Marriage license · U.S.

Georgia marriage license: cost and requirements

In Georgia the license never expires and is obtained at the Probate Court. With a qualified premarital course the fee drops considerably.

Aerial view of downtown Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia summary

Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Official source, with details that may vary.

Cost: Varies by county: $56 to $77 without a course; $16 to $37 with a course (Barrow, Athens-Clarke and Macon-Bibb counties).
Waiting period: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
Validity: The license has no expiration date.
Witnesses: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.

How much is a marriage license in Georgia?

Varies by county: $56 to $77 without a course; $16 to $37 with a course (Barrow, Athens-Clarke and Macon-Bibb counties).

Premarital course discount: A qualified premarital education program (at least 6 hours in Barrow), completed together within the previous 12 months with a notarized certificate: lowers the fee to $16-$37 depending on the county.

What do you need to get the license?

ID: Proof of age: driver's license or state ID, original or certified birth certificate, passport or military ID (some counties ask for two documents).
Minimum age: 18. At 17, only if emancipated for at least 15 days and each presents a certificate of specialized premarital counseling (since July 1, 2019). Under 17: no.
Other requirements: Both appear in person. No blood test since 2003. If there was a divorce, present the final decree signed by the judge; if widowed, the death certificate.

Where do you get it, and who issues it?

County Probate Court.

Where it is valid: Only for weddings in Georgia. If either of you lives in Georgia, you can apply in any county; if neither lives there, you apply in the county where the ceremony will be.

Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?

Waiting period: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
Validity: The license has no expiration date.

How many witnesses, and who can marry you?

Witnesses: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
Who can officiate: The governor or a former governor, state and federal judges, municipal recorders, magistrates, ministers or others authorized by their religion (O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30(c)). They must return the license to the court within 30 days after the wedding.

Georgia counties with an AltarPlan guide

We haven't published Georgia county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.

Other counties couples often look up

We haven't verified these counties yet. The Georgia rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.

Fulton County (atlanta)State rule No guide of its own yet.
Gwinnett County (Lawrenceville)State rule No guide of its own yet.

How to get a marriage license in Georgia

Confirm where to apply: County Probate Court.
Gather your ID: Proof of age: driver's license or state ID, original or certified birth certificate, passport or military ID (some counties ask for two documents).
Get your payment ready: Varies by county: $56 to $77 without a course; $16 to $37 with a course (Barrow, Athens-Clarke and Macon-Bibb counties).
Marry within the validity period: The license has no expiration date.
Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Georgia marriage license valid anywhere in the state?

Only for weddings in Georgia. If either of you lives in Georgia, you can apply in any county; if neither lives there, you apply in the county where the ceremony will be.

What is the minimum age to marry in Georgia?

18. At 17, only if emancipated for at least 15 days and each presents a certificate of specialized premarital counseling (since July 1, 2019). Under 17: no.

Who can officiate a wedding in Georgia?

The governor or a former governor, state and federal judges, municipal recorders, magistrates, ministers or others authorized by their religion (O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30(c)). They must return the license to the court within 30 days after the wedding.

Is there a discount if we take a premarital course?

A qualified premarital education program (at least 6 hours in Barrow), completed together within the previous 12 months with a notarized certificate: lowers the fee to $16-$37 depending on the county.

Does AltarPlan issue the license?

No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.

Sources and review date

Athens-Clarke County Probate Court (Marriage Licenses, Officiant defined, Special Circumstances) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Barrow County Probate Court (Marriage Info) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Macon-Bibb County Probate Court (Marriage Licenses) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.

Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.

AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.