Berrien County Marriage License

Marriage license applications for Berrien County go through the Probate Court in Nashville, Georgia. Both people planning to marry need to visit the court at the same time with proper identification. Berrien County is in south Georgia, and Nashville is its county seat. The standard fee is $56 for a marriage license without premarital counseling. Couples who have done a qualifying education course pay $16. Georgia law does not require a blood test or a waiting period. Your license can be issued on the same visit as your application, giving you the freedom to hold your ceremony whenever you choose.

Berrien County Probate Court

Nashville is the only location in Berrien County where you can get a marriage license. The probate court office handles all marriage license applications. It is a small office, so things tend to move along quickly.

For driving directions to the physical courthouse, give the court a call at (229) 686-5251. The P.O. Box is just the mailing address. Parking near the courthouse is free. Plan to arrive with plenty of time before closing.

Documents and Eligibility Requirements

Both applicants must appear together in person. No one can stand in for you. Each person brings valid photo ID. Here is what the Berrien County Probate Court accepts:

• State-issued driver's license or ID card
• Valid U.S. passport
• Certified birth certificate
• Military ID

If either person was married before, bring the certified final divorce decree. If your former spouse passed away, a death certificate is needed. These documents prove the prior marriage ended.

Both applicants need to be at least 18. Georgia does let 17-year-olds marry with proof of emancipation and a premarital education course under OCGA 19-3-2. The age gap cannot be more than four years. Under 17 is a hard no.

Each applicant fills out the application form with their full name, birth date, address, and parent information. Both sign an oath that no legal problem prevents the marriage. The court also gives each person an HIV/AIDS information brochure per OCGA 19-3-35.1, and you sign a form confirming you got it.

Cost of a Marriage License

Most people pay $56. That is the going rate for a standard marriage license in Berrien County. With a premarital education certificate, the fee goes down to $16. The course needs at least six hours of instruction and must be done within 12 months of applying. A licensed professional or clergy member leads the course.

OCGA 19-3-30.1 provides the basis for the reduced fee. Have your certificate ready at the court. Fees are not refundable once paid, so make sure your paperwork is in order before you hand over the money.

After Your Wedding Ceremony

The officiant signs the marriage license after the wedding. The signed license then needs to be returned to the Berrien County Probate Court within 30 days. This is a state law under OCGA 19-3-30. You can mail it or deliver it yourself.

The court records the license and sends your marriage certificate by mail. Allow up to 30 days. If you do not get it within 45 days, call (229) 686-5251. Certified copies are available for a small fee and can be requested any time after the marriage is recorded.

Georgia Marriage License Overview

Visit the state government website at georgia.gov for a general guide to the Georgia marriage license process.

This resource covers all counties. For Berrien County specifics, contact the probate court in Nashville.

Online Application and Record Lookup

Start your application before your visit using the Georgia Probate Records portal. Fill it out online, print it, and bring it to the courthouse. This saves time but does not replace the in-person requirement.

For searching existing marriage records, try the marriage record search. The Georgia Department of Public Health holds state-level records from June 1952 to August 1996. For all other records, the Berrien County Probate Court is the source.

Marriage License vs Marriage Certificate

People mix these up all the time. A marriage license is what you get before the wedding. It gives you permission to marry. The certificate comes after. Once your officiant signs the license and returns it to the Berrien County Probate Court, the court records it and issues the certificate. The certificate is your proof that the marriage took place.

You need the certificate for things like name changes, adding a spouse to insurance, or updating tax records. The license alone is not enough for those tasks. If you lose your certificate, you can request a certified copy from the probate court in Nashville for a small fee.

Nearby Counties

Berrien County borders several counties in south Georgia. Any Georgia resident can apply for a marriage license in any county.