Getting a Marriage License in the City of Atlanta: What You Need to Know

Planning to get married in Atlanta and need a marriage license? Whether you live in the city, are flying in for a destination wedding, or just want to understand how the process works here, the steps are straightforward once you know where to go and what to bring.

This guide walks you through how to get a City of Atlanta marriage license through the local county probate courts that serve Atlanta residents and visitors.

How Marriage Licenses Work in Atlanta

Atlanta sits across several counties, but most of the city is in Fulton County and DeKalb County. In Georgia, marriage licenses are issued by county probate courts, not by the city itself.

If you’re getting married in Atlanta, you’ll typically apply at one of these:

• Fulton County Probate Court (for couples living or marrying in the Fulton-area part of Atlanta)
• DeKalb County Probate Court (for couples living or marrying in the DeKalb-area part of Atlanta)

You don’t have to get your license in the same county where your ceremony takes place, but many couples choose the court that’s most convenient.

Where to Get a Marriage License in Atlanta

Fulton County Probate Court – Atlanta Locations

1. Fulton County Probate Court – Downtown Atlanta (Main Office)

• Address: 136 Pryor Street SW, Suite C-230, Atlanta, GA 30303
• This is the primary courthouse serving much of the City of Atlanta.
• Commonly used by residents who live in Midtown, Downtown, Westside, and many in-town neighborhoods.

2. Fulton County North Service Center (for couples closer to North Fulton)

• Often used by residents in neighborhoods north of central Atlanta, such as Buckhead and surrounding areas.
• Check current locations and hours before visiting, as satellite offices can change or have limited services.

You can usually start the application online and then appear in person to finalize it, but in-person appearance by both parties is typically required for issuance.

DeKalb County Probate Court – Serving East Atlanta

Parts of East Atlanta and surrounding neighborhoods fall in DeKalb County.

DeKalb County Probate Court – Decatur (Main Office)

• Address: 556 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030
• Just east of Atlanta, easily reachable from areas like East Atlanta Village, Kirkwood, Edgewood, and Druid Hills.

Both Fulton and DeKalb probate courts serve many Atlanta residents, so you can choose based on convenience if you meet their requirements.

Basic Requirements for a Marriage License in Atlanta

While details can vary slightly by county, these are the standard requirements you’ll encounter when applying in the Atlanta area:

Age Requirements

• 18 or older: Can generally marry without parental consent.
• 17-year-olds: Georgia has specific, stricter rules (including requirements related to emancipation and age differences); many couples in this situation consult the local probate court directly for guidance.
• Under 17: Marriage is not permitted under current Georgia law.

Identification You’ll Need

Both parties usually must appear in person and present:

• A valid photo ID, such as:
  • Georgia driver’s license or state ID
  • U.S. passport
  • Permanent resident card
  • Military ID
• Some courts also ask for:
  • Social Security number (or written statement if you do not have one)
  • Proof of current legal name, if it differs from what appears on other documents

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a valid passport or other government-issued ID is typically required.

Previous Marriages

If either person has been married before, be ready to provide:

• Exact date the prior marriage ended
• Whether it ended by divorce, annulment, or death
• In some cases, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate may be requested, especially if the divorce is recent.

Fees and Payment for a Marriage License in Atlanta

Marriage license fees in the Atlanta area are set at the county level and are usually in a similar range.

Typical fee structure:

*Exact amounts can change, so it’s wise to confirm the current fee and accepted payment methods with the probate court before you go.

💡 Tip: Some courts accept cash, debit/credit cards, or money orders only. Check ahead so you’re prepared at the counter.

Do You Need Blood Tests or Waiting Periods in Atlanta?

For marriages in Atlanta (and across Georgia):

• No blood test is required.
• In many cases, there is no waiting period once the license is issued; you may be able to marry the same day your license is granted, depending on your officiant’s availability.

This makes Atlanta a practical choice for couples who want a quick and simple process—especially if you’re coming from out of state.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Marriage License in Atlanta

1. Decide Which County Probate Court to Use

Choose the court that is most convenient:

• Live or staying downtown, Midtown, Westside, Buckhead, or much of in-town Atlanta?
  You’ll likely use Fulton County Probate Court in downtown Atlanta.

• Live or staying on the east side (East Atlanta, Decatur-area, inside DeKalb County)?
  DeKalb County Probate Court in Decatur may be closer.

