Cook County Marriage License Lookup

Cook County marriage licenses are issued at the Probate Court in Adel. The court serves all couples who want to get married in Cook County, whether you live here or not. Both people need to show up in person and bring valid ID. Georgia does not require a blood test or a waiting period for marriage licenses. The standard fee is $56, or $16 if you have a premarital education certificate. Cook County is a smaller county in south Georgia, and the Probate Court staff can usually process your application quickly during a regular office visit.

Cook County Probate Court

The Cook County Probate Court is in Adel, the county seat. This is the only office in the county that issues marriage licenses. The staff handles a range of probate matters, including marriage license applications. They are used to helping couples through the process.

Call the Probate Court at (229) 896-3119 if you have questions before your visit. The staff can let you know what to expect and whether there are any changes to the normal schedule. Walk-ins are generally welcome during business hours.

What You Need to Apply

Both applicants must come to the Cook County Probate Court at the same time. You cannot send just one person. Each applicant must bring a current, valid form of photo ID. The court checks your identity and age before issuing the license.

Accepted ID types:

• Driver's license or state-issued ID card
• Valid passport
• Certified birth certificate (original or copy)
• Military identification

Anyone who was previously married must bring documentation showing the prior marriage has ended. This means a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. Without this, the court cannot move forward with your application. Both people must be at least 18. Georgia does not allow minors to get a marriage license anymore.

There is no residency requirement for Georgia residents. You can apply in Cook County even if you live in another part of the state. For out-of-state couples, you can apply here but the ceremony must take place in Cook County. Your Social Security number will be needed on the application form.

Cook County Marriage License Fees

The standard marriage license in Cook County costs $56. This matches the fee in most Georgia counties. If both of you have completed a premarital education program, you only pay $16. The program needs to be at least six hours long. It must have been finished within 12 months of your application.

Bring the certificate of completion on the day you apply. The Probate Court needs to see it before they can give you the lower rate. Payment is expected at the time of application. Ask the court which forms of payment they accept. Fees paid are non-refundable.

After the marriage is recorded, certified copies of the marriage certificate are available for a fee. These copies are what you use to prove you are married for legal and administrative purposes. Contact the court for the exact copy fee.

After Your Wedding in Cook County

Your officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. It must then be returned to the Cook County Probate Court within 30 days. This deadline is set by state law. Missing it could delay the recording of your marriage and make it harder to get certified copies when you need them.

Once the court has the signed license, they will record the marriage. This may take a few weeks. After that, you can request certified copies. These copies are important for name changes, tax filings, insurance updates, and other official matters.

The state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov keeps marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records before or after that period, you will need to contact the Cook County Probate Court directly.

Online Tools for Cook County Marriage Licenses

Georgia has an online portal where you can fill out the marriage license application before your visit. Go to georgiaprobaterecords.com to get started. Print the completed form and bring it with you. It saves time at the counter, but you still have to visit in person.

You can also search for existing Cook County marriage records at the marriage record search page. For a general overview of the marriage license process in Georgia, see the state guide at georgia.gov.

Who Can Perform Weddings in Cook County

Georgia law allows judges, ministers, and certain other officials to perform wedding ceremonies. Any state or federal judge sitting in Georgia can officiate. Ordained clergy of any faith are also authorized. You do not need to get special permission from the Cook County Probate Court for your officiant.

The officiant's main job, beyond performing the ceremony, is to sign the marriage license and make sure it is returned to the court on time. If you have someone in mind who is not a traditional judge or clergy member, check with the court to see if they qualify under Georgia law.

Nearby Counties

Cook County borders several other south Georgia counties. You can apply for a marriage license in any Georgia county regardless of where you live in the state.