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Getting a Marriage License in Georgia

Where to apply for a marriage license in Georgia, what to bring, the waiting period, how long it's valid, and the minimum marriage age.

Short answer: Licenses are issued by the probate judge or clerk at the county courthouse; if either person lives in Georgia, any county may issue it, otherwise it must come from the county where the ceremony will be held. O.C.G.A. §§ 19-3-30, 19-3-30.1, 19-3-33, 19-3-35, 19-3-36

Getting a marriage licenseLicenses are issued by the probate judge or clerk at the county courthouse; if either person lives in Georgia, any county may issue it, otherwise it must come from the county where the ceremony will be held. Both applicants file a written application under oath with names, birth dates, addresses, parents' names and whether they completed premarital education, plus a supplemental report with Social Security numbers. The judge must see documentary proof of age, such as a birth certificate, driver's license, passport or military ID. There is no waiting period for eligible applicants. Couples who are both 18 or older and complete at least six hours of qualifying premarital education within the prior 12 months pay no license fee. The officiant must return the license to the probate judge within 30 days after the wedding.
Mirror: Official Code of Georgia text was read on FindLaw (codes.findlaw.com), which states the text is current as of March 28, 2024.
Source: O.C.G.A. §§ 19-3-30, 19-3-30.1, 19-3-33, 19-3-35, 19-3-36
Minimum marriage ageBoth people must be at least 18, except a 17-year-old who has been emancipated (by operation of law or by court order) may marry if at least 15 days have passed since the emancipation, the other party is no more than four years older, and each 17-year-old presents a certificate of premarital education. No license may be issued to anyone under 17.
Mirror: Official Code of Georgia text was read on FindLaw (codes.findlaw.com), which states the text is current as of March 28, 2024.
Source: O.C.G.A. § 19-3-2

Where to get help in Georgia

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FAQ

How do you get a marriage license in Georgia?
Licenses are issued by the probate judge or clerk at the county courthouse; if either person lives in Georgia, any county may issue it, otherwise it must come from the county where the ceremony will be held. Both applicants file a written application under oath with names, birth dates, addresses, parents' names and whether they completed premarital education, plus a supplemental report with Social Security numbers. The judge must see documentary proof of age, such as a birth certificate, driver's license, passport or military ID. There is no waiting period for eligible applicants. Couples who are both 18 or older and complete at least six hours of qualifying premarital education within the prior 12 months pay no license fee. The officiant must return the license to the probate judge within 30 days after the wedding.
What is the legal age to get married in Georgia?
Both people must be at least 18, except a 17-year-old who has been emancipated (by operation of law or by court order) may marry if at least 15 days have passed since the emancipation, the other party is no more than four years older, and each 17-year-old presents a certificate of premarital education. No license may be issued to anyone under 17.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.