If you are eloping or getting married in Georgia, then you have come to the right place – this is a complete guide to Georgia Marriage Licenses & Georgia Marriage Laws. I am going to walk your through EVERYTHING you need to know about getting married in GA. By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to get a GA marriage license and what laws you’ll need to follow.
Ready to tackle all of the boring, legal stuff so that you can move onto the more fun elopement planning things? Let’s get into it!
Georgia Marriage License + Laws
Overview of Basic Marriage Requirements in GA
Witnesses required: Yes (2)
License is valid for: Varies by County
Waiting period: None
Minimum age requirement: 18
Who can officiate: Any regularly licensed officiant or ordained minister/priest/judge
Self-solemnization allowed? No
Georgia residency required? No
Blood test required? No
Cost: ~$60
Counties to Get Your Marriage License for a Georgia Elopement + Wedding
If you are eloping in some of Georgia’s most popular areas, here are the counties you’ll need to go through to get your GA marriage license, with links to marriage licensing info for each one!
Marriage License Savannah, GA
Some of Georgia’s most popular elopement spots are located in Savannah.
Chatham County Marriage License
Marriage License Atlanta, GA
Please note that Atlanta consists of multiple counties so you’ll need to do your research on which county you will need to apply for your marriage license in.
Fulton County Marriage License
DeKalb County Marriage License
Steps to Getting your Elopement + Wedding Marriage License in GA
1) Research the county you’ll need to apply through
Once you know where your elopement ceremony will be taking place, figure out which county you’ll be getting married in & look up that county’s specific rules, restrictions, fees, & processes. You can find a list of Probate Courts here!
2) Fill out your Georgia Marriage License Application Online or In Person
You will then complete your application either online, if available, or in-person at the local county Probate Court. If you are required to apply in-person, Georgia requires BOTH parties be present to finalize the license and pay the necessary fees – make sure to bring a valid photo ID showing your birth date (e.g. your driver’s license, passport, etc.) and any other required documents.
3) Submit your license after your wedding
After you get married, make sure that either you or your officiant submits your license back to the county Probate Court to finalize it. Your license must be submitted within 30 days of your ceremony date. Your marriage certificate will be mailed back to you!
GA Marriage License FAQs
How long does it take to get a marriage license in GA?
You can get your marriage license immediately, there is no waiting period.
How much is a marriage license in GA?
The cost of your Georgia marriage license varies based on what county you will be getting married in! However, it is usually around $60.
How long is a marriage license good for in GA?
This varies based on what county you will be getting your Georgia marriage license from.
Do you need a witness to get married in Georgia?
Yes, Georgia requires you to have 2 witnesses for your Georgia elopement ceremony!
Can you get married in Georgia without a ceremony?
You need to have some sort of legal ceremony but that doesn’t mean you have to have a huge, long, “traditional” ceremony! It could just be you, your partner, and your officiant, in the mountains for a super casual ceremony that only lasts a couple minutes. No need to make it fancy – all that matters is that you & your partner declare your intent to marry!
You can also opt for a private vow exchange, if you’d like to say your vows in a more intimate setting, and then have a simple ceremony with your officiant to get the legal part out of the way. This is something that many couples choose to do if they’re eloping and they’d rather keep their vows private, then knock out the legal ceremony with a few close friends afterward!
How to change your last name after marriage in GA?
The first thing you’ll need to do is change your name with the Social Security Administration via mail or at a local SSA office, you’ll need your marriage certificate & the appropriate proof of identity & citizenship. Once you have been issued your new Social Security Card then you will be able to get your new driver’s license via a local DMV office. With those things changed, you will then be able to change other things like bank accounts and passports.
How old do you have to be to get married in Georgia?
You need to be at least 18 years old to get married in Georgia.
Do you have to be a resident to get married in GA?
No! You do not have to be a legal resident of Georgia to get married in Georgia. However, if you or your partner are residents of Georgia then you would be able to get your marriage license from any probate court. If you are not, then you HAVE to get your marriage license from the probate court in the county you are getting married.
Who can legally marry a couple in Georgia?
Any regularly licensed or ordained minister/priest/judge/notary can officiate a wedding. If you want a friend/family member to legally marry you then they will just need to make sure they go through the appropriate channels to become a licensed officiant/minister/notary. You cannot self-solemnize in Georiga!
Your Georgia Elopement + Wedding Photographer
Hey friends, I’m Tessa, your Georgia Elopement & Micro-Wedding photographer!! I’m OBSESSED with this incredible state and helping couples turn their weddings into the adventures of a lifetime. I offer GA elopement packages for every couples needs and I would love to help capture your Georgia elopement! Contact me HERE to get started planning your Georgia Elopement adventure!
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I'm a micro-wedding and elopement photographer in Upstate, South Carolina. My style is documentary—I love capturing the in-between, unposed moments between you and your love. I strive to know you and capture you at your most authentic.
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