How to Get Married in Georgia: Everything You Need to Know

Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting milestones of your life, and if you’ve landed here, chances are you’re wondering how to get married in Georgia. As a husband-and-wife photography and videography team, we’ve had the privilege of capturing hundreds of Georgia weddings, from grand celebrations in Atlanta to intimate events in the North Georgia mountains. And one thing we hope every couple we work with knows: Georgia makes getting married surprisingly simple.

No waiting period. An affordable license. A wide range of ceremony options. Whether you’re a Georgia resident or traveling here for the big day, we’re walking you through everything you need to know, from applying for your marriage license to recording the official paperwork afterward. 

Consider this your insider guide from two people who’ve lived through more wedding days than we can count.

Marriage License Requirements in Georgia

Before we even talk about venues and golden-hour portraits, you need your marriage license to get married in Georgia. Here’s what we remind couples who book us:

• Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old. 
• Valid ID: Both applicants must present a government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID, or passport all work.
• Prior marriages: Bring proof of divorce or a death certificate, if either of you has been previously married.
• Not closely related: Georgia law prohibits marriage between close blood relatives.

Both of you must appear in person at the probate court in the county where either of you resides, and if neither of you lives in Georgia, you may go to any probate court to apply. The license fee is typically between $16 and $56, depending on the county. Honestly, it’s the most affordable part of your entire wedding budget.

How to Apply for a Georgia Marriage License (Step by Step)

We always send our couples a little checklist before their big day of getting married in Georgia. Here’s the exact sequence we recommend:

1. Gather your documents. Both of you need a valid government-issued photo ID, plus any required divorce decrees or death certificates.
2. Visit the probate court together. Both parties are typically required to appear in person. Find your county’s probate court on the Georgia Probate Court Network website.
3. Complete the application. The court clerk will hand you the marriage license application, and it only takes a few minutes to fill out.
4. Pay the fee. Ask your specific court which payment methods they accept when you get married in Georgia.
5. Receive your license. There is no waiting period in Georgia. You can legally get married the same day you receive your license, and it’s valid for six months from the date of issue.

Unlike some states that make couples wait 24 to 72 hours, Georgia lets you walk out of that probate court ready to say “I do” that same afternoon. 

Ceremony Requirements: Officiants, Witnesses, and Where You Can Marry

This is where things get fun for us, because Georgia’s flexibility is a photographer’s dream.

Who can officiate? 

Georgia recognizes ordained ministers, judges, magistrates, and justices of the peace. Online ordination is generally accepted, which is why we see so many couples ask a best friend or family member to officiate while getting married in the state of Georgia. Some of the most heartfelt ceremonies we’ve ever filmed were led by someone who got ordained online specifically for that one moment.

Do you need witnesses? 

Yes, and this is something we remind every eloping couple. Georgia requires at least two witnesses present at your ceremony, and they must sign the marriage license afterward. They can be anyone of legal age: family, friends, or even willing strangers. No Georgia residency required. If you’re planning an intimate elopement, just make sure those two people are in your plan. We’ve served as witnesses ourselves in a pinch more than once.

Where can you get married? 

Anywhere. Seriously. A church, a park, a beach, a backyard, a rooftop, a vineyard. We’ve shot them all. Georgia places no restrictions on ceremony location, which is one of the reasons we love working here. Most county probate courts also offer civil ceremonies for a small additional fee if you want to keep it ultra-simple. 

One note: Georgia does not currently allow self-solemnizing marriages, so you will need a legally recognized officiant present.

After the Ceremony: Recording Your Marriage and Changing Your Name

The confetti has settled, we’ve handed over your gallery link, and there’s one final step you can’t skip. You will then need to ensure the marriage license is returned to the probate court after it is signed, typically within 30 days of the ceremony. This is usually the officiant’s responsibility, but we always encourage couples to confirm it in advance. 

Once the court records the license, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate. You’ll need these for name changes after getting married in Georgia:

• Social Security Administration: start here, as other agencies often require it first
• Georgia DDS: update your driver’s license or state ID
• U.S. Passport Office: update your passport before any international honeymoon travel
• Banks and financial institutions: bring a certified copy
• Employer and insurance providers: notify HR and update beneficiary designations

Ready to Get Married in Georgia?

After photographing and filming weddings across this state for years, we can tell you with confidence: Georgia is one of the best places to get married. The legal process is refreshingly simple. Both of you visit the county probate court with valid ID, pay the license fee, and walk out the same day ready to celebrate. You’ll need at least two witnesses and a recognized officiant, and after the ceremony, the signed license goes back to the court.

From there? That part is all yours.

Whether you’re dreaming of a grand celebration or a quiet elopement in the Georgia mountains, the legal side of your marriage shouldn’t stress you out. And if you’re still looking for a team to capture every moment of it, well, we know a photo + video team who’d love to help.

If you want more info and inspiration, you can also follow me on Instagram at @kalynwolfstudios! See you soon!