Fayette Probate Court
Marriage License Requirements
Are you planning to tie the knot in the beautiful state of Georgia? One of the first steps in your wedding journey is obtaining a marriage license. Marriage license fees and requirements can vary from county to county, so it’s important to know the specifics of the area you’re planning to get married in. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about marriage license fees in Fayette County, Georgia.
Marriage License Application Requirements
Before you can obtain a marriage license in Fayette County, there are certain requirements you must fulfill:
Identification
Both applicants must provide valid identification such as a Driver’s License, State ID, Resident Alien ID, Military ID, or Passport.
Court Approved Translator
If either applicant does not speak fluent English, a Court Approved Translator will be required to apply for the Marriage License.
Divorce and Death Certificates
If either applicant has been previously married, certified copies of divorce papers or a death certificate (if widowed) must be presented.
Parents’ Birth Place and Mother’s Maiden Name
Applicants will need to provide information about their parents’ birthplaces (City and State) and the mother’s maiden name.
Bride’s Name After Marriage
Georgia law requires each applicant to designate the legal surname they will use after marriage.
Marriage License Fees
The cost of a marriage license varies depending on whether you’ve completed premarital education:
Without Premarital Education
- Application fee: $56
With Premarital Education
- Application fee: $16
- Must bring a certificate of completion of the premarital counseling course.
Certified Copies and Application Fees
There’s a $10 charge for the certified copy of the marriage license, which is mailed to applicants after recording. Additionally, a $10 fee is applicable for the certified copy of the license application for the Social Security Administration.
Marriage ID Requirements
Acceptable forms of identification for marriage license applicants include Drivers Licenses, State IDs, Resident Alien IDs, Military IDs, and Passports.
Marriage Waiting Period
In the state of Georgia, there is no waiting period for getting married.
Marriage Residency Requirement
You do not have to be a resident of Georgia to obtain a marriage license in Fayette County.
Previous Marriages
If either applicant has received a divorce, they must show a copy of the final judgment and decree of the most recent divorce.
Proxy Marriages
Proxy marriages are not allowed in Georgia.
Cousin Marriages
First and second cousins may legally marry in Georgia.
Common Law Marriages
Common-law marriages created before January 1, 1997, are recognized in Georgia.
Marriage Blood Test
As of July 1, 2003, blood tests are no longer required for marriage in Georgia.
Name After Marriage
Applicants can choose to keep their present surname, use the surname from a previous marriage, or use their spouse’s surname.
Marriage Age Requirements
Both applicants must be 18 years of age or older to apply for a marriage license without parental consent.
Marriage Proof of Age
Applicants must provide proof of age, which can include a birth certificate, driver’s license, baptismal certificate, and more.
Marriage Officiants
Licensed or ordained ministers, clergymen, pastors of recognized religious societies, and justices of the peace can officiate weddings in Georgia.
Marriage Witnesses
If the officiant doesn’t complete the form, two witnesses are required for the ceremony to obtain the marriage certificate.
Expiration Date of Marriage License
Georgia marriage licenses do not have an expiration date.
Georgia Online Marriage Application
Couples can apply for their marriage license online through the Georgia Probate Record website.
Copy of Certificate of Marriage License
After the wedding, a copy of the marriage license certificate can be obtained from the Vital Records office in Atlanta.
Conclusion
Now that you’re well-informed about the marriage license fees and requirements in Fayette County, Georgia, you can proceed with confidence in your wedding planning process. Remember to verify all information with the local Fayette County Probate Court, especially regarding specific office hours and appointment requirements. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!
FAQs
- Do I need to be a resident of Fayette County to obtain a marriage license there? No, residency in Fayette County is not a requirement for obtaining a marriage license.
- Is there a waiting period for getting married in Georgia? No, there is no waiting period for marriage in the state of Georgia.
- Can I apply for a marriage license online in Georgia? Yes, you can apply for a marriage license online through the Georgia Probate Record website.
- What documents do I need to provide if I’ve been previously married? If you’ve been previously married, you’ll need to provide certified copies of divorce papers or a death certificate if widowed.
- What is the cost of a certified copy of the marriage license? The cost of a certified copy of the marriage license is $10, which will be mailed to applicants after recording.
