Barrow County Marriage License
Marriage license applications in Barrow County are filed at the Probate Court in Winder. Couples come to the courthouse together and bring valid ID, the fee, and any documents related to prior marriages. Barrow County is part of the Atlanta metro area and sits east of Gwinnett County. The license costs $56, or $16 if both applicants have completed a premarital education course. Georgia does not make you wait or get a blood test. You walk in, fill out the forms, pay, and leave with your license the same day. The office is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
Barrow County License Details
Barrow County Probate Court
The court is on North Broad Street in downtown Winder. This is the only location in the county that issues marriage licenses. Winder is the county seat and the largest city in Barrow County. The courthouse area has free public parking.
| Office | Barrow County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 30 N. Broad Street, Winder, GA 30680 |
| Phone | (770) 307-3100 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Winder is about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta. Many couples from the eastern metro area choose Barrow County because it is less busy than larger counties like Gwinnett or Fulton. The smaller office often means shorter wait times.
Marriage License Requirements
Both people must appear in person at the Barrow County Probate Court. You cannot apply alone. Each applicant brings a valid form of photo ID:
- Driver's license or state ID
- Valid U.S. passport
- Certified birth certificate
- Military identification
If you have been married before, bring your certified divorce decree or the death certificate of your former spouse. Without this documentation, the court cannot issue your license. Both applicants must also sign a sworn oath confirming there is no legal obstacle to the marriage.
Applicants must be 18 or older. A 17-year-old can apply if they have been emancipated and completed a premarital education course. The age gap between the 17-year-old and the other applicant cannot exceed four years. This is set by OCGA 19-3-2. Georgia does not allow anyone under 17 to marry.
What Does a Marriage License Cost in Barrow County
You will pay $56 for a standard license. That is the most common amount. Couples who complete premarital education pay $16. The course must be at least six hours and completed in the 12 months before you apply. A licensed counselor, therapist, or clergy member must lead it.
The fee reduction comes from OCGA 19-3-30.1. Bring your certificate when you go to the Barrow County Probate Court. No certificate, no discount. Fees are non-refundable.
Call (770) 307-3100 to ask about payment options. Cash is always safe. Some Georgia courts accept cards but charge a convenience fee.
Who Can Apply in Barrow County
Any Georgia resident can apply here. You do not need to live in Barrow County. If neither person lives in Georgia, you must apply in the county where the ceremony will take place. The license is valid statewide once issued.
Barrow County is a popular choice for metro Atlanta couples who want a quick and simple process. The Winder office tends to be less crowded than larger county courthouses.
Post-Ceremony Steps
The officiant signs the marriage license after your ceremony. Return the signed license to the Barrow County Probate Court within 30 days. This is required by OCGA 19-3-30. You can mail it or hand-deliver it.
The court records the license and sends your marriage certificate by mail. Expect about 30 days. If it has been longer, call to follow up. The certificate is your proof of marriage for legal purposes.
Georgia State Marriage License Page
Review the general marriage license process on the official georgia.gov page for an overview that applies to all counties.
This state page covers the basics. For Barrow County specifics, the probate court in Winder is your go-to source.
Online Application and Records
Fill out your application ahead of time at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Print it and bring it to your visit. This cuts down time at the office.
To look up existing records, use the marriage record search tool. The state vital records office keeps marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. Records outside that window are at the county level.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Barrow County. Any Georgia resident can get a marriage license in any of them.