Apply
You must apply at a County Probate Court.
- For Georgia Residents: If one or both of you are residents of Georgia, you can apply in any county in the state and use that license to get married anywhere in Georgia.
- For Non-Residents: If neither of you lives in Georgia, you must apply for the license in the specific county where the ceremony will take place.
Required Documentation
When you arrive at the Probate Court, you will need:
- Valid Photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, or passport.
- Social Security Numbers: You don't necessarily need the physical card, but you must know the number.
- Divorce Decrees: If either party was previously married, you must provide the date of the final divorce decree. Some counties require the actual physical decree.
Costs and Discounts
The standard fee for a marriage license in Georgia varies by county but is typically around $60 - $70.
Tip: You can receive a significant discount (often reducing the fee to around $16) if you present a certificate showing you have completed at least six hours of premarital education with a qualified professional.
The Ceremony
- No Waiting Period: You can get married immediately after receiving your license.
- Expiration: Georgia marriage licenses do not expire.
- Witnesses: Georgia is one of the few states that does not require witnesses to be present or sign the license. Only the officiant's signature is mandatory.
Role of the Officiant
Your officiant must be an ordained minister, a judge, or another authorized official. After the ceremony, it is the officiant's legal duty to sign the license and return it to the Probate Court within 30 days.
At Mila Notary & Wedding Solutions, we handle the paperwork for you. We ensure your license is filled out correctly and returned promptly to the court so you can begin your married life with peace of mind.