Bacon County Marriage License Search

Marriage licenses for Bacon County are handled by the Probate Court in Alma. If you plan to get married in Bacon County or live here, this is where you start. Both people need to appear at the court together with valid ID and the filing fee. The standard cost is $56, though couples who complete premarital education pay only $16. Georgia does not require a blood test or a waiting period, so you can walk out with your license the same day you apply. The Bacon County Probate Court staff can walk you through the full process when you arrive.

Where to Apply in Bacon County

The Bacon County Probate Court in Alma is the only office that issues marriage licenses in the county. Alma is the county seat and a small town in southeast Georgia. The courthouse is centrally located and easy to reach.

The mailing address listed is a P.O. Box. If you need the physical street address for GPS, call the court at (912) 632-7321. They can give you the exact location. Show up during weekday hours. The court is closed on weekends and state holidays.

Bacon County Marriage License Requirements

Georgia law has clear rules about what you need. Both people must come to the court at the same time. You cannot apply by mail or online alone. Each person brings a valid photo ID. Acceptable forms include:

• Georgia driver's license or state ID
• U.S. passport
• Certified copy of birth certificate
• Valid military ID

Previously married? You will need to show that the marriage ended. A certified divorce decree is the most common document. If your former spouse died, a death certificate works. The court checks this before issuing a new license.

Age matters too. You must be 18 or older in most cases. A 17-year-old can get a marriage license only with proof of legal emancipation and a completed premarital education course. The age gap between the 17-year-old and the other party cannot be more than four years. Nobody under 17 can marry in Georgia, period. This is covered under OCGA 19-3-2.

How Much Does It Cost

The fee is $56. That is what most people pay. Couples with a premarital education certificate pay $16 instead. The education program has to be at least six hours and led by a licensed professional or clergy member. It must be completed within the 12 months before you apply.

Call the court to ask about payment methods. Cash and money orders are usually accepted. Some courts in Georgia take cards too, but this varies by county. Fees are non-refundable no matter what.

The reduced fee under OCGA 19-3-30.1 is meant to encourage premarital counseling. If you plan to do the course, make sure you get a signed certificate of completion. You must present it when you apply at the Bacon County Probate Court.

Steps After Your Wedding

Your officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. This is not optional. The signed license then goes back to the Bacon County Probate Court. You have 30 days to return it. Mail it to the P.O. Box address or bring it to the office in person.

The court records the license and mails you a marriage certificate. This typically takes a few weeks. If you have not received it after 45 days, contact the court. You may need the certificate for a name change, to update your Social Security card, or to change your driver's license.

Georgia State Marriage License Information

For general guidance, the State of Georgia has an overview page at georgia.gov that covers the statewide process.

This resource is a good starting point. For Bacon County details, always check with the local probate court in Alma.

Online Application and Record Search

Start your application from home using the Georgia Probate Records online portal. Fill out the form, print it, and bring it with you to the court. You still need to visit in person, but this can save time.

Need to find an existing marriage record? Use the marriage record search on the same site. The state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov has records from June 1952 to August 1996. For anything outside that range, the Bacon County Probate Court is where you should look.

Neighboring Counties

Bacon County sits in southeast Georgia. If you need a marriage license but the Bacon County office does not work for your schedule, try one of these nearby counties. Georgia residents can apply in any county.