Instructions for Applying for a Marriage License
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NOTICE OF CHANGE IN FEES FOR
MARRIAGE LICENSES
Effective May 13, 2010, there has
been a change in the fees for applications for marriage licenses in
the State of Georgia. Pursuant to House Bill 1055, the application
fee was raised from $35.00 to $40.00 unless the couple seeking the
license has completed a qualifying premarital education
program*, as defined by House Bill 378, effective
July 1, 2005. Upon presentation of a certificate of completion of a
qualifying premarital education program in accordance with the
House Bill 378, there will be no fee for the application. The Bill
waives only the application fee and no other fees and costs which
may apply under Georgia law. The two sets of fees for marriage
license applications are as follows::
| Without Certification of Premarital
Counseling |
With Certification of
Premarital Counseling |
| Application Fee |
$ 40.00
|
$ -0-
|
Vital Records recording fee
{O.C.G.A. §31-10-21(f)} |
1.00
|
1.00
|
Children's Trust Fund fee
{O.C.G.A. §15-9-60.1} |
15.00
|
15.00
|
| Certified copy of Application |
11.00
|
11.00
|
| Certified copy of Marriage Certificate |
11.00
|
11.00
|
| Mailing & Processing Fee |
4.00
|
4.00
|
| TOTAL FEE |
82.00
|
42.00
|
| Fee for each notification of parent letter required |
1.00
|
1.00
|
*Under House Bill 378, a
"qualifying premarital education program" shall include at least
six hours of "instruction involving marital issues, which may
include but not be limited to conflict management, communication
skills, financial responsibilities, child and parenting
responsibilities, and extended family roles." The program must have
been completed within twelve months prior to the application and
the couple must have undergone the premarital education together.
To qualify, the premarital education must have been performed by:
(1) a professional counselor, social worker, or marriage and family
therapist; (2) a psychiatrist; (3) a psychologist; or (4) an active
member of the clergy when in the course of his or her service as
clergy, or the designee of such active member of the clergy,
provided the designee is skilled and trained in premarital
education.
In order to qualify for the reduced
fee, the couple must provide the Court a signed and dated
certificate of completion of a qualifying premarital education
program. The Court has an acceptable Certificate which you may take
to the premarital education provider.
Download Certification of Completion of Qualifying
Premarital Education (pdf)
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When applying for a marriage license,
please take into consideration that the process may take 20 to 30
minutes; therefore, arrive no later than 3:30 pm to ensure ample
time to complete the license is available. The Court does not
accept applications after 4:00 pm. Probate Court is located at 121
South McDonough Street, in the City of Jonesboro, in Annex Building
3. The entrance is on the east side of the building on the first
floor.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING
FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE
IN CLAYTON COUNTY PROBATE COURT
PAM FERGUSON, JUDGE
(770) 477-3301
- Both Bride and Groom must be eighteen (18) years of age or
older.
- Both Bride and Groom must appear in person and present a valid
driver's license for identification OR a certified copy of their
birth certificate.
- The cost for the Marriage License is as follows:
-With Certification of Premarital Counseling: $42.00
-Without Certification of Premarital Counseling: $82.00
CASH ONLY. NO CHECKS ACCEPTED.
In order to qualify for the reduced fee, the couple must provide
the Court a signed and dated certificate of completion of a
qualifying premarital education program. The Court has an
acceptable Certificate which you may take to the premarital
education provider.
- If either the Bride or Groom is a resident of the State of
Georgia, the Marriage License may be issued in any county in the
State and the couple may be married in any county of the
State.
- If either the Bride or Groom has been divorced, or if the
previous spouse is deceased, a certified copy of the Final Divorce
Decree/Order or a certified copy of the death certificate,
whichever is applicable, must be presented at the time of
application.
- Translators are not provided by the Court. The Bride and Groom
are responsible for providing their own translators when needed and
the translator must be 18 years of age or older, with picture
identification and not related to either party by blood or
marriage. The translator will be required to sign an affidavit.
Applications will not be accepted after 3:30 P.M. for couples using
a translator.
- Please take into consideration it may take a couple 20-30
minutes to complete the marriage license application; therefore,
please arrive at the Court no later than 3:30 pm to insure you have
enough time to accomplish this requirement. Applications will not
be accepted after 4:00 P.M.
- Probate Court does not perform marriage ceremonies. See the
receptionist in Probate Court for a list of who may perform wedding
ceremonies.
Rev 07/01/2005