How to Get Married in Georgia

When you get married in Georgia, you can hold the ceremony in the middle of a bustling city like Atlanta or out in the gorgeous Southern countryside. Urban splendor stands side-by-side with the works of nature in Georgia, making it a popular wedding venue.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• marriage license

1. Apply for the marriage license at a county courthouse. There is a fee for the application that is usually less than $30.
2. Get the services of a wedding official. This person will officiate at the ceremony. Ordained ministers and justices of the peace are two common wedding officials.
3. Arrange for at least 2 witnesses to the ceremony. They will sign the marriage certificate along with you and your spouse and the wedding official.
4. Prepare for the wedding ceremony. Actually, you may want to get all the details ironed out before you get the marriage license.
5. Hold the ceremony at the wedding venue of your choice. This can be as fancy or as Spartan as you desire.

Tips & Warnings

• Complete a qualified premarital education program within 12 months of applying for the marriage license. Completion of qualified program allows you and your spouse to receive your marriage license for a reduced cost.
• If neither you nor your future spouse is a resident of the state of Georgia, you must get married in the same county that issued the marriage license. Georgia residents can use a marriage license anywhere in the state.
• If you have been married before, you must prove that union has been dissolved by death or by legal act before you can legally obtain a marriage certificate.