Access Bibb County Marriage License

Marriage license applications in Bibb County are processed through the Macon-Bibb County Probate Court on Mulberry Street in downtown Macon. The court requires an online application through the Georgia Probate Records portal followed by an in-person appointment. Bibb County merged with the City of Macon in 2014 to form a consolidated government, so the Probate Court covers the entire Macon-Bibb area. Both people must show up at the courthouse together with valid ID, and you need to get there before 4:00 PM to have enough time to finish the process.

Bibb County Probate Court Location

The Macon-Bibb County Probate Court is at 601 Mulberry Street on the second floor in downtown Macon. License hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The court asks that you arrive before 4:00 PM so there is enough time to wrap up your application before closing.

For questions about marriage licenses, call the License Division at (478) 621-6493 or send an email to probatecourt-licensediv@maconbibb.us. The mailing address is P.O. Box 6518, Macon, GA 31208. Visit the Bibb County Probate Court website for the most current info on procedures and forms.

The Georgia state marriage license information page shows the general application process that applies in Bibb County.

Each county sets its own fees and specific procedures within the state framework.

How to Apply for a Bibb Marriage License

Start by filling out the online application at georgiaprobaterecords.com. You will get a confirmation number when done. Write it down. Then call the Probate Court to schedule your appointment. You need the confirmation number to set the date.

At the appointment, both people must be there. Bring valid photo ID for each person. A driver's license, state ID, birth certificate, or passport all work. If either person was married before, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree. Georgia law requires proof that any past marriage has been legally ended before a new license can be issued.

The court does not accept $50 or $100 bills. That is a rule specific to Bibb County. If you are paying cash, bring smaller bills. Credit and debit cards are accepted with a 4.5% convenience fee through FeePay. Money orders work too.

Bibb County Marriage License Fees

The standard fee for a Bibb County marriage license is $77. This is higher than many other counties in Georgia. Couples who bring a premarital education certificate pay $37. The education course must include at least six hours of instruction, done within the past year, and both people must go through it together.

A 4.5% convenience fee applies to all credit and debit card payments. No $50 or $100 bills. All fees are non-refundable, so come prepared with all your documents to avoid losing your payment on a denied application.

Certified copies of a Bibb County marriage license cost $10 in person. By mail, the cost is $11. Send mail requests to P.O. Box 6518, Macon, GA 31208. Include a self-addressed envelope and payment by money order or cashier's check.

Marriage License Requirements

Both people must be at least 18. A 17-year-old can apply with proof of legal emancipation and a premarital education certificate. Nobody under 17 gets a license in Georgia. Blood tests are not needed. That rule ended in 2003.

Any Georgia resident can apply in Bibb County. You do not have to live in Macon or Bibb County to use this Probate Court. If neither person lives in Georgia, you must apply in the county where the ceremony will take place. The license does not expire once issued. There is no waiting period either. You walk out with the license the same day if all is in order.

Georgia law also says each applicant must state the legal surname they will use after the marriage. This goes on the application under oath. If you plan a name change, the marriage certificate is your proof for the Social Security Administration and DMV.

After the Wedding in Bibb County

The officiant signs the license after the ceremony. It must be returned to the Bibb County Probate Court within 30 days. Mail the signed license to P.O. Box 6518, Macon, GA 31208 or drop it off in person at 601 Mulberry Street.

The court records the marriage and mails you a certified certificate. This takes a few weeks. If you want extra copies, request them at the same time or come back later. Each certified copy costs $10 in person or $11 by mail.

Wedding Ceremonies in Bibb County

The Bibb County Probate Court does not perform wedding ceremonies. However, the Civil and Magistrate Court in Macon officiates weddings on Wednesdays by appointment. Call the Magistrate Court for scheduling details. You need to have a valid marriage license from any Georgia county before the ceremony.

Many couples in Macon also use a minister, pastor, or other authorized officiant for their ceremony. Georgia allows any ordained minister, judge, or court official to perform a wedding. The officiant signs the license and the couple (or officiant) returns it to the Probate Court.

Georgia Marriage License Statutes

Marriage licenses in Georgia are issued under OCGA 19-3-30. The probate court judge issues the license. It must be returned within 30 days of the ceremony. Under OCGA 19-3-30.1, the premarital education discount applies statewide, though the base fees vary by county.

Under OCGA 19-3-36, each applicant must provide documentary proof of age. The judge must be satisfied that both people meet the age requirements. Acceptable documents include birth certificates, driver's licenses, passports, military IDs, and immigration papers.

Cities in Bibb County

Bibb County and the City of Macon operate as a consolidated government. All marriage licenses come from the Macon-Bibb Probate Court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Bibb County in central Georgia. You can apply for a marriage license in any Georgia county as long as at least one person is a state resident.