A Fulton County courthouse wedding starts at the Probate Court at 136 Pryor Street SW in downtown Atlanta, where a probate judge performs civil ceremonies and the clerk issues marriage licenses. The license costs $68.50, or $28.50 if both of you complete a qualifying premarital education course first. Georgia has no waiting period and no blood test, so you can apply and marry the same day when the court has openings. Call 404-612-3048 before you plan anything, because the Probate Court has periodically suspended its wedding services.
Who Can Marry in Georgia
Both applicants must be at least 18. A 17-year-old qualifies only after being legally emancipated by a court, waiting at least 15 days after the emancipation took effect, completing a premarital education program separately from the other partner, and marrying someone no more than four years older. No one under 17 can marry in Georgia under any circumstances, and parental consent alone is not enough.1Justia. Georgia Code 19-3-2 – Who May Contract Marriage; Emancipation Requirement; Minimum Age for Marriage
Both parties must be legally single. Any previous marriage must have ended through a final divorce decree or the death of the former spouse before the court will issue a new license. Georgia also prohibits marriages between close family members, including parent and child (or stepchild), siblings (full or half), grandparent and grandchild, and aunt or uncle with nephew or niece. These restrictions apply whether the relationship is by blood or by marriage, and a prohibited marriage is void from the start.2Justia. Georgia Code 19-3-3 – Degrees of Relationship Within Which Marriages Are Prohibited
Where You Apply
If at least one of you is a Georgia resident, you can apply for a marriage license at any county probate court in the state, regardless of where the ceremony will take place.3Georgia.gov. Apply for a Marriage License If neither of you lives in Georgia, you must apply in the county where the ceremony will happen.4Fulton County Probate Court. Fulton County Probate Court – Marriage Licenses For out-of-state couples marrying at the Fulton County Courthouse, that means the Fulton County Probate Court.
The License: What to Bring and What to Expect
Georgia’s application asks for each person’s full name, date of birth, current address, Social Security number, and the names of both parents including the mother’s maiden name.5Justia. Georgia Code 19-3-33 – Application for Marriage License You will also declare whether you have completed a qualifying premarital education program. If a parent’s name is unknown, you can note that on the form. The Probate Court offers an online portal that lets you submit most of this before your visit; it generates a confirmation number that both of you bring to the courthouse for in-person verification.
Georgia’s blood test requirement is long gone, and there is no waiting period between license and ceremony. Once issued, your license does not expire.4Fulton County Probate Court. Fulton County Probate Court – Marriage Licenses
Proof of Age
Georgia law accepts a wider range of documents than most people expect. Along with a driver’s license or passport, the court also accepts a birth certificate, military ID, immigration documents, or a baptismal certificate that includes your full name and date of birth.6Justia. Georgia Code 19-3-36 – Proof of Age of Applicants Bring originals rather than photocopies.
If You Were Previously Married
You will need to provide the exact date your previous marriage ended, whether by final divorce decree or by the death of your former spouse. The court does not always demand a physical copy of the divorce decree during the initial application, but having one on hand avoids delays if a clerk needs to verify the details.
Fees and How to Pay
The standard license fee in Fulton County is $68.50, which includes one certified copy of the marriage certificate mailed to you after the wedding. If both partners present signed certificates of completion for a qualifying premarital education program at the time of application, the fee drops to $28.50 and still includes one certified copy.4Fulton County Probate Court. Fulton County Probate Court – Marriage Licenses All fees are nonrefundable.
The downtown location accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Annex locations are cashless and only take credit or debit. American Express is not accepted at any location.4Fulton County Probate Court. Fulton County Probate Court – Marriage Licenses
Qualifying for the $40 Discount
The premarital education course must include at least six hours of instruction covering topics like conflict management, communication, financial responsibilities, and parenting. You must complete it together, and it must be finished within 12 months before you apply for the license.7FindLaw. Georgia Code Title 19 Domestic Relations 19-3-30.1
The instructor must be a licensed professional counselor, social worker, marriage and family therapist, licensed psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, or an active member of the clergy (or their trained designee).7FindLaw. Georgia Code Title 19 Domestic Relations 19-3-30.1 Bring the certificate of completion to the application. You cannot pay the reduced rate now and bring the certificate later.
Scheduling the Ceremony
The Probate Court has historically offered a “Forever Fridays” program for courthouse weddings. Ceremonies must be scheduled in advance through the court’s online booking system; walk-in weddings are not available.8Fulton County Probate Court. Forever Fridays Courthouse Weddings The program is open only to couples who obtained their license through Fulton County. Because the court has suspended ceremonies at various points, confirm availability at 404-612-3048 before you commit to a date.
Georgia law calls for at least two witnesses, so plan to bring a couple of friends or family members. Ask when you book how many guests the courtroom can hold. The ceremony itself runs roughly 10 to 15 minutes. Once vows are exchanged, the judge signs the license, the clerk takes it for recording, and you leave legally married.
Getting to the Courthouse
The Probate Court is at 136 Pryor Street SW, Suite C-230, Atlanta, GA 30303.9Fulton County Probate Court. How Do I Get Married at the Courthouse Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time to check in. The nearest MARTA station is Five Points; from there, walk south one block on Peachtree Street to MLK Jr. Drive, then east one block to Pryor.10Fulton County Superior Court. Fulton County Courthouse Driving, the closest garage is at 75 M.L.K. Jr. Drive SW.
Everyone entering the building passes through magnetometer and x-ray screening run by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.11Fulton County Government. Sheriff’s Office Court Services Leave knives, scissors, pepper spray, and weapons at home or in your car, and budget a few extra minutes for the line if you have guests with you.
Extra Certified Copies
Your license fee covers one certified copy of the marriage certificate mailed after the wedding, but one is rarely enough. You will likely need extras for insurance enrollment, name changes, and bank updates. Additional certified copies cost $10 each from the Fulton County Probate Court and can be requested in person at the Records Division or by mail.12Fulton County Probate Court. Records Division Ordering two or three from the start saves a return trip.
After the Wedding
The ceremony makes the marriage legal, but it does not change anyone’s name. If you plan to take your spouse’s last name, update the Social Security Administration first, because most other agencies require SSA records to match before they will process a change. Use Form SS-5, and bring your certified marriage certificate along with proof of identity. Once SSA is updated, you can move on to the Georgia DDS for your driver’s license and to the State Department for your passport. If your current passport was issued within the past year, Form DS-5504 allows a free name correction; for older passports, Form DS-82 or DS-11 applies and standard renewal fees apply.
Marriage is a qualifying life event for health coverage. You generally have 60 days from the wedding date to add your spouse or make changes.13U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Changes You Can Make Outside of Open Season Some private employer plans set a shorter 30-day window, so check with your HR department in the first week. Miss the deadline and you will likely wait until the next open enrollment.