What Are Georgia Marriage Records?

Marriage is a legally binding partnership that grants specific rights and responsibilities to both parties. According to the Code of Georgia, Title 19, Chapter 3, marriage records serve as the official documentation of marital unions. The state of Georgia has systematically maintained these records since 1805.

Georgia marriage records typically consist of two key documents: the marriage license and the marriage certificate. A marriage license is issued before the wedding and grants legal permission for the marriage to take place. Meanwhile, a marriage certificate is issued after the ceremony to confirm that the marriage has been officially recognized under the law.

These records often contain important details, such as the names of the spouses, the date and location of the marriage, and information about the officiant. Marriage records are frequently required for government-related transactions and legal purposes, including inheritance claims and property disputes.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

The Georgia Open Records Act governs public access to government records, including marriage records. The law gives the public the right to access, inspect, and copy public records. However, while marriage records are generally considered public, certain conditions and limitations exist to protect individual privacy.

Specific details, especially for recent marriages, may be restricted to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. Sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, home addresses, or other personal data is often redacted or withheld from public versions of these records.

In some cases, individuals seeking access to Georgia marriage records may need to demonstrate a direct and legitimate interest in the records. This requirement ensures that access is granted only to those with a valid reason, such as spouses, immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Georgia?

In Georgia, marriage records are maintained primarily by two government agencies.

The State Office of Vital Records provides certified copies of marriage records for weddings conducted between June 1952 and August 1996. For records of marriages conducted before 1952 or after 1996, certified copies can be obtained through the probate court clerk in the county where the marriage was recorded.

To look up or obtain a copy of a Georgia marriage record, the following information and documents are typically required:

• Full names of both spouses (including maiden name, if applicable)
• Date of the marriage (or an approximate date)
• County where the marriage was recorded
• A completed request for a search of marriage record form
• A photocopy of valid photo identification

If the county of marriage is unknown or the record is needed for genealogical purposes, the State Office of Vital Records offers a Marriage Verification service. By completing the Marriage Verification Request Form, individuals can verify marriages that occurred on or after January 1, 2014.

For marriages outside this period, the requestor must contact the probate court clerk in the county where the marriage license was issued.

The following is the general process for obtaining marriage records in the state:

• Identify the correct office based on the date of the marriage.
• Complete the appropriate forms.
• Provide identification and include a photocopy of valid photo identification.
• Pay the required fee. Payment is required at the time of submission.
• Submit the request in person or by mail.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

In Georgia, individuals can access either a certified copy or an informational copy of a marriage certificate. A certified copy is an official document that serves as legal proof of marriage. It includes an embossed seal or stamp. Meanwhile, an informational copy is a non-certified version that typically lacks legal standing and is often used for personal reference.

Unlike other vital records, marriage certificates cannot be requested online from the State Office of Vital Records. Requests must be made by mail and completed with the Search for Marriage Request Form, a valid government ID, and a money order or certified check payable to the GA State Office of Vital Records.

Only the bride and groom can request certified copies of the marriage application.

As outlined in Georgia Code, Title 31, Chapter 10, a non-refundable search fee of $10 is required for marriage record requests. If the record is found, a certified copy will be provided. Any additional copies requested at the time of purchase will incur a $5 fee per copy.

For marriages that occurred outside of the mentioned timeframe, certified copies must be requested from the probate court clerk in the county where the marriage license was issued. As procedures may differ by county, it is recommended to check the county's website or the Georgia Probate Courts Directory for specific contact details and instructions.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

In Georgia, marriage licenses are maintained by the probate court in the county where they were issued. The process for obtaining a copy can vary by county, with options to request a copy by mail, online, or in person.

Some counties, such as DeKalb County, offer an online search tool, which makes it easier for individuals to request marriage licenses digitally. However, other counties may require in-person visits to the probate court office or the submission of a request by mail. Fees for obtaining a copy may also vary depending on the county.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to government resources, there are other online options for searching Georgia marriage records.

Most marriage records for Georgia counties can be accessed on microfilm at the Georgia Archives, except for those that were lost due to fires or other disasters. These records are primarily located in the Marriage Records on Microfilm Collection in the Virtual Vault. Post-1900 records are generally not available at the Georgia Archives, with only a few exceptions.

Services like RecordsFinder also allow users to search public records for marriage information. While they don't provide certified copies, they can help locate details about the marriage. Fees may apply, and results depend on the available data.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage is a type of union where the marriage record is kept private and not accessible to the public. Couples may choose this option to protect sensitive personal information, avoid public attention, or maintain privacy regarding their marital status.

