Dalton Marriage License Search
Marriage licenses in Dalton are issued by the Whitfield County Probate Court. Dalton is the county seat of Whitfield County, which means the probate court is located in town. Both people must go to the office together to apply. With about 34,970 residents, Dalton is the largest city in Whitfield County and the main city in northwest Georgia's carpet manufacturing region. The probate court handles all marriage license filings, recordings, and certified copies for the county.
Dalton Marriage License Quick Facts
Where Dalton Residents Apply for a Marriage License
Dalton residents apply at the Whitfield County Probate Court. The office is inside the Whitfield County courthouse in downtown Dalton. Walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours. Since Dalton is the county seat, locals can get to the courthouse in minutes.
The Whitfield County Probate Court website has details on current hours and any forms you should bring.
Check the website for holiday closures or schedule changes before your visit.
| Court | Whitfield County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 248, Dalton, GA 30722 |
| Phone | (706) 275-7390 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Get to the office at least 30 minutes before closing. Processing takes about 20 to 30 minutes at the counter. The Whitfield County courthouse has a parking area nearby. Bring cash or a card for the fee. Call ahead if you have questions about what forms of payment are accepted.
Dalton Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must appear in person at the Whitfield County Probate Court. You cannot apply by mail or send someone on your behalf. Each person must be at least 18. A 17-year-old can apply only with proof of legal emancipation. Georgia does not permit anyone under 17 to marry.
Each person needs one valid form of ID:
- State-issued driver's license or ID card
- Original or certified birth certificate (English translation if not in English)
- Valid U.S. passport
- Military ID
If either applicant was married before, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate. The court will not issue a new license without this document. Blood tests have not been needed in Georgia since July 1, 2003.
Georgia residents may apply at any county probate court in the state. If neither person lives in Georgia, the ceremony must happen in Whitfield County. No waiting period applies. The license takes effect right away and does not expire.
Marriage License Fees in Dalton
The Whitfield County Probate Court charges a standard fee for marriage licenses. Most counties in Georgia charge around $56. One certified copy of the marriage certificate is included and gets mailed to you after the license is recorded.
A premarital education discount can bring the fee down to about $16. The course has to last at least six hours and be completed within 12 months of your application date. A licensed counselor, therapist, or member of the clergy must lead it. Bring the certificate of completion to the probate court. That discount saves Dalton couples $40.
Extra certified copies are $10 each. You can request them when you apply or later by contacting the court. The office takes cash and most cards. Ask about card fees when you visit or call.
After Your Dalton Wedding Ceremony
The officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. Return the signed license to the Whitfield County Probate Court within 30 days. You can mail it to P.O. Box 248, Dalton, GA 30722, or drop it off at the courthouse.
Recording takes up to 30 days. Your certified marriage certificate will come by mail after that. If more than 45 days go by and you have not gotten it, call (706) 275-7390. Hold on to a copy of the signed license until the official certificate shows up.
Search Dalton Marriage License Records
Search for existing marriage records in Dalton through the Georgia Probate Records search tool. This statewide database has records from many counties, including Whitfield County. You can search by name and narrow results by county.
The Georgia Department of Public Health holds marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records outside that window, contact the Whitfield County Probate Court. Third-party vendors like VitalChek process Georgia vital records orders, though they add service fees.
Mail the Request for Search of Marriage form to the Georgia DPH if you need to look up older records not in the online system.
Whitfield County Marriage License Records
Dalton is the county seat of Whitfield County, and all marriage licenses are handled by the Whitfield County Probate Court. For full details on fees, forms, and resources, visit the county page.