How to Plan a Georgia Courthouse Wedding: Steps, Rules, and Requirements

Last updated: 8/21/26

Quick Answer

Planning a Georgia courthouse wedding involves obtaining a marriage license from a county Probate Court and scheduling a ceremony with a judge or magistrate. Couples can apply in any Georgia county if at least one applicant is a state resident, and there is no statewide waiting period to marry once the court issues the license.

Fact Snapshot

Item	What to know
Where to apply	County Probate Courts (Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia)
State waiting period	None for applicants 18 and older (Georgia Department of Public Health)
License validity	No expiration date once issued (Georgia Department of Public Health)
Application fee	Varies by Georgia county — verify with the local clerk (Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia)
Fee reduction	Available upon completion of a qualified six-hour premarital program (Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia)

Essential Guidelines

You must obtain the marriage license from a Georgia Probate Court before holding the courthouse ceremony.

If neither applicant is a Georgia resident, the license must be issued by the Probate Court in the specific county where the wedding ceremony takes place.

Georgia does not enforce a mandatory waiting period for couples over the age of 18.

A Georgia marriage license does not expire once the Probate Court issues the document.

Couples can reduce their marriage license application fee by completing a qualified six-hour premarital education program.

Introduction

A courthouse wedding can be a simple, stress-free alternative to a large traditional ceremony. For couples planning to marry in Georgia, the process requires navigating local county rules, as marriage licenses and civil ceremonies are managed at the county level. This guide explains the general steps to secure a marriage license, schedule a ceremony, and understand the basic legal requirements in Georgia. Because procedural details can vary by location, always confirm specific rules with the Probate Court in the county where the application will be filed.

Key Takeaways

• Marriage licenses are issued by the Probate Court in each Georgia county.
• Applicants must present valid government-issued identification.
• Couples over 18 do not have to wait a specific number of days before marrying.
• Ceremony availability and scheduling procedures vary significantly from one courthouse to another.

Step-by-Step Explanation

Step 1: Determine the Correct County Probate Court

The first step is deciding where to apply. If either applicant is a resident of Georgia, the couple may apply for a marriage license in any county Probate Court across the state. However, if neither applicant lives in Georgia, the couple must apply in the exact county where the ceremony will be held, according to the Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia. For example, if two non-residents plan to marry at the Fulton County courthouse, they must obtain the license from the Fulton County Probate Court.

Step 2: Gather Required Identification and Documents

Both applicants must appear in person and present valid government-issued photo identification. Accepted forms of identification typically include a state-issued driver’s license, a state ID card, or a valid passport. If either applicant was previously married, the applicant must provide proof of how the last marriage ended, such as a certified copy of a divorce decree or a death certificate. Requirements for certified copies vary by county, so verify exact document standards with the local Probate Court.

Step 3: Complete the Application and Pay the Fee

Couples must fill out the marriage license application, which is often available to start online before visiting the courthouse. Applicants must pay the marriage license fee at this time. Under state law, couples who complete a qualifying six-hour educational course can receive a reduced application fee, as outlined by the Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia. Many couples decide to complete an online premarital education program for Georgia to satisfy this requirement before they finalize their courthouse application.

Step 4: Schedule the Courthouse Ceremony

Not all Probate Courts or magistrate judges perform wedding ceremonies, and those that do generally require advance appointments. Couples must contact the local courthouse directly to ask if ceremonies are performed on-site, what days the judge is available, and if there is an additional fee for the ceremony itself. Walk-in ceremonies are increasingly rare.

Step 5: Attend the Ceremony and Return the License

On the day of the ceremony, the couple must bring the blank, issued marriage license to the courthouse. The judge or magistrate performing the ceremony will sign the document to make the marriage official. After the ceremony, the signed license must be returned to the Probate Court so the marriage can be officially recorded. Once recorded, the couple can request certified copies of the marriage certificate for name changes or other legal updates.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming all courthouses perform ceremonies: Many county courthouses in Georgia no longer perform civil ceremonies, or they only perform them on specific days. Always call ahead.
• Applying in the wrong county (for non-residents): Non-residents frequently apply in a convenient county, only to realize they must apply in the county where the ceremony will physically occur.
• Forgetting original divorce documents: Bringing a photocopy of a divorce decree when the county requires a certified original with a raised seal will halt the application process.
• Showing up without an appointment: Post-pandemic, most Probate Courts require an appointment simply to apply for the marriage license, let alone perform the ceremony.
• Bringing the wrong payment type: Many Probate Courts do not accept personal checks or certain credit cards. Confirm accepted payment methods (cash, money order, specific card networks) prior to arrival.

Real-World Tips

• Review security protocols: Courthouses are secure government buildings. Advise any guests to leave prohibited items (like pocket knives or large bags) in their vehicles.
• Ask about guest limits: Courthouse ceremony spaces are often small. Ask the clerk exactly how many guests are permitted in the room with the judge.
• Organize documents early: Keep IDs, divorce decrees, and premarital education certificates in a single folder so nothing is left behind on the day of the appointment.

When to Verify / Who to Contact

Because marriage rules and fees operate at the county level, the local Probate Court is the ultimate authority for your specific wedding. You can find contact information for every county court through the Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia directory. For statewide statistics, records, and general marriage regulations, you can reference the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Next Step

If you want an organized step-by-step option to meet the state’s education requirement before you head to the courthouse, you can review the curriculum and details of the Georgia premarital certificate program to see if it fits your current planning timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Georgia courthouse wedding cost?

The cost of a Georgia courthouse wedding varies by county, as each Probate Court sets local application and ceremony fees. Couples typically pay a base fee for the marriage license, plus a separate fee if a judge performs the ceremony, so verifying exact amounts with the local clerk is necessary.

Do you need a witness for a courthouse wedding in Georgia?

Georgia law generally does not require official witnesses to sign the marriage license during a civil ceremony. The judge or magistrate who solemnizes the marriage acts as the legal witness when signing the final document.

Can non-residents get married at a Georgia courthouse?

Non-residents can legally marry at a Georgia courthouse without becoming state residents. The out-of-state couple must simply apply for their marriage license in the exact Georgia county where the ceremony is being held.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in Georgia?

A Georgia Probate Court typically issues the marriage license on the same day the application is submitted. Because the state does not impose a waiting period for adults, the couple can use the license immediately.

Sources & Review

• Official sources used:
  • Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia (gaprobate.gov)
  • Georgia Department of Public Health – Marriage Records (dph.georgia.gov)
• Written by: Kristen Franzen, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC MH22317), National Certified Counselor (NCC License #1727660)

Disclaimer

This article provides general educational information regarding marriage license procedures and is not intended as legal advice. County requirements, fees, operating hours, and ceremony availability can change without notice. Always verify current rules directly with the official county Probate Court before making plans or submitting payments.