The Probate Judge's office is located in the County Courthouse
on your left as you enter from the rear parking lot door.

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A couple should know some things before obtaining a marriage license. Georgia no longer requires blood tests in applications for marriage licenses. A Georgia marriage license is good only in Georgia. The license may be obtained in one county for marriage in another Georgia county but the marriage will be recorded in the county where the license is purchased.

Georgia law allows couples that complete a six-hour premarital course to save $40 off their marriage license.

Premarital Education
Couples who want to save the $40 on the marriage license and complete the six-hour education must pick up the "Certification of Completion of Qualifying Premarital Education" at the Probate Court's office in the Courthouse9 before applying for a marriage license. The course is at least six hours and includes instruction involving such marital issues as conflict management, communication skills, financial responsibilities, child and parenting responsibilities and extended family roles. The couple must undergo the course together with a professional counselor, social worker or marriage and family therapist; a licensed psychiatrist; a licensed psychologist; or an active member of the clergy that is skilled and trained in premarital education.

When the couple returns the notarized certificate to the Probate Court, the couple may then apply for their marriage license for $37 instead of $77.

Marriage License Process
Identification to prove age 18 or above is required to apply for a marriage license with the Probate Court office. The prospective bride and groom both must sign the application after it is filled out with full names, birth information, occupation, information of previous marriages, parents' names (including maiden names for both mothers) and present residence information.

If one or both parties are divorced, the Probate Court has to be presented with a copy of the final divorce decree with court's file stamp in order to proceed with getting a license. If either applicant is separated but still legally married or divorced and cannot show proof, the license is denied. If your former spouse is deceased, you must provide a death certificate prior to getting a marriage license.

The application stays with the Probate Court office, while the couple takes the license with them to be signed by the official clergy or judge performing the ceremony. The official or the couple should bring or mail the license as soon as possible to the Probate Court office.

The Probate Court clerk then issues a marriage certificate to the couple. The application and license are recorded in the county in which the license was purchased.

As of June, 2010

Certification of Premarital Counseling	Without	With
Application Fee	$40.00	$ -0-
Vital Records recording fee	1.00	1.00
Children’s Trust Fund fee	15.00	15.00
Certified copy of License and Mailing fee	11.00	11.00
Certified copy of Application for Social Security Administration	10.00	10.00
Total Fee	$77.00	$37.00