Heard Probate Court
Marriage License Requirements
Marriage is a significant step in a couple’s journey together, and one of the essential aspects to consider when planning to tie the knot is obtaining a marriage license. In the state of Georgia, acquiring a marriage license involves certain fees and requirements. In this article, we will delve into the details of marriage license fees and the necessary steps to ensure a smooth application process.
When preparing for your wedding day, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the legal aspects of marriage. Obtaining a marriage license is an integral part of the process, and it’s important to understand the associated costs and requirements to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Application Process and Requirements
Before obtaining a marriage license in Georgia, there are several key requirements to fulfill:
Identification
Both applicants must present valid identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, resident alien ID, military ID, or passport.
Translation Services
For applicants who do not speak fluent English, a court-approved translator is required to apply for a marriage license.
Divorce and Widowed Documents
If either applicant has been previously married, certified copies of divorce papers or death certificates must be provided.
Parental Information
Applicants need to provide the birthplace (city and state) and mother’s maiden name of both parents.
Marriage Date and Place
Details about the date and place of the intended marriage should be provided.
Application Fees
The application fee for a marriage license is $56 without pre-marital counseling, and $16 with pre-marital counseling (certificate of completion required).
Accepted Forms of Identification
Accepted forms of identification include driver’s licenses, state IDs, resident alien IDs, military IDs, and passports.
Waiting Period and Residency Requirement
Georgia has no waiting period for getting married, and residency in the state is not required.
Previous Marriages
Applicants with previous divorces must show the final judgment and decree of the most recent divorce, including the judge’s signature and date of divorce.
Marriage License Fees
The fees for obtaining a marriage license in Heard County, Georgia, are as follows:
- $56 without pre-marital education completed
- $16 with pre-marital education
Additionally, there’s a $10 charge for a certified copy of the marriage license and a $10 fee for the certified copy of the license application for the Social Security Administration.
Proxy Marriages and Cousin Marriages
Proxy marriages are not allowed in Georgia, but first and second cousins can legally marry.
Common Law Marriages and Blood Tests
Common-law marriages created before January 1, 1997, are recognized in Georgia. As of July 1, 2003, blood tests are no longer required.
Name Change After Marriage
Applicants must designate the legal surname they will use after marriage. This can be their present surname, a previous marriage surname, or the spouse’s surname.
Marriage Age Requirements
Both applicants must be 18 years or older to apply for a marriage license without parental consent. If either applicant is 16 or 17 years old, parental consent is required.
Proof of Age
Applicants must provide acceptable proof of age, such as a birth certificate, driver’s license, baptismal certificate, or other official documents.
Marriage Officiants and Witnesses
Licensed or ordained ministers, clergymen, pastors, and justices of the peace can officiate marriages. Witnesses may be required if the person performing the ceremony doesn’t complete the form.
Expiration Date of Marriage License
Georgia marriage licenses do not have an expiration date.
Online Marriage Application
Couples can apply for a marriage license online through the Georgia Probate Record website.
Obtaining Copies of Marriage Certificate
Copies of the marriage certificate can be obtained from:
Vital Records
2600 Skyland Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30319-3640
Ph: 404.679.4701
Conclusion
Obtaining a marriage license is a vital step in the journey to wedded bliss. Georgia’s marriage license fees and requirements ensure that couples enter into matrimony with the proper legal documentation. By understanding these essential details, couples can focus on planning their special day with confidence.
FAQs
- Is there a waiting period for getting married in Georgia? No, Georgia does not have a waiting period for marriage.
- What identification is required to apply for a marriage license? Accepted forms of identification include driver’s licenses, state IDs, resident alien IDs, military IDs, and passports.
- Can first cousins marry in Georgia? Yes, first cousins are legally allowed to marry in Georgia.
- Are blood tests required for a marriage license in Georgia? No, blood tests are no longer required as of July 1, 2003.
- Can I change my name after obtaining a marriage license? Yes, you can change your name, but obtaining a marriage license with your new name does not automatically change it; you’ll need to follow the legal process for a name change.
