Search Atkinson County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Atkinson County come from the Probate Court in Pearson. Couples need to visit the courthouse together to apply. The process is straightforward and follows Georgia state law. Atkinson County charges $56 for a standard marriage license, or just $16 if you bring proof of completing a premarital education program. You do not need a blood test, and there is no waiting period. The court can issue your license the same day you apply, as long as all your paperwork is in order and you arrive during business hours.
Atkinson County at a Glance
Atkinson County Probate Court Location
The probate court in Atkinson County is in downtown Pearson. This is the only place in the county where you can get a marriage license. The office is small, so wait times are usually short. Call before you go to make sure the judge or clerk is available.
| Office | Atkinson County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 86 S. Main Street, Pearson, GA 31642 |
| Phone | (912) 422-3294 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Pearson is a small community in south-central Georgia. The courthouse is located on Main Street and is easy to spot. Free parking is available nearby. If you need directions, the staff at (912) 422-3294 can help you find the building.
Requirements for an Atkinson County Marriage License
Georgia law says both people must appear in person at the probate court. You cannot apply alone or through a proxy. Each applicant needs a valid form of photo ID. Here is what the court will accept:
- Driver's license or state-issued ID
- U.S. passport
- Certified birth certificate
- Military identification card
Were you married before? Then you must bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or an annulment order. If your former spouse passed away, bring the death certificate instead. The court needs this to confirm your previous marriage is legally ended.
Both applicants must be 18 or older. A 17-year-old may apply only with documented proof of emancipation and a premarital education certificate, per OCGA 19-3-2. The older party cannot be more than four years older than the 17-year-old. No one under age 17 can marry in Georgia.
You also need to sign an oath that there is no legal reason you cannot marry. The application asks for your full name, date of birth, current address, and the names of both parents. This is required by OCGA 19-3-33.
Marriage License Fees
A standard license costs $56. That is the fee most couples pay. If you finish a premarital education course before applying, the fee is only $16. The course needs to be at least six hours of instruction, done within 12 months of your application date. It must be led by a licensed counselor, social worker, therapist, or clergy member.
Ask the Atkinson County Probate Court about accepted payment methods. Many small Georgia courts take cash and money orders. Some also take debit or credit cards, but this can vary. Call (912) 422-3294 to check before your visit.
What Happens After the Wedding
The officiant who performs your ceremony must sign the license. Then the completed license has to be returned to the Atkinson County Probate Court within 30 days. This is a firm deadline set by OCGA 19-3-30. You can mail it or hand it in at the office.
After the court records the license, they will send your marriage certificate by mail. Expect it within 30 days of recording. If it takes longer than 45 days, call the court to follow up.
Your marriage certificate is an important document. Use it for name changes at the Social Security office, the DMV, and your bank. Keep the original safe and order extra certified copies if needed.
Georgia Marriage License Info Online
The official State of Georgia website has helpful details about the marriage license process. Visit georgia.gov for a general overview that applies to all counties.
This state-level page covers the basics. For Atkinson County specifics, the probate court in Pearson is your best source of current information.
Search for Marriage Records
You can look up existing marriage records through the Georgia Probate Records search tool. The online application portal lets you start your marriage license paperwork from home.
The Georgia Department of Public Health at dph.georgia.gov keeps marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996. For records before or after that window, reach out to the Atkinson County Probate Court.
Nearby Counties
These counties share a border with Atkinson County. Georgia residents can get a marriage license in any county in the state, not just the one where they live.