State guide
Georgia
Georgia marriage licenses are handled by county probate courts rather than a clerk-of-court licensing system. Counties differ on total price because some include certified copies or local fee structures, but official county pages consistently show the probate court as the issuing office and no expiration date once issued.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- probate court
- License valid for
- no expiration date
- Witnesses
- not required on official courthouse-ceremony pages found
- License fee
- $16.00-$76.00 on official county probate pages found, depending on county and premarital education
Official resources in Georgia
Official judiciary page stating that probate courts issue marriage licenses.
Official county page confirming residency rules and that the license does not expire.
Official county page with required documents, fee examples, and probate-court ceremony information.
Official opinion discussing who may perform marriage ceremonies and noting clerks of probate court may not perform them solely by virtue of being clerks.
Key facts for Georgia
- Georgia probate courts issue marriage licenses.
- If at least one applicant is a Georgia resident, the license may be issued in any Georgia county.
- If neither applicant is a Georgia resident, the license must be issued in the county where the ceremony occurs.
- Fulton County Probate Court says the marriage license does not have an expiration date.
- Official county pages found show fees ranging from $16.00 to $76.00 depending on county and premarital education.
- No official Georgia source found offering a one-day temporary officiant designation or a self-uniting option.
Courthouse ceremonies in Georgia
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Fulton | Probate Court runs free 'Forever Fridays' courthouse weddings for couples holding a Fulton County marriage license. |
| Gwinnett | Probate Court invites couples to free wedding ceremonies held most Friday afternoons; reservations required. |
What to do next
- Check the specific probate court website before going; some counties use appointments and some publish county-specific totals.
- If you completed premarital education, bring the original certificate because some counties publish a sharply reduced fee.
- If you want a courthouse wedding, verify whether the ceremony program requires that the license be issued by that same county.
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?