Search Cartersville Marriage License
Marriage licenses for Cartersville residents are issued by the Bartow County Probate Court. The City of Cartersville does not handle marriage license applications. Cartersville is the county seat of Bartow County, which means the probate court office is located in the city itself. About 25,082 people call Cartersville home. Both applicants must visit the Bartow County Probate Court in person to apply. The office is on West Cherokee Avenue in the downtown area, close to shops and restaurants near the old courthouse square.
Cartersville Marriage License Quick Facts
Where to Apply for a Marriage License in Cartersville
Cartersville residents get their marriage license at the Bartow County Probate Court. The office is in the Frank Moore Judicial Center on West Cherokee Avenue. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours. Both people must come together to fill out the application.
The state of Georgia provides information about marriage license applications on its official site.
This page outlines what you need to bring and how the process works across the state.
| Court | Bartow County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 135 W. Cherokee Ave, Suite 280, Cartersville, GA 30120 |
| Phone | (770) 387-5055 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
The Frank Moore Judicial Center is easy to find in downtown Cartersville. It has on-site parking for visitors. Try to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time. The application process takes some time, and staff need a window to review your documents and enter the data.
Requirements for a Marriage License in Cartersville
Both applicants must appear in person. You must be at least 18 years old. Georgia law requires that each person be of sound mind and not currently married to someone else. A 17-year-old may apply only if they can show proof of legal emancipation.
You will need a valid form of ID. Accepted forms include:
- State-issued driver's license or ID
- U.S. passport
- Military ID
- Certified birth certificate
If either applicant was married before, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree, annulment order, or a death certificate for the former spouse. The Bartow County Probate Court will not issue a new license until they see proof that the prior marriage ended.
No blood tests are needed. Georgia dropped that requirement back in 2003. You also do not need a witness to apply. Just both applicants and valid IDs.
Georgia residents can apply in any county. If you live in Cartersville, you are not required to use Bartow County. But it is the most convenient choice since the office is right in town. If neither person is a Georgia resident, you must apply in the county where your ceremony will take place.
Marriage License Fees for Cartersville Residents
A standard marriage license at the Bartow County Probate Court costs $56. This is the most common fee across Georgia counties. The fee is due when you apply and is not refundable for any reason.
If you complete a premarital counseling course, the fee drops to just $16. That is a $40 savings. The course must last at least six hours and be led by a licensed counselor, therapist, or member of the clergy. It must be completed within 12 months of your application date. Bring the certificate of completion to the court when you apply. Without it, the court charges the full amount.
Call ahead at (770) 387-5055 to ask about payment methods. Policies can vary. Some courts accept cards while others prefer cash or money orders. It is always better to ask first than to show up and find out you need a different form of payment.
Extra certified copies of the marriage certificate cost around $10 each. You may want a few for name change purposes. Banks, insurance companies, and the Social Security office all tend to want their own copy.
After Your Wedding in Cartersville
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license. The signed license must go back to the Bartow County Probate Court within 30 days. You can mail it or bring it in person. The court records the marriage and sends you a certified copy of the marriage certificate.
Do not wait too long. If the license is not returned promptly, your marriage may not be on file when you need proof of it. This can cause problems when changing your name or updating legal documents.
Any judge, minister, or other authorized officiant can perform the wedding. Georgia also allows magistrate judges and justices of the peace. If you use an online-ordained minister, check with the court to make sure they accept that type of credentials. Most do, but it is worth asking.
Search Cartersville Marriage License Records
Search for existing marriage records using the Georgia Probate Records search tool. This database includes records from counties across Georgia. Enter a name and select Bartow County to narrow your results.
The Georgia Department of Public Health maintains marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996. Records from before or after that period are held at the county level. Contact the Bartow County Probate Court at (770) 387-5055 for records not in the state database.
Third-party services such as VitalChek can help you order certified copies online. They charge an extra fee on top of what the state or county charges. The convenience of online ordering can be worth it if you cannot visit in person or send a mail request.
For general information about applying for a marriage license in Georgia, the Georgia.gov marriage license page is a helpful starting point. It covers the basics that apply to all counties in the state.
Bartow County Marriage License Records
Cartersville sits in Bartow County, and the Bartow County Probate Court handles all marriage license matters. For the full details on fees, office info, and county-wide resources, visit the county page.