2. Start the Application (Online or In Person)

Many Atlanta-area probate courts let you:

• Complete a marriage license application online
  and then arrive in person with your confirmation number and IDs; or
• Fill out a paper application in the clerk’s office when you arrive.

Both parties typically must appear together to complete the process.

3. Visit the Probate Court

Bring:

• Required photo ID for both people
• Any documents about previous marriages, if applicable
• Payment for fees (confirm accepted payment types in advance)

At the court:

• You’ll review your information with the clerk.
• You’ll swear or affirm that the information is true.
• You’ll pay the fee.
• The license is usually issued shortly afterward if everything is in order.

4. Use the License in Your Ceremony

Once you have your marriage license:

• It is valid for ceremonies anywhere in Georgia, not just within that county.
• Your officiant (judge, minister, or other authorized person) will complete the license at your wedding.

Common officiants in Atlanta include:

• Judges or magistrates (for courthouse-style ceremonies)
• Ministers, rabbis, imams, or other clergy
• Licensed or ordained officiants who perform weddings professionally

💡 If you want a courthouse wedding in Atlanta, contact the probate court or local magistrate court to see whether judges perform ceremonies, what times are available, and what their fees are.

5. Return the Completed License for Recording

After the ceremony:

• The officiant is usually responsible for returning the completed marriage license to the issuing probate court.
• Once filed, the court records your marriage and you can request certified copies.

Certified copies are what you’ll use to:

• Change your name on your Social Security record
• Update your driver’s license at a Georgia Department of Driver Services location
• Update passports and other official records

Atlanta-Specific Tips for Planning Around Your License

Plan for Traffic and Parking

If you’re visiting the downtown Atlanta courthouse:

• Plan extra time for rush-hour traffic on streets like Peachtree Street, Courtland Street, and around I-75/85.
• Arrive early to find parking near Pryor Street SW or use MARTA rail or bus service to avoid parking delays.

For the DeKalb Probate Court in Decatur:

• There is public and street parking around the Decatur Square area.
• MARTA’s Decatur Station is within walking distance if you prefer transit.

Consider Your Wedding Venue Location

Popular Atlanta wedding areas include:

• Midtown and Downtown Atlanta (hotels, rooftops, historic venues)
• Westside / West Midtown (industrial-chic spaces, breweries)
• Grant Park, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and other historic neighborhoods
• Decatur and East Atlanta (intimate venues, restaurants, and gardens)

Since your Georgia marriage license is valid statewide, you can:

• Apply at a convenient court (Fulton or DeKalb)
• Hold your ceremony at any venue within the metro Atlanta area or elsewhere in Georgia.

Common Questions About Atlanta Marriage Licenses

Do we have to be Georgia residents to get a marriage license in Atlanta?

No. You can apply for a Georgia marriage license in Fulton or DeKalb County even if you’re from out of state. Non-residents often choose Atlanta because of its airport access and variety of venues.

How long is the marriage license valid?

Georgia marriage licenses usually do not expire quickly, but it’s still wise to get your license within a reasonable time before your wedding so information stays current and easy to manage. Couples often apply within a few weeks to a couple of months of the ceremony.

Can we change our name through the license?

Georgia typically allows one or both spouses to adopt a new last name through the marriage. You’ll:

• Marry using your chosen name on the license
• Use the certified marriage certificate afterward to update your name with Social Security, the Georgia Department of Driver Services, and other agencies.

Can we have a same-day courthouse wedding in Atlanta?

In many cases, yes—if:

• The court is open
• Your application is approved
• A judge or officiant is available that day

Availability can vary, so it’s best to call ahead to the probate court or local magistrate court if you want a same-day ceremony.

Quick Atlanta Marriage License Checklist ✅

Use this to stay on track:

• [ ] Choose your court (Fulton or DeKalb, based on where you’ll be or what’s most convenient)
• [ ] Confirm office hours, fee amounts, and payment methods
• [ ] Complete any online application if available
• [ ] Gather:
  • Valid photo IDs
  • Divorce decree or death certificate info (if previously married)
• [ ] Visit the probate court together to finalize your application
• [ ] Receive your marriage license and store it safely
• [ ] Confirm your officiant and ceremony details
• [ ] Ensure the completed license is returned for official recording
• [ ] Order certified copies of your marriage certificate for name changes and records

With these steps, you’ll be ready to navigate the City of Atlanta marriage license process smoothly and focus on the rest of your wedding plans.