Access Burke County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Burke County are issued at the Probate Court in Waynesboro. Both people planning to marry must visit the court together. Burke County is one of the largest counties in Georgia by land area and sits along the Savannah River in the eastern part of the state. The standard fee is $56 for a marriage license, or $16 if you have a premarital education certificate. Georgia does not require a blood test or a waiting period, so you can get the license and have your ceremony the same day. The court in Waynesboro processes applications during normal business hours.
Burke County Marriage License Overview
Burke County Probate Court
Waynesboro is the county seat. The Probate Court there is the only office in Burke County that handles marriage licenses. The staff is used to working with couples from all across the county and from neighboring Richmond County (Augusta).
| Office | Burke County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 277, Waynesboro, GA 30830 |
| Phone | (706) 554-2279 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
If you need driving directions, call (706) 554-2279 for the physical address. The P.O. Box is for mailing purposes only. Free parking is available at the courthouse. Try to arrive by 4:00 PM so you have time to finish everything before closing.
Requirements for a Burke County Marriage License
Both applicants come to the court together. You cannot send someone in your place. Each person must bring a valid photo ID:
- State driver's license or ID
- U.S. passport
- Certified birth certificate
- Military identification card
Previously married? You need to show a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate for a former spouse. The court verifies this before issuing any new marriage license.
You have to be 18 or older. Under OCGA 19-3-2, a 17-year-old may apply with proof of emancipation and a premarital education certificate. The other person must be within four years of their age. Under 17 is prohibited in all cases.
The application collects your full names, birth dates, current addresses, and parents' names. You sign an oath. Both applicants also sign a receipt for the HIV/AIDS brochure per OCGA 19-3-35.1.
Burke County License Fees
Most couples pay $56. That covers the standard license. If you have a premarital education certificate, the fee drops to $16. The course must be at least six hours and completed within 12 months of your application. It needs to be taught by a licensed professional or active clergy member.
OCGA 19-3-30.1 creates this fee reduction. Bring the certificate to the court. Without it, the full fee applies. No refunds are given on fees paid.
After Your Wedding
The officiant signs the marriage license. Then the signed license must go back to the Burke County Probate Court within 30 days per OCGA 19-3-30. You can mail or deliver it.
The court records the return and mails you a marriage certificate. It typically takes about 30 days after recording. If you do not get it within 45 days, contact the court. Keep the certificate safe for name changes, tax updates, and legal matters.
State Resources for Marriage Licenses
Georgia's government website at georgia.gov has general marriage license information that applies statewide.
Use this as a starting point. For Burke County specifics, contact the probate court in Waynesboro.
Online Application and Record Lookup
Start the process early by filling out the application online at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Print the form and take it to the court. An in-person visit is still needed.
For searching existing records, use the marriage record search. The Georgia Department of Public Health holds state records from June 1952 to August 1996. For other years, the Burke County Probate Court is your source.
Changing Your Name After Marriage
A name change is not automatic when you get married. You have to update your records yourself. Start with the Social Security Administration. Bring your marriage certificate from the Burke County Probate Court and fill out the form. This step is free. Once your new Social Security card comes in the mail, go to the Georgia DDS office for an updated driver's license.
After those two are done, update your name with your bank, employer, insurance, and any other accounts. The whole process takes a few weeks if you stay organized. Burke County does not handle name changes directly, but the marriage certificate they issue is the document that makes it all possible.
Nearby Counties
Burke County is in east Georgia along the South Carolina border. Georgia residents can get a marriage license from any county.