Find Canton Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Canton are issued by the Cherokee County Probate Court, which is located right in Canton. Since Canton is the county seat of Cherokee County, the probate court building is just steps away for local residents. Both applicants must appear in person at the court. Cherokee County uses a walk-in system, so appointments are not required. With a population near 38,050, Canton is one of the fastest-growing cities in the north metro Atlanta area. The court handles all marriage license applications for Cherokee County.
Canton Marriage License Quick Facts
Where to Apply for a Canton Marriage License
Canton residents apply at the Cherokee County Probate Court. The office is on the third floor of the courthouse at 90 North Street in downtown Canton. Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is needed, which makes the process easy for Canton locals.
The Cherokee County Probate Court site lists current office hours and forms you may need for your visit.
Always check the website before heading to the office to confirm hours and holiday closures.
| Court | Cherokee County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 90 North Street, Suite 340, Canton, GA 30114 |
| Phone | (678) 493-6160 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Processing takes about 20 to 30 minutes at the counter. Try to arrive by 4:00 PM at the latest so staff have time to finish your paperwork. The courthouse in Canton has free parking nearby. The building is right off Main Street, so it is easy to find.
Canton Marriage License Requirements
Both people must show up together at the Cherokee County Probate Court. Proxies are not allowed. Each applicant must be 18 or older. Georgia law permits a 17-year-old to apply with proof of legal emancipation only. No one under 17 can marry in Georgia.
You need one of these forms of ID:
- Valid state-issued driver's license or ID
- Original or certified birth certificate (translated to English if applicable)
- Valid U.S. passport
- Valid military ID
If either person has been married before, you must bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate of the former spouse. The court will not issue a license without this document. No blood test is needed. Georgia dropped that requirement back on July 1, 2003.
Georgia residents can apply at any county in the state. If neither applicant lives in Georgia, the ceremony must happen in Cherokee County. There is no waiting period. Your marriage license is valid the same day it is issued. It does not have an expiration date under Georgia law.
Canton Marriage License Fees
Cherokee County charges $56 for a standard marriage license. The fee includes one certified copy of the marriage certificate, which is mailed after recording. This is right around the average fee for Georgia counties.
A premarital education discount brings the fee down to $16. To qualify, both people must complete a course of at least six hours within 12 months of applying. The course must be led by a licensed counselor, therapist, or member of the clergy. Bring the completion certificate to the Cherokee County Probate Court when you apply. That is a savings of $40 for Canton couples who take the course.
Additional certified copies cost $10 each. Request them at the time of application or contact the probate court later. Cash and cards are both accepted at the Cherokee County Probate Court. Ask about card fees when you visit.
What Happens After the Wedding in Canton
Your officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. The signed license must go back to the Cherokee County Probate Court within 30 days. Drop it off in person at 90 North Street, Suite 340, Canton, GA 30114, or mail it to the same address.
It takes up to 30 days for the court to record the license. Your certified marriage certificate arrives by mail after recording is complete. If 45 days pass without a certificate, call the court at (678) 493-6160. Keep your own copy of the signed license as a backup until the official certificate comes.
Search Canton Marriage License Records
Search for existing marriage records in Canton through the Georgia Probate Records search tool. This database covers records from many Georgia counties, including Cherokee County. You can search by name and narrow the results by county.
The Georgia Department of Public Health stores marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records outside that date range, contact the Cherokee County Probate Court directly. Services like VitalChek can also process Georgia vital records orders, though they charge extra fees.
You can also use the Request for Search of Marriage form from the Georgia DPH to search for older records. Mail it with the fee to their Atlanta office.
Cherokee County Marriage License Records
Canton is the county seat of Cherokee County, and all marriage licenses are issued by the Cherokee County Probate Court. For full details on fees, forms, and resources, visit the county page.