How to get married in Atlanta

Even if you’re just eloping, it’s not as easy as riding off into the sunset. So, I put together the information needed to get your marriage license in Atlanta.

WHAT TO BRING

To begin with, both must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license. The following documents are considered “proof of age” pursuant to O.C.G.A. §19-3-36: 

  • Birth certificate
  • Government-issued ID such as Driver’s license, passport, etc.,
  • Baptismal certificate, Certificate of birth registration, Court record, Immigration papers, Alien papers, Citizenship papers, Armed forces discharge papers, or a  hospital admission card containing the full name and date of birth.”

Proof of divorce. If one or both applicants are divorced they need to know their date of divorce. If a divorce was granted for either party within 30 days of applying for a marriage license, then the party must provide a copy of the divorce decree.

Death of a prior spouse. If either applicant is a widow/widower they must provide the date of death of the deceased spouse on their application.

After the marriage ceremony is performed, the officiant must complete the marriage license. The license needs to be returned to the Probate Court as soon as possible but no later than 30 days after the ceremony.

WHERE TO GO

If either are residents of Georgia you can apply in any county. 

If neither is a resident of Georgia you must apply for the marriage license in the county where the ceremony is to take place. 

Below is a list of the different counties in the Atlanta metro area. Let us know if you need any help.

Cherokee County

Keith Wood

Probate Judge

(678) 493-6160

Website: www.CherokeeGA.com/Probat

Clayton

Contact Judge:

Pam Ferguson

Annex Building 3

121 South McDonough Street

Jonesboro, GA 30236

Website:www.ClaytonCountyGA.gov/government

Cobb

32 Waddell Street

Marietta, GA 30090

(770) 528-1900

Website: www.CobbCounty.org/courts/probate

DeKalb

556 North McDonough Street

1100 Judicial Tower

Decatur, GA. 30030

Website: DekalbProbateGA.com/services

Fulton

141 Pryor St. SW

Atlanta, GA 30303

(404)612-4000

Website: www.FultonCountyGA.gov/services

Gwinnett

770-822-8350

Website: www.GwinnettCourts.com/probate

Email: Probatecourt@Gwinnettcounty.Com

Henry

99 Sims Street

McDonough, Georgia 30253

770 288 7600

Website: https://henrycountyprobatecourt.com/Marriage-Licenses 

 Rockdale 

Applicants for marriage licenses must contact the Probate Court at 770-278-7700 to request an application. When the applicants have completed the application, they must contact the Court for an appointment to complete the process.

Website: Rockdalecountyga.gov

Marriage is one of the most important and life-altering commitments a person can make. To make it last a lifetime, it takes love, commitment, and hard work. That is why premarital counseling is so important. It gives couples a chance to lay the groundwork for a strong and healthy marriage, talk about possible problems and conflicts, and learn the communication skills they need to have a happy relationship.

 

What exactly is premarital counseling?

Premarital counseling is a sort of guidance that is specifically designed for couples who are about to marry. The purpose is to assist couples in identifying and addressing possible concerns in their marriage before they become serious ones. Communication skills, financial matters, expectations and roles, and dealing with differences are examples of such issues.

Why is premarital counseling necessary?

Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and premarital counseling can assist couples in preparing for the challenges and changes that will inevitably arise. It will aid in identifying and resolving possible disputes in the marriage before they become serious issues.

Communication is essential in any relationship, and premarital counseling can assist couples in improving their communication skills and building a stronger partnership. It will assist couples in establishing shared values and ensuring they are on the same page in terms of their goals, expectations, and priorities.

For whom is premarital counseling a good idea?

All engaged couples, regardless of culture, religion, or duration of the relationship, can benefit from premarital counseling. It’s an excellent way to invest in the health of the marriage and the future of the couple’s relationship.

What should couples anticipate from premarital counseling?

Couples can expect to engage in a variety of activities and conversations designed to help them explore their relationship and lay a solid foundation for their marriage. Discussions regarding communication, expectations and roles, dealing with differences, and money matters may be included.

Premarital counseling is an excellent investment in a couple’s relationship’s future. It gives couples the tools and skills they need to develop a successful and healthy marriage, as well as preparing them for the problems and changes that may arise over time. If you’re thinking about getting married, think of it as an investment in your future, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of love and pleasure.