
Planning a wedding in Georgia involves more than just choosing a venue and a caterer. There are also legal steps to take, such as obtaining a marriage license. This is a requirement for anyone wishing to marry in the state, and it must be returned to the probate court within 30 days of the ceremony. Couples will receive their marriage certificate by mail within 30 days. So, how long does it take to get a marriage certificate after the wedding in Georgia?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to get marriage certificate after wedding | Mailed within 30 days of the ceremony |
| Time to return signed marriage license to the probate court | Within 30 days of the ceremony |
| Marriage license fee | Varies by county, typically around $56, can be reduced to $16 with a certificate of completion of a state-approved premarital education program |
| Waiting period between obtaining license and wedding | 24 hours |
| Validity of marriage license | 60 days from the date of issue, or 6 months according to another source |
| Documents required | Photo identification, proof of age, social security numbers, proof of divorce or annulment (if applicable) |
| Who needs to be present | Both parties |
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What You'll Learn
- The marriage certificate is mailed to the couple within 30 days of the wedding
- The marriage license must be returned to the probate court within 30 days
- The marriage license is issued by the county probate court
- The marriage license costs $56-$68, with additional fees for some counties
- The marriage license is valid for 60 days after issue, with no waiting period

The marriage certificate is mailed to the couple within 30 days of the wedding
In Georgia, couples must apply for a marriage license and have it signed by an officiant on the day of their wedding. The signed license is then typically returned by mail to the county office from which it was issued. The marriage certificate is then mailed to the couple within 30 days of the wedding. This is proof that the ceremony was performed and the couple is married. It is important to note that the marriage license should be returned to the probate court within 30 days of the ceremony.
While it is not required, some spouses may opt to change their surname after the wedding. For this process, a certified copy of the signed marriage license is needed. This can be obtained by submitting an online or written request to the court and paying a fee. The fee amount may vary depending on the county. Once the certified copy is obtained, it can be taken to the social security office to request a new card with the updated name.
It is worth mentioning that there is no expiration date for marriage licenses in Georgia. This means couples can acquire their license as far in advance as they wish. Additionally, there is no waiting period, so the wedding ceremony can take place immediately after receiving the license. However, certain counties in Georgia may have a 24-hour waiting period after completing the application before the couple can get married.
To obtain a marriage license in Georgia, both parties must be at least 18 years old and meet the eligibility criteria. They must present valid forms of identification, proof of age, social security numbers, and any necessary divorce decrees or death certificates. Both parties must also be present when obtaining the marriage license. The cost of the marriage license varies by county but is typically around $56, and additional fees may apply.
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The marriage license must be returned to the probate court within 30 days
After the wedding ceremony, the signed marriage license must be returned to the probate court within 30 days. This is done by the officiant, who completes the forms and signs them after the vows have been exchanged. The signed license is then returned to the county office from which it was issued.
It is important to note that marriage licenses are issued by county probate courts, and the procedures for applications vary by county. The license must be obtained from the probate court in the county where the marriage will take place. Both parties must be present to obtain the license and must provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate, driver's license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID. There may also be a waiting period of 24 hours after obtaining the license before the couple can get married.
The marriage license fee varies by county but is typically around $56.00 to $68.00. There may be additional fees, and the cost can be reduced to $16.00 if the couple has completed a state-approved premarital education program. After the wedding, the couple will receive their marriage certificate in the mail within 30 days. This document serves as proof that the ceremony was performed and the couple is legally married.
It is important to note that marriage licenses in Georgia do not have an expiration date, and couples can acquire their license as far in advance as they wish. However, once the license is obtained, the couple can tie the knot immediately, as there is no waiting period required between receiving the license and performing the wedding ceremony.
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The marriage license is issued by the county probate court
In Georgia, marriage licenses are issued by the county probate court. The procedures for applications vary by county, and certain counties allow couples to begin their application process online. However, this may lead to longer wait times compared to in-person appointments. The application process for a marriage license is similar across states, but it is important to be aware of any specific requirements in Georgia.
