Woodstock Marriage License
Marriage licenses for Woodstock residents are issued by the Cherokee County Probate Court in Canton. The City of Woodstock does not handle marriage license applications. Cherokee County uses a walk-in system, so you do not need an appointment. Both people must go to the probate court in person. With a population near 39,400, Woodstock is the largest city in Cherokee County. The court office is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Woodstock on North Street in Canton.
Woodstock Marriage License Quick Facts
Where Woodstock Residents Get a Marriage License
Woodstock couples apply for a marriage license at the Cherokee County Probate Court in Canton. The office is on the third floor of the Cherokee County courthouse. Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis during regular hours. No appointment is needed.
The Cherokee County Probate Court website has details on forms and what to bring to the office.
Check the site before your visit to confirm current hours and any 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 |
Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before the office closes. Processing takes about 20 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter. The Cherokee County courthouse has free parking nearby, which makes the trip from Woodstock easy. Bring exact cash or a card for the fee since change may not always be available.
Marriage License Requirements for Woodstock Applicants
Both people must appear in person at the Cherokee County Probate Court. You cannot send one person alone or use a proxy. Each applicant must be at least 18 years old. A 17-year-old can apply only with proof of legal emancipation. Georgia law does not allow marriage for anyone under 17.
You will need to bring one of these forms of ID:
- Valid state-issued driver's license or ID card
- Original or certified birth certificate (with English translation if not in English)
- Valid U.S. passport
- Valid military ID
If either person was married before, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate of the former spouse. The court will not issue a new license without this proof. Georgia stopped requiring blood tests on July 1, 2003. No medical exam is needed.
Georgia residents can apply at any county probate court in the state. If neither person lives in Georgia, the ceremony must take place in the county where you get the license. There is no waiting period in Cherokee County. Once issued, the license is valid right away and does not expire.
Woodstock Marriage License Fees
The Cherokee County Probate Court charges $56 for a standard marriage license. This is close to the average fee across Georgia counties. One certified copy of the marriage certificate is included in the fee. That copy will be mailed to you after the license is recorded.
Couples who complete a qualifying premarital education course pay only $16. The course must last at least six hours and be done within 12 months of the application date. A licensed counselor, therapist, or member of the clergy must lead it. Bring the certificate of completion when you apply. This saves Woodstock couples $40 on the license fee.
Extra certified copies cost $10 each. You can request them at the time of application or later by contacting the probate court. The office accepts cash and cards. Ask about any processing fees for card payments before you pay.
After Your Woodstock Wedding Ceremony
The officiant must sign the marriage license after the ceremony. Return the signed license to the Cherokee County Probate Court within 30 days. You can mail it or drop it off in person at 90 North Street, Suite 340, Canton, GA 30114.
Recording can take up to 30 days after the court gets the signed license back. Your certified marriage certificate will arrive by mail once recording is done. If more than 45 days pass and you have not received your certificate, call the court at (678) 493-6160. Keep a copy of the signed license for your own records until the certificate arrives.
Search Woodstock Marriage Records
You can look up existing marriage records for Woodstock through the Georgia Probate Records search tool. This statewide database includes records from many Georgia counties, including Cherokee. 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 Cherokee County Probate Court. Third-party services like VitalChek process Georgia vital records orders with added service fees.
For older records or certified copies by mail, use the Request for Search of Marriage form from the Georgia Department of Public Health. Mail it with the required fee to their office in Atlanta.
Cherokee County Marriage License Records
Woodstock is in Cherokee County, and all marriage licenses are handled by the Cherokee County Probate Court in Canton. For the full list of fees, requirements, and contact details, visit the county page.