Columbus Marriage License Lookup
Marriage licenses in Columbus are issued by the Muscogee County Probate Court, not by the City of Columbus. Columbus and Muscogee County share a consolidated government, so the probate court serves the entire area. The court is on the sixth floor of the Government Center on 10th Street in downtown Columbus. With a population of about 201,830, Columbus is the third-largest city in Georgia. Walk-in service is the only option here. The court does not take appointments for marriage licenses.
Columbus Marriage License Quick Facts
Where to Get a Marriage License in Columbus
Columbus residents apply for a marriage license at the Muscogee County Probate Court. The court is in the Government Center building. It operates on a walk-in basis only. No appointments are available or needed.
The Muscogee County Probate Court website provides details on fees and what you need to bring for your Columbus marriage license.
Processing stops at 4:00 PM, so plan to arrive well before that time if you need a same-day license in Columbus.
| Court | Muscogee County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 10th Street, 6th Floor, Columbus, GA 31901 |
| Phone | (706) 225-4750 |
| probatelicense@columbusga.org | |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (processing ends at 4:00 PM) |
There is no need to make an appointment. Just walk in during business hours. Both people must be present. The staff will process your application while you wait. Most visits take less than 30 minutes if you have all your documents ready.
Columbus Marriage License Requirements
Both people must come to the Muscogee County Probate Court together. You cannot apply alone or send a proxy. Each applicant needs to be at least 18 years old. A 17-year-old can apply only with proof of legal emancipation under Georgia law.
Bring a valid photo ID. The court accepts these:
- State-issued driver's license or ID card
- Original or certified birth certificate
- Valid U.S. or foreign passport
- Military ID
If either person was married before, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate of the prior spouse. The court must see proof that the prior marriage ended before they will issue a new license. No blood tests are needed. Georgia dropped that rule on July 1, 2003.
Georgia residents can apply at any county probate court in the state. If neither person is a Georgia resident, the license must be obtained in the county where the wedding will take place. There is no waiting period in Muscogee County. Your license is valid right away.
Marriage License Fees in Columbus
The Muscogee County Probate Court charges $56 for a standard marriage license. This is on the lower end for Georgia counties. The fee covers processing and one certified copy of the marriage certificate after recording.
Couples who complete a premarital education course pay just $16. That is a savings of $40. The course needs to be at least six hours and completed within 12 months before you apply. It must be led by a licensed counselor, therapist, or clergy member. Bring the certificate of completion to the probate court when you apply.
Extra certified copies of the marriage certificate cost $10 each. The court accepts cash and cards. Ask about any card fees before you pay. All fees are non-refundable, even if you decide not to go through with the wedding.
Courthouse Weddings in Columbus
The Muscogee County Probate Court performs wedding ceremonies at set times during the week. Ceremonies are held on Monday and Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and on Friday from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and again from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. You must already have your Muscogee County marriage license before the ceremony.
These courthouse ceremonies are short and simple. You can bring a few guests. This is a budget-friendly choice for Columbus couples who want a legal ceremony without the expense of a venue. Contact the probate court at (706) 225-4750 for more details on scheduling.
After Your Columbus Wedding
The officiant signs the license after the ceremony. Return the signed license to the Muscogee County Probate Court within 30 days. You can mail it to 100 10th Street, 6th Floor, Columbus, GA 31901, or bring it in person.
The court will record the marriage and mail your certified certificate. This usually takes up to 30 days. If you do not receive it after 45 days, call (706) 225-4750 or email probatelicense@columbusga.org to check on it.
Search Columbus Marriage Records
Search for marriage records from Columbus using the Georgia Probate Records search tool. This statewide database covers many Georgia counties including Muscogee. You can search by name and filter by county or date range.
The Georgia Department of Public Health has marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records outside that window, contact the Muscogee County Probate Court. Third-party vendors like VitalChek can also process Georgia vital records requests for an added fee.
Muscogee County Marriage License Records
Columbus is in Muscogee County, and the Muscogee County Probate Court handles all marriage license applications. For the complete list of fees, forms, and resources, visit the county page.