Find Candler County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Candler County are handled by the Probate Court in Metter, the county seat. Both applicants must visit the courthouse together to apply. Candler County is in east-central Georgia along Interstate 16. The license costs $56 without premarital education and $16 with it. Georgia law does not require a blood test or any kind of waiting period. You can apply in the morning and hold your ceremony that same afternoon. Metter is the only place in the county where marriage licenses are issued, so plan your trip there during regular weekday hours.
Candler County Marriage License Info
Candler County Probate Court
The probate court in Metter serves all of Candler County. It is a small office but it handles marriage licenses, wills, and other probate matters. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours.
| Office | Candler County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 728, Metter, GA 30439 |
| Phone | (912) 685-2835 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Metter sits right off I-16, making it accessible from Savannah, Statesboro, and Dublin. Call (912) 685-2835 if you need the physical address for navigation. The P.O. Box is for mailing only.
Identification and Eligibility
Both people appear together. No proxies. Each applicant brings valid photo ID:
- Driver's license or state-issued ID
- Valid passport
- Certified birth certificate
- Military ID card
If either person was previously married, a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate for the former spouse is needed. The court checks this documentation before processing anything.
You must be at least 18. OCGA 19-3-2 allows a 17-year-old to apply with documented emancipation and a premarital education certificate, provided the other party is within four years of age. Under 17 is not allowed.
The application collects full names, birth dates, addresses, and parent information. You sign under oath that nothing prevents the marriage. Georgia also requires an acknowledgment of the HIV/AIDS brochure per OCGA 19-3-35.1.
Candler County License Fee
It costs $56 without premarital education. With a certificate, it is $16. The course must be at least six hours, done within 12 months, and taught by a licensed professional or clergy member. OCGA 19-3-30.1 authorizes the reduced rate.
No refunds on fees. Check with the court about payment options before your visit.
Returning the Signed License
Your officiant signs the license after the ceremony. Return it to the Candler County Probate Court within 30 days per OCGA 19-3-30. Mail it to the P.O. Box or bring it in.
The court records it and mails your marriage certificate. This takes about 30 days. If more than 45 days pass, call to check. The certificate is your official proof of marriage.
State Marriage License Resources
The general marriage license process for Georgia is outlined at georgia.gov.
This covers statewide rules. For Candler County specifics, contact the probate court in Metter.
Online Tools
Start the application online at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Print it and bring it along. You still need to visit the court in person.
Search for existing records using the marriage record search. The Georgia Department of Public Health has state records from June 1952 to August 1996. For other years, contact the Candler County Probate Court directly.
Courthouse Weddings in Candler County
If you want a simple ceremony, the Candler County Probate Court in Metter may be able to help. Some probate judges will perform weddings at the courthouse. Call (912) 685-2835 to ask if the judge is available and willing. Not all judges offer this, so check first.
A courthouse wedding is fast and has the same legal standing as any other ceremony. You can get your license and marry in the same visit if the judge has time. Bring a witness just in case. There may be a small fee for the judge's service on top of the license cost.
Name Change After Getting Married
Changing your name is not automatic. Once you have the marriage certificate from the Candler County Probate Court, start with the Social Security Administration. Fill out the form and bring the certificate. There is no charge for this. After you get a new Social Security card, head to the Georgia DDS for an updated license.
Then work through your bank, employer, insurance, and other accounts. It takes a few weeks to get through the whole list. Keep several certified copies of your marriage certificate handy. You can request extra copies from the court in Metter.
Nearby Counties
Candler County is in east-central Georgia. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county in the state.