Butts County Marriage License Lookup
Marriage license applications for Butts County are processed at the Probate Court in Jackson. Both people who plan to marry must come to the courthouse in person. Butts County is south of metro Atlanta and named after Captain Samuel Butts. Jackson is the county seat. The standard fee for a marriage license is $56, reduced to $16 with a premarital education certificate. Georgia requires no blood test and has no waiting period. You can get the license and marry the same day. The Butts County Probate Court is open weekdays and ready to help with your application.
Butts County Marriage License Quick Facts
Butts County Probate Court Information
The Probate Court in Jackson is the only office in Butts County that issues marriage licenses. Jackson is a small city about 45 minutes south of Atlanta via I-75. The courthouse is downtown and accessible during weekday hours.
| Office | Butts County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 320, Jackson, GA 30233 |
| Phone | (770) 775-8205 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Call (770) 775-8205 for the physical street address if you need GPS directions. Parking near the courthouse is free. The area around Jackson Lake draws visitors, and some couples choose Butts County for their wedding and license for that reason.
What Documents Are Required
Both people must be present at the court. You cannot apply on behalf of someone else. Each applicant must bring valid photo ID:
- State-issued driver's license or ID card
- Valid U.S. passport
- Certified birth certificate
- Military identification
If you were married before, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate for the former spouse. The court will check this before issuing the license.
Georgia law under OCGA 19-3-2 requires applicants to be 18 or older. A 17-year-old can apply only with proof of emancipation and a completed premarital education course. The other applicant must not be more than four years older. Under 17 is not allowed.
The application form asks for full legal names, dates of birth, current addresses, and parent names. You sign an oath affirming no legal barrier to the marriage exists. Both applicants also acknowledge receipt of the HIV/AIDS brochure per OCGA 19-3-35.1.
Butts County Marriage License Fees
The base fee is $56. If you present a premarital education certificate, you pay $16. The education program must be at least six hours, led by a licensed professional or active clergy member, and completed within the year before you apply.
This fee structure comes from OCGA 19-3-30.1. Have your certificate in hand when you go to the Butts County Probate Court. Fees are non-refundable once paid. Call ahead to ask about accepted payment methods.
What Happens After the Wedding
The officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony is performed. The signed license then has to go back to the Butts County Probate Court within 30 days. OCGA 19-3-30 requires this. You can mail it or deliver it yourself.
After the court records it, a marriage certificate is mailed to you. This usually takes up to 30 days. If it has been more than 45 days, call (770) 775-8205 to follow up. The certificate is your legal proof of marriage.
Georgia Marriage License Resources
The state government has a marriage license overview at georgia.gov that is useful for couples in all 159 counties.
This general page covers the statewide process. For Butts County specific information, reach out to the probate court in Jackson.
Apply Online Before Your Visit
Speed things up by starting your application at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Fill out the form online, print it, and bring it to the court. The in-person visit is still required.
Looking for an existing marriage record? Try the marriage record search. The Georgia Department of Public Health has state records from June 1952 through August 1996. Outside that range, the Butts County Probate Court is your resource.
Marriage License vs Marriage Certificate
These two documents serve different purposes. The marriage license is what the Butts County Probate Court gives you before the wedding. It is your legal permission to get married. The marriage certificate comes after. Once the officiant signs the license and returns it, the court records it and issues the certificate.
You need the certificate for legal changes. Name updates, insurance, tax filing, and property matters all require the certificate. If you ever lose it, the Butts County Probate Court can issue a certified copy for a small fee.
Nearby Counties
Butts County is in central Georgia south of Atlanta. Georgia residents can get a marriage license in any county.