Under Georgia law, a marriage license is issued by the Probate Court as legal authorization for two eligible individuals to enter into marriage. Applicants must satisfy all statutory requirements, including legal age or proper consent, competency to marry, and confirmation that no prohibited relationship or other legal impediment exists. The Probate Court does not provide legal advice.
Georgia law does not require applicants to be residents of this state to obtain a marriage license. If at least one applicant is a Georgia resident, the license may be issued by any Georgia Probate Court and the marriage may be performed anywhere in Georgia; however, if both applicants are non-residents, the license must be obtained from the county where the ceremony will occur, and the marriage must be performed in that same county.
Highlight: ‘Both applicants must appear together in person before a license may be issued.’ Both applicants must appear together; one applicant may not apply on behalf of the other.
Licenses are issued during regular business hours; same-day issuance is subject to completion of all statutory requirements.
Fees for Marriage License: $76.00 without premarital education and $36.00 with premarital education certificate.
Marriage licenses issued in Georgia may be searched using the link below:
For Lanier County records, a copy of the marriage license may be available by selecting the Adobe PDF link beneath the record once located.
Only the marriage license is available for online viewing. The marriage application must be requested through the Probate Court using the records request process.
If a record is not available online, please follow the records request process through this website.
• Full present legal name of each applicant
• Date of birth of each applicant
• Present residential address of each applicant
• Name of father and mother of each applicant (or state if unknown)
• Social Security numbers are required by law for the marriage report and cannot be waived.
If you have never been issued a Social Security number, you may enter “None” or “Not Issued.” A marriage license will not be denied solely because an applicant does not have a Social Security number.
• Statement affirming no legal impediment to the marriage
• Statement indicating whether premarital education has been completed
Premarital Education (If Applicable)
If applicants indicate completion of premarital education pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30.1, a signed and dated certificate of completion from the provider must be submitted at the time of application.
Form:
Marriage License Application Link:
Completion of the online application does not eliminate the requirement that both applicants appear in person. If you are unable to submit your application online, please call 229-482-3668 to schedule an appointment to complete in person.
Both applicants must appear together in person at the Lanier County Probate Court to:
• Verify the application under oath
The Court provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities as required by law. Applicants who require language interpretation or other assistance in completing the application must provide a competent adult interpreter or assistant at their own expense. The Court reserves the right to ensure that all required information and oaths are fully understood.
• Present valid state-issued photo identification
• Complete required documentation
• Prior Marriages
If previously married, a certified copy of the most recent divorce decree is required.
If widowed, the date of death of the prior spouse must be provided.
Divorce decrees must be certified copies. Photocopies will not be accepted.
• Pay applicable fees
Fees for Marriage License: $76.00 without premarital education and $36.00 with premarital education certificate.
Marriage licenses are not issued by mail or through third parties.
Bring your completed license back with the Lanier County Probate Court to receive your certified copies.
Requests to amend or correct a marriage record must be submitted by written petition. Submission of a petition does not guarantee approval; all requests are subject to Georgia law. Court staff cannot change records based solely on verbal requests. Probate Court cannot provide legal advice regarding amendment eligibility.
Petition must be fully completed and signed prior to submission.
The Court will review petition and supporting documentation. Applicants will be contacted if additional information is required. Processing time varies depending on nature of request.