However, in Georgia, confidential marriages are not allowed. All marriages are considered public records, and marriage licenses and certificates are generally available to the public under Georgia's open records laws.

If any details within a marriage record are legally sealed or restricted, accessing those specific details may require a court order. To obtain access, an individual must file a petition with the appropriate court and supply a valid reason and legal justification for their request.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

In Georgia, a marriage license is issued after the applicants submit a written application, which is verified through an oath from both parties. Couples must meet certain eligibility requirements to obtain a marriage license. The law requires both parties to be of sound mind and have no living spouse from a prior undissolved marriage.

Additionally, the following key requirements must be met:

Identification Required

Both parties must present valid identification, such as a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card).

If either party is not a U.S. citizen, additional documents, such as a passport or visa, may be required. Additionally, if any legal document is submitted in a language other than English, a certified translation must be provided.

Age Requirements

The legal age for marriage in Georgia is 18. Since July 1, 2019, Georgia no longer allows minors under the age of 17 to marry, and parental consent is no longer an option for those under 17. However, a 17-year-old may obtain a marriage license under specific conditions:

• The minor must have been granted an emancipation petition by the juvenile court, and they must present a certified copy of the court order.
• At least 15 days must have passed since the emancipation order was issued.
• The older party in the marriage must be no more than four years older than the minor.
• Both parties must also complete premarital education as required by GA Code Section 19-3-30.1.

To apply for a marriage license, applicants must provide proof of age. Some acceptable forms of proof include:

• Driver's license
• Birth certificate
• Baptismal certificate
• Certificate of birth registration
• Passport
• Immigration or citizenship documents
• Selective service card
• Court record
• Armed forces discharge or identification card
• Hospital admission card that includes the full name and date of birth

Residency Requirement

Georgia does not require residency. Couples from outside the state can apply for a marriage license in any Georgia county.

License Validity

Once issued, the marriage license is valid immediately and can be used anywhere in Georgia. It does not have an expiration date. However, the signed marriage license must be submitted to the probate court within 30 days after the ceremony. Following this, the marriage certificate will be sent by mail within 30 days.

Waiting Periods

Georgia has no mandatory waiting period. After receiving the marriage license, couples can marry immediately.

Officiants and Witnesses

The marriage must be officiated by an authorized officiant, such as a judge or religious minister. The state does not require any witnesses to be present.

Blood Test Requirement

Since July 1, 2003, Georgia no longer mandates premarital blood tests. Nevertheless, the state advises couples to get tested for sickle cell disease before applying for a marriage license.

Proxy Marriages

A proxy marriage, where one person is represented by another, is not legally recognized in the state. Both parties must be present at the ceremony.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

If a mistake is found on a marriage certificate or application in Georgia, it is possible to request a correction. Common errors include misspelled names, incorrect dates, or mistakes in the personal information of the individuals involved.

To correct the error, the individual must contact the probate court in the county where the marriage took place. While the exact procedure may vary by county, typically, after the ceremony, a petition must be filed to amend the marriage record.

The petition will require supporting documentation to substantiate the correction, and the court may process the request in 30 to 45 days. Once the change is made, a fee is also required to obtain a certified copy of the amended marriage certificate.

Are Marriage Records Under the Georgia Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is designed to protect the identities and locations of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other crimes. It allows eligible participants to use a substitute address for all public records, including marriage records, to shield their actual address from public disclosure.

Georgia does not have an ACP. As a result, marriage records in Georgia are generally considered public records and can be accessed unless other legal protections are in place. Individuals seeking to protect their privacy in marriage records may need to explore alternative legal measures or seek a court order for confidentiality.

Georgia Marriage Statistics and Trends

Marriage trends in the U.S. reflect significant shifts in societal norms and living arrangements.

Currently, 53% of adults aged 18 and older are married, a decline from 58% in 1995. This downward trend is particularly evident among younger Americans, with only 18% of adults under 30 currently married, compared to 31% in 1995.

Cohabitation has seen a notable rise, with 59% of adults aged 18 to 44 having cohabited at some point, surpassing the 50% of adults in this age group who have ever been married. This shift marks a substantial change from a decade ago, when 54% of adults in this age group had cohabited, and 60% had been married.

In Georgia, the state's marriage statistics and trends highlight the following:

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