Chatham County Marriage License
Marriage license applications in Chatham County are handled by appointment only at the Probate Court in Savannah. The court is at 133 Montgomery Street, Room 509, on the fifth floor. Walk-ins are not accepted, and the court is firm about this. Chatham County includes Savannah, one of the most popular wedding destinations in the Southeast. Because of that, the Probate Court sees a high volume of both local and destination couples applying for marriage licenses. You need to submit an online application first and then book an appointment for both people to come in together.
Chatham County Marriage License Quick Facts
Chatham County Probate Court Details
The Chatham County Probate Court is on Montgomery Street in downtown Savannah. The marriage license office is on the fifth floor, Room 509. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. There is a break at midday.
The court is clear about the appointment rule. Do not show up without one. All marriage license applications are by appointment only. The Chatham County Probate Court marriage license page states this plainly. Schedule your appointment at least one day before the wedding, though more lead time is better.
Below is the Chatham County Probate Court marriage license page with appointment instructions and application details.
Most couples visiting Savannah for a destination wedding schedule their appointment for the day they arrive in town.
| Address | 133 Montgomery Street, Room 509, Savannah, GA 31401 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (912) 652-7264 (Option 2 for Marriage Licenses) |
| Hours | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
| Payment | Cash, credit/debit (2.75% card fee) |
Steps to Get a Chatham Marriage License
The process in Chatham County works like this. You start online. Go to the Georgia Probate Records portal and fill out the application. Print the confirmation. Then call the Probate Court or use their scheduling system to book an appointment. Appointments can be set up to 30 days in advance.
At the appointment, both people must appear. Bring your printed application and a valid photo ID for each person. A driver's license, state ID, or passport works. If either person was married before, you must bring color copies of both applicants' IDs along with a signed or sealed divorce judgment or death certificate.
Do not wait until the last minute. The court warns couples not to walk in unprepared. If you are getting married in Savannah and traveling from out of state, plan to be at the courthouse at least one full day before the ceremony.
Chatham County Marriage License Cost
A standard marriage license in Chatham County is $66. With a premarital education certificate, the fee drops to $26. That is a $40 discount. The education program must be at least six hours done within the past 12 months. You need the certificate at the time of the appointment.
Credit and debit card payments have a 2.75% service fee on top of the license cost. Cash is also accepted. All fees are non-refundable. If your application is incomplete or you are missing a document, you may have to schedule a new appointment.
You can also get forms and additional documents from the Chatham County Probate Court forms page.
Check this page for any supplemental forms the court may need at your appointment.
Destination Weddings in Chatham County
Savannah draws couples from across the country for destination weddings. If neither person lives in Georgia, you must get the license in the county where the ceremony will happen. That means Chatham County if you are getting married in Savannah or on Tybee Island.
Plan to arrive at least one business day before the wedding. The online application can be done from home before you travel. Then book the appointment for your arrival day. The court issues the license the same day as the appointment if everything checks out. There is no waiting period in Georgia.
Georgia residents getting married in Chatham County can also choose to get the license in their home county if that is more convenient. The license is valid statewide.
After the Ceremony
The officiant signs the license after the wedding. Then the completed license must be returned to the Chatham County Probate Court within 30 days. Mail it to 133 Montgomery Street, Room 509, Savannah, GA 31401. The court records it and sends you a certified marriage certificate.
Certified copies are available from the Probate Court after recording is complete. The state vital records office also maintains marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996 if you need older records. For anything outside that window, the county Probate Court is your source.
Georgia Law on Marriage Licenses
Georgia marriage licenses are governed by OCGA 19-3-30. The statute says licenses are issued by the probate court judge at the county courthouse. No waiting period. No blood test. The license must be returned within 30 days after the ceremony.
Under OCGA 19-3-2, both people must be at least 18, of sound mind, and not currently married to someone else. A 17-year-old can apply with proof of emancipation and a premarital education certificate, but the other person cannot be more than four years older.
Cities in Chatham County
Chatham County includes Savannah and several surrounding communities. All residents apply through the Chatham County Probate Court in downtown Savannah.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Chatham County along the Georgia coast and inland. You can apply in any county if at least one applicant is a Georgia resident.