How do I Locate a Free Marriage Record in Georgia?
In Georgia, marriage records are stored differently based on when the marriage took place. Georgia counties began keeping marriage records in the 1800s, and since then, different offices shared responsibility for keeping them. Obtaining free marriage records depends on many factors, including whether you need a certified copy. It helps to know the year the marriage occurred to avoid in-depth search fees.
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Instructions
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Contact the appropriate vital records office. Each Georgia county has a vital records office where you can research information in person. These offices are in one of two places: the health department or the probate judge's office. Most counties charge for record copies. However, looking up the record without printing a copy is usually free, unless you need to search through many years. You will find records for 1952 through 1996 in the vital records office.
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Give the proper information. You need the bride's and groom's names as well date and place. Without this information, it is difficult--but not impossible--to find the record. The clerk might run a free search with only one of the names. However, the clerk will charge if she has to search multiple years.
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Contact the church where the marriage took place. Many religious institutions keep records of those married in their building. Old churches might have records dating back decades.
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Contact the marriage records department in the county where the marriage took place. Georgia vital records maintains marriage records from 1952 to 1996. After 1996, the probate office keeps the records. These more current records can be accessed by requesting a search from this office. Looking up the records is usually free, but there is a charge for copies.
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Contact the Georgia Archives for a long shot at finding some older marriage records. Georgia did not require marriage records to be kept until 1805, but some counties have older records on file. You can visit the Georgia Archives website or call them to find out if they have records for the county during the time period in question. You may also go to the facility and research for yourself. A link to the archives marriage search section is located in the resources section. While there is no charge for searching the records and finding what you want, there are copier fees if you want to take a copy of the record with you. These fees are generally nominal, such as 20 cents per page. Photocopies of large documents might cost more. There are no fees if you search online because you will use your own printer.
Georgia Archives
5800 Jonesboro Road
Morrow, GA 30260
678-364-3700
sos.georgia.gov/archives
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit marriage image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
