You cannot get married online in Georgia. State law requires both partners and an authorized officiant to be physically present for the ceremony, and Georgia has no provision, temporary or permanent, that allows a fully virtual wedding.1Georgia.gov. Apply for a Marriage License Services that advertise “online marriage in Georgia” generally perform the ceremony under Utah law, which is currently the only state that lets both partners appear remotely. A marriage done that way may be legally recognized once you are back in Georgia, but it is a Utah marriage, not a Georgia one.
Why Georgia Doesn’t Allow Online Marriage
Georgia’s marriage statutes were written around in-person ceremonies and have never been amended to authorize virtual alternatives. To be valid, a marriage requires a license from a county Probate Court, a ceremony before an authorized officiant inside Georgia, and the signed license returned for recording.2Justia. Georgia Code 19-3-30 – Issuance, Return, and Recording of License Every step assumes physical presence. Even the application itself requires both partners to appear together at the Probate Court with identification.1Georgia.gov. Apply for a Marriage License
During the COVID-19 pandemic some jurisdictions temporarily authorized remote ceremonies through executive orders. Georgia did not keep any such rule in effect. If you want a legally recognized marriage and you live here, you either do it in person within the state or you look to a jurisdiction that permits virtual ceremonies and confirm your resulting marriage will be recognized back home.
The Utah Online Ceremony Option
Utah is currently the only state that allows both spouses to attend the ceremony remotely by video. That is the mechanism behind the “get married online” services marketed to Georgia couples. The license is issued by a Utah county, the officiant is in Utah, and the ceremony takes place over video.
Because the marriage is created under Utah law, treat it as an out-of-state marriage once you return to Georgia. Georgia generally recognizes marriages that were validly formed in another state, but if the recognition of your marriage matters for a specific purpose, such as immigration, insurance, or benefits, confirm the requirements with that agency or an attorney before you rely on it. The research here does not resolve every recognition question, and silence from the state on virtual ceremonies is not the same as approval.
What a Georgia In-Person Marriage Requires
If you decide to marry inside Georgia, both applicants must appear together at a Probate Court to apply for the license. Both must be at least 18.1Georgia.gov. Apply for a Marriage License A 17-year-old may qualify only if they have been legally emancipated for at least 15 days, the other partner is no more than four years older, and the 17-year-old has completed a premarital education program.3Justia. Georgia Code 19-3-2 – Who May Contract Marriage; Emancipation Requirement; Minimum Age for Marriage No one under 17 can be issued a license in Georgia for any reason.
Each applicant brings proof of age. Acceptable forms include a valid driver’s license or state ID, an original or certified birth certificate, a valid passport, or a valid military ID. Anyone previously married brings a certified copy of the final divorce decree, annulment, or the former spouse’s death certificate.4Fulton County Probate Court. Marriage Licenses Georgia does not require blood tests.
If at least one applicant lives in Georgia, you can apply at any county’s Probate Court. If neither of you is a Georgia resident, you must apply in the county where the ceremony will take place.1Georgia.gov. Apply for a Marriage License Many counties let you fill out a pre-application online to save time, but both partners still have to show up together to finalize it. There is no waiting period and no expiration date on the license once it is issued.4Fulton County Probate Court. Marriage Licenses
The ceremony itself must be performed in person by someone the state authorizes. That list includes judges of Georgia state and federal courts of record, city recorders and magistrates, the Governor or any former Governor, and ministers or others authorized by their religious organization to perform marriages. Both partners must verbally agree during the ceremony to be spouses right then; a promise to marry in the future does not count. Georgia law does not require witnesses, but having two is wise. If the officiant fails to return the signed license, either spouse can later establish the marriage through sworn statements from two people who were present.2Justia. Georgia Code 19-3-30 – Issuance, Return, and Recording of License
Common-Law Marriage Is Not a Shortcut
If you are hoping to avoid a formal ceremony altogether, common-law marriage is not an option in Georgia. The state abolished it effective January 1, 1997.5Justia. Georgia Code 19-3-1.1 – Common-Law Marriage Living together, sharing finances, or calling yourselves married will not create a legally recognized marriage. Common-law marriages validly formed before that cutoff are still honored, but no new ones can be created in Georgia.
So the practical choices come down to two. Marry in person in Georgia, following the Probate Court process, or marry remotely under Utah’s rules and treat the result as an out-of-state marriage when you come home.