In this first installment of Happily Ever After, a series offering helpful tips to those considering marriage in Georgia, we will discuss on what steps a couple needs to take in order to become legally wed in the state of Georgia. Although it may seem counter-intuitive for a Georgia divorce attorney to write on such topics as marriage advice, divorce attorneys often have a unique perspective on marriage, as we commonly see the missteps and mistakes that lead to divorce. Now, let's get to the basics……
No Residency Requirement or Waiting Period
Couples seeking to wed do not have to wait to get married in Georgia. If one future spouse is a resident of Georgia, a couple can get a marriage license anywhere in the state. If neither future spouse is a resident of Georgia, the license must be issued in the county where the ceremony will be performed. O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30.
Age Requirement
The legal age to get married in Georgia is 18. With parental consent, those aged 16 and 17 may wed as well. This parental consent must be given by both parents or legal guardians in person, before the probate judge presiding in the county where the couple seeks to wed. O.C.G.A. § 19-3-37.
Obtaining a Marriage License
A Georgia marriage license can be obtained at the probate court in the county where the couple seeks to wed, or in any county in the state of Georgia. Both partners must be present to obtain the marriage license, and both must present a valid form of identification, like a driver's license, birth certificate, passport, or military ID. The fee to obtain a marriage license in Georgia is generally $56. However, this fee may be reduced to $16 if the couple obtains a certificate of completion from a qualified premarital education program. A qualified premarital program must include at least six hours of professional instruction on marital issues and must be taught by a licensed counselor, social worker, therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, clergy member or clergy's designee who is trained in premarital education. O.C.G.A. § 19-3-33.
Witnesses and Officiants
In Georgia, judges, justices of the peace and licensed or ordained ministers, clergymen, pastors and other religious leaders can perform marriage ceremonies. Wedding ceremonies in Georgia must be observed by at least two witnesses. See generally O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30 et seq.