Gainesville Marriage License Info
Marriage licenses in Gainesville are handled by the Hall County Probate Court. Gainesville does not issue marriage licenses at the city level. The county probate court is on Spring Street in downtown Gainesville. As the county seat of Hall County, the courthouse is easy to find and close to the center of town. With a population near 47,700, Gainesville is the largest city in the northeast Georgia mountains. No appointment is needed. You can walk in during regular business hours to apply.
Gainesville Marriage License Quick Facts
Where to Get a Gainesville Marriage License
Gainesville couples apply at the Hall County Probate Court. The court is at 116 Spring Street SE, Floor 1, Gainesville, GA 30501. Walk-ins are welcome from 8:30 AM to 4:10 PM. No appointment is required. Both applicants must be present.
Check the Hall County Probate Court page for the latest on marriage license hours and fees for Gainesville residents.
This shows the Hall County Probate Court site with marriage license details and office information that applies to Gainesville couples.
| Court | Hall County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 116 Spring Street SE, Floor 1, Gainesville, GA 30501 |
| Phone | (770) 531-6921 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:10 PM (walk-in) |
The walk-in policy makes things simple. Just show up with your documents during business hours. The last application is accepted at 4:10 PM. Try to come a bit earlier to give yourself time to fill out forms and get everything done before the office closes.
Gainesville Marriage License Requirements
Both people must come to the Hall County Probate Court at the same time. Each applicant needs a valid photo ID. This can be a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Social Security numbers are required for both.
If you were married before, bring a certified divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate. Georgia law requires proof that the previous marriage ended. Without it, the clerk will not process your application. Georgia has no blood test or waiting period. The license is valid right away when issued.
Both people must be at least 18. A 17-year-old can apply only with a court order of emancipation. No one under 17 can marry in Georgia. Georgia residents can use any county probate court in the state. You do not have to apply in Hall County just because you live in Gainesville, but it is the closest option for most people here.
Marriage License Fees in Gainesville
The Hall County Probate Court charges $56 for a standard marriage license. Couples who finish premarital education pay $16. That is a $40 discount. The course must last at least six hours and be led by a licensed counselor, therapist, or clergy member.
Complete the course within 12 months of your application. Bring the signed certificate. Without it, you pay the full price. Many churches and counseling centers near Gainesville offer qualifying programs. Some are even free.
Fees at the Hall County Probate Court are non-refundable. Extra certified copies of the marriage certificate cost more. Call (770) 531-6921 to check current pricing and payment options. Some courts add a small fee for card payments.
After Your Gainesville Wedding
The officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. Return the signed license to the Hall County Probate Court within 30 days. You can mail it or bring it to the courthouse on Spring Street. The court records the marriage and sends you a certified copy of the certificate.
Recording takes a few weeks. If your certificate does not arrive within 45 days, call the court at (770) 531-6921. You will need the certified copy for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal steps after your Gainesville wedding.
Search Gainesville Marriage Records
Look up existing marriage records at the Georgia Probate Records search tool. This statewide database covers Hall County and many other Georgia counties. Search by name and filter results by county.
The Georgia Department of Public Health holds marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records outside that range, contact the Hall County Probate Court. Third-party vendors like VitalChek also handle Georgia vital records with added service fees.
Gainesville is a growing city. The number of marriage licenses filed through the Hall County Probate Court has gone up with the population. The court keeps records going back decades. For older records, be ready to give full names and an approximate date to help the staff find what you need.
Hall County Marriage License Records
Gainesville is the county seat of Hall County. All marriage licenses go through the Hall County Probate Court. For full county details on fees, offices, and resources, see the county page.