Coffee County Marriage License
Coffee County marriage licenses are available at the Probate Court in Douglas, the county seat. Couples who want to get married in Coffee County or who live here can apply at this office. Both people must come to the court together with valid photo ID. The fee is $56 for a standard license or $16 with a premarital education certificate. There is no waiting period and no blood test needed. The Probate Court handles all marriage license applications during regular business hours on weekdays.
Coffee County Marriage License Quick Facts
Coffee County Probate Court Information
The Coffee County Probate Court in Douglas is where you go to get your marriage license. The office serves all of Coffee County. Walk-ins are welcome during office hours. If you are driving in from out of the area, it helps to call first and make sure you have everything you need.
| Address | P.O. Box 10, Douglas, GA 31534 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (912) 384-2881 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| County Seat | Douglas |
Coffee County is in south-central Georgia. The Probate Court handles not just marriage licenses but also wills, estates, and other legal matters. For marriage license questions, call (912) 384-2881 and ask for the marriage license clerk.
Requirements for a Coffee County Marriage License
Both applicants must appear together at the Coffee County Probate Court. No exceptions. You cannot apply by mail or have one person go alone. Each person needs to bring a valid form of photo identification.
The court accepts these forms of ID:
- State-issued driver's license or ID
- Valid U.S. passport
- Certified copy of birth certificate
- Military ID card
If you were married before, you have to prove that marriage ended. Bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate. The court will not issue a new license without this proof. Both people must be at least 18 years old. Georgia law changed in recent years, and minors are no longer eligible.
You do not have to live in Coffee County or in Georgia to apply here. However, if neither person is a Georgia resident, the ceremony must take place in Coffee County. Georgia residents can marry anywhere in the state regardless of which county issued the license. Your Social Security number is required on the application form.
No blood test is needed. Georgia dropped that requirement back in 2003. There is also no waiting period. Once you have the license in hand, you can hold your ceremony right away.
Coffee County Marriage License Fees
The standard fee is $56. This is set by state law and is the same in most Georgia counties. Couples who complete an approved premarital education course pay just $16. That is a $40 savings. The course must be at least six hours and must have been completed within 12 months of applying.
Bring the certificate of completion when you apply to get the reduced rate. The court cannot apply the discount after the fact. Payment is due at the time of application, and fees are not refundable. Check with the Probate Court about accepted payment methods before you go.
Certified copies of a marriage certificate can be requested after the license is returned and recorded. The cost for copies varies, so ask the court about the current rate. You can also get copies from the state vital records office for marriages recorded between 1952 and 1996.
What Happens After the Ceremony
The person who performs your wedding must sign the marriage license. Then the signed license needs to go back to the Coffee County Probate Court within 30 days. Do not skip this step. If the license is not returned, your marriage may not be properly recorded.
After the court records your license, you can get certified copies. These are your proof of marriage. Use them for name changes, adding a spouse to insurance, or updating other legal records. The recording process can take some time, so plan ahead if you need copies quickly.
The Georgia Department of Public Health also keeps marriage records. You can check with dph.georgia.gov for records from June 1952 through August 1996. For all other years, the Coffee County Probate Court is the place to look.
Apply Online for Coffee County
You can start the marriage license application online at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Fill in your details, print the form, and bring it to the Coffee County Probate Court. This saves time at the office but does not replace the in-person visit. You still need your ID and payment.
To search for existing marriage records in Coffee County, visit the marriage record search page. The state also has general information about marriage licenses at georgia.gov.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Coffee County
Georgia law is fairly broad about who can perform a wedding ceremony. Judges, magistrates, and ministers are all allowed. Any judge of a state or federal court sitting in Georgia can officiate. Ordained clergy members of any faith may perform the ceremony as well.
The officiant does not need to register with Coffee County ahead of time. Their only duty is to sign the license and make sure it gets back to the Probate Court. If you have questions about whether your chosen officiant qualifies, the court staff can help clarify.
Some couples choose to have a courthouse ceremony. Check with the Coffee County Probate Court about whether they offer this service and what the schedule looks like. Not all Georgia courts provide wedding ceremonies on site.
Nearby Counties
These counties are close to Coffee County. Georgia residents can get a marriage license in any county. The license will be recorded in the county where you apply.