Search Clarke County Marriage License
Marriage license applications in Clarke County are processed at the Athens-Clarke County Probate Court on East Washington Street in downtown Athens. The court accepts both walk-ins and online applications, making it one of the more flexible options in the area. Clarke County has a unified government with the City of Athens, so the Probate Court serves the entire Athens-Clarke County area. One thing to know about Clarke County is that the marriage license expires after six months, which is different from most Georgia counties where licenses have no expiration date. Both people need to come to the courthouse together during the court's application hours.
Clarke County Marriage License Quick Facts
Clarke County Probate Court Location
The Athens-Clarke County Probate Court is at 325 E. Washington Street, Suite 200, in Athens. Marriage license applications are accepted Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Those hours are shorter than most Georgia counties, so plan your visit within that window.
Call (706) 613-3320 for questions. The Athens-Clarke County marriage license page has everything you need to know about the process, fees, and what to bring.
The Georgia state government page below shows the general marriage license process used across all counties including Clarke County.
Clarke County follows the state framework but has its own fees and its own expiration policy.
| Address | 325 E. Washington Street, Suite 200, Athens, GA 30601 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (706) 613-3320 |
| Hours | Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (marriage applications) |
| Payment | Cash, check, money order, credit/debit (3.5% or $2.95 fee) |
How to Get a Clarke County Marriage License
You can start an online application, but it is not required. Walk-ins are accepted during the 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM window. If you do apply online, print the form and bring it with you. Either way, both people must appear in person with valid ID.
Processing takes about 10 to 30 minutes depending on how many people are waiting. Busy days can mean longer waits, so arriving early is a good idea. The court staff will review your documents, have you sign the application under oath, and collect payment.
Georgia law requires each person to designate the legal surname they will use after the marriage. This goes on the application. If you plan to change your name, think about it before your visit so you are ready.
Clarke Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must be present. No exceptions. You each need a valid photo ID. Accepted forms include:
- Driver's license or state ID
- Passport (U.S. or foreign)
- Certified birth certificate
- Military ID
If either person has been married before, bring a copy of the final divorce decree. The court must see it before issuing the license. If your former spouse passed away, a death certificate is needed instead. Both people must be at least 18 years old, or 17 with emancipation papers and a premarital education certificate.
No blood test is required. Georgia dropped that rule in 2003. There is no waiting period for a Clarke County marriage license.
Clarke County License Expiration
This is important. A Clarke County marriage license expires after six months. Most Georgia counties issue licenses with no expiration date, but Clarke County is different. If you do not use the license within six months, it becomes void and you will need to apply again and pay the fee a second time.
Plan your wedding within that six-month window. After the ceremony, the signed license must be returned to the Probate Court within 10 days. That 10-day return rule is also shorter than the standard 30 days used in most other Georgia counties. Do not delay returning the paperwork.
Clarke County Marriage License Cost
The standard fee is $66. With a premarital education certificate, the fee drops to $26. The education must be at least six hours, done within the past year, and completed as a couple. You need to present the certificate at the time of your visit.
Payment options at the Clarke County Probate Court include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards. Card payments have a service fee of 3.5% or $2.95, whichever is greater. All fees are non-refundable.
Certified copies of the marriage license cost $10 each. You can request copies in person or by mail. The state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov has marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996.
Wedding Ceremonies in Clarke County
The Clarke County Probate Court does not perform wedding ceremonies. You will need to find your own officiant. Georgia law allows ordained ministers, judges, court officials, and other authorized persons to perform weddings. The University of Georgia campus in Athens has many venues and officiants, so there are plenty of options locally.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license. Then you or the officiant must return the completed license to the Probate Court within 10 days. Remember that Clarke County has a shorter return window than the state standard of 30 days.
Georgia Marriage License Laws
Georgia marriage licenses are issued under OCGA 19-3-30. The probate court judge handles issuance between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM at the county courthouse. There is no statewide waiting period. However, individual counties like Clarke may set their own expiration rules and return deadlines.
The premarital education discount is covered under OCGA 19-3-30.1. Both people must complete the course together within 12 months. Under OCGA 19-3-33, the application must state that there is no legal impediment to the marriage and must include full names, birth dates, addresses, and parents' names for both applicants.
Cities in Clarke County
Clarke County and Athens share a unified government. All marriage licenses are issued at the Athens-Clarke County Probate Court downtown.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Clarke County in northeast Georgia. Any Georgia resident can apply for a marriage license in any county.