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Marriage License

Contact Us

If you have questions regarding a Marriage License, please email us @ cobbprobatelicense@cobbcounty.org.  You will get a response much quicker by sending an email, as opposed to leaving a voicemail, due to the fact our clerks are busy assisting customers.  It is much quicker for them to respond to an email in between customers than it is to return a phone call.    Please help us get your questions answered quicker! 

Appointments

Appointments are encouraged, but not required.  To make an appointment, visit the link below:

If you do not have email access, call 770-528-1931. The application, except for the signature, must be completed before arriving.

Marriage License Application   Note:  Click on link - application can found on the bottom left of the screen. 

Please see the list below before arriving to the courthouse:

  • The marriage license fee is
    • $56.00 (cash/credit/debit) or
    • $16 (cash/credit/debit) only if you provide to the court a Certificate of Completion for a Qualified Premarital Education Program with at least six hours of instruction involving marital issues. 

When paying cash, if possible, please have exact change.   A $2.00 or 3.5% service fee , whichever is higher, will be assessed on all credit card transactions. This service fee goes directly to nCourt; Probate Court’s payment processing vendor. All fees are non-refundable.

The Magistrate Court will conduct limited daily wedding ceremonies. Please call 770-528-8900, or visit the following link for more information:  Magistrate Court Wedding Ceremonies

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment?

No, you do not need an appointment.  However, if you would like to make an appointment for a marriage or weapons carry license, you may schedule one, here

Does the marriage license marry us automatically?

No, the marriage license is needed (prior) in order to have a valid and effective ceremony. If one or both of you live in Georgia, you can get a license in any county. If neither of you live in Georgia, you need to get the permit from the county where you will have the ceremony. 

Who can marry us?

O.C.G.A. §19-3-30 (c) establishes who may perform a marriage ceremony.  The Court cannot authorize an officiant or interpret the statute.

Does my last name change automatically after getting married?

The Probate Court does not share your information with any other department/agency, therefore it is your responsibility to change your last name on your driver's license, social security card, and with your insurance company, employer, banking institutions, etc. 

Does the marriage certificate get sent out automatically?

No, Marriage Certificates ARE NOT sent out automatically.  A fee of $10.00 is required when requesting a Marriage Certificate.  Marriage Certificates can be ordered online at our website; in-person at our office Monday thru Friday 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. at 32 Waddell St Marietta, GA 30090, or via a mail-in request.

Is my first marriage certificate free of charge?

The Probate Court of Cobb County DOES NOT provide a complimentary copy of the marriage certificate after recording the marriage license.  Copies may be purchased online, here.

Why does my marriage license/certificate not show my married last name?

Your marriage record reflects the name you had at the time you applied for your marriage license with the court (and always will).

Do we need any witnesses for our marriage license or ceremony?

No, witnesses are not required during a marriage ceremony in Georgia.  However, in the event a marriage license is not returned for recording by the officiant, OCGA § 19-3-30 (e)  explains the requirements that must be met. (So it may be helpful to have witnesses).

What do I need to submit as an officiant?

Cobb County Probate only requires that the marriage license be filled out by the officiant neatly and returned to the Court on behalf of the couples after their ceremony. No other documents are required, as Cobb County does not keep records of officiants.

Do you keep records of officiants?

The Probate Court of Cobb County does not require, nor does it record officiant’s credentials.