To obtain a marriage license in Georgia, both parties must visit the Probate Court in the county where they plan to get married. Both parties must be at least 18 years old, of sound mind, and without any living spouses from a prior marriage. A 17-year-old may be issued a marriage license if certain conditions are met. If one of the individuals getting married is a Georgia resident, the license can be issued in any county. If neither party is a resident, the license must be obtained in the county where the ceremony will take place.
When applying for a marriage license, both parties must bring valid photo identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID, and proof of age. If either party was previously married, a divorce decree or death certificate must be provided to prove the previous marriage has ended. Additionally, both parties must provide their social security numbers. The marriage license fee varies by county but is typically around $56, and can be paid in cash (no bills larger than $20), money order, or credit card. To reduce the fee to $16, couples can provide a certificate of completion of a state-approved premarital education program.
After completing the application and providing the necessary documents, there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before the marriage license can be picked up from the probate court. Once the license is obtained, there is no waiting period to get married. The marriage license is valid for up to six months from the date of issue, which is a longer timeframe compared to other states. Couples should bring their marriage license to the wedding ceremony, where the officiant will examine and sign it after the vows are exchanged. The signed marriage license should be returned to the probate court within 30 days of the ceremony, and the marriage certificate will be mailed to the couple within 30 days.
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The marriage license costs $56-$68, with additional fees for some counties
The cost of a marriage license in Georgia varies by county but is typically around $56.00. Some counties may charge additional fees, so the total cost can range from $56 to $68. It's important to note that Georgia has a waiting period of 24 hours after obtaining the license before the couple can get married. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue, and the signed license must be returned to the probate court within 30 days of the ceremony.
When applying for a marriage license in Georgia, both parties must be present at the probate court in the county where the marriage will take place. Certain counties allow couples to begin the application process online, but this may lead to longer wait times compared to an in-person appointment. During the application process, couples will need to provide two forms of identification, proof of age, and any relevant documents related to previous marriages or residential address.
The cost of the marriage license can be paid in cash (no bills larger than $20), money order, or credit card. To reduce the price to $16, couples can provide a certificate of completion of a state-approved premarital education program. After the wedding ceremony, the signed license should be returned to the issuing county office, and the couple will receive their marriage certificate by mail within 30 days.
It's worth noting that there is no expiration date for Georgia marriage licenses, so couples can acquire their license as far in advance as they wish. Additionally, there is no waiting period between receiving the license and the wedding ceremony. Couples can tie the knot immediately after receiving their license, and witnesses are not mandatory for Georgia weddings.
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The marriage license is valid for 60 days after issue, with no waiting period
In Georgia, marriage licenses are issued by the county probate courts. The license is valid for 60 days after it is issued, and there is no waiting period before the wedding ceremony can take place. This means that couples can get married immediately after receiving their marriage license.
To obtain a marriage license in Georgia, both parties must be at least 18 years old and must appear in person at the probate court in the county where the marriage will occur. They must provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate, driver's license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID, and proof of residency. If either party has been previously married, they must also provide a divorce decree or death certificate. There is a fee for the marriage license, which varies by county but is typically around $56.
After the wedding ceremony, the signed marriage license must be returned to the probate court within 30 days. The couple will then receive their marriage certificate in the mail within 30 days. This certificate serves as proof that the ceremony was performed and the couple is legally married. It is not required to be filed with the county after the wedding.
It is important to note that the process and requirements for obtaining a marriage license may vary slightly between counties in Georgia. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with the specific county probate court for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Frequently asked questions
You will receive your marriage certificate in the mail within 30 days of your wedding.
A marriage license in Georgia is valid for up to six months after its issue date. However, some sources state that the validity of the license is for 60 days from the date of issue.
You must bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of age, social security numbers, and any necessary divorce decrees or death certificates. You will also need to bring the fee for the marriage license, which varies by county but is typically around $56.
Certain counties in Georgia allow couples to begin their application process online, although this may lead to longer wait times than an in-person appointment.
A marriage license in Georgia costs approximately $68. To reduce the price to $16, you'll need to provide a certificate of completion of a state-approved premarital education program.











































