Crawford County Marriage License

Crawford County marriage licenses are issued by the Probate Court in Knoxville, the county seat. This is a rural county in central Georgia, and the Probate Court is the sole office that handles marriage license applications. Both applicants need to visit the court together. You must bring valid photo ID. The license fee is $56 without premarital counseling, or $16 with a qualifying certificate. Georgia has no blood test and no waiting period. The office is open Monday through Friday for walk-in visits.

Crawford County Probate Court Office

The Probate Court is in Knoxville, which is the county seat of Crawford County. Knoxville is a small town, and the courthouse is the center of county government. The court handles marriages, wills, guardianships, and other probate matters. For marriage licenses, you deal with the Probate Court clerk.

Call ahead at (478) 836-3320 before making the trip. The staff can confirm hours and tell you exactly what to bring. Crawford County is a small county, so the office may have limited staff at times. Calling first helps make sure someone is available to process your application when you arrive.

Requirements for a Crawford County Marriage License

Both people who plan to marry must appear in person at the Crawford County Probate Court. No one can apply on your behalf. Each person needs a valid form of identification. The court will check your identity and confirm your age before processing the application.

Accepted forms of ID:

• State driver's license or ID card
• U.S. passport
• Certified copy of a birth certificate
• Military ID

If you have been married before, bring proof that the previous marriage is over. That means a certified divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate. The court cannot issue a marriage license without this documentation. You also need your Social Security number for the application form.

Both people must be 18 or older. Georgia no longer issues marriage licenses to minors. There is no blood test requirement. That rule was removed in 2003. There is also no waiting period. You can use the license as soon as it is issued. Georgia residents can apply in any county, while non-residents must marry in the county where they get the license.

Marriage License Fees

A marriage license in Crawford County is $56 without a premarital education certificate. With the certificate, the fee is just $16. The premarital course must include at least six hours of instruction. It has to have been completed within 12 months of the application date.

Bring the certificate when you apply. The reduced rate cannot be applied later. The fee is due at the time of application and is not refundable. Call the court to find out which payment methods are accepted at the Crawford County office.

Certified copies of the marriage certificate are available after the license is returned and the marriage is recorded. Contact the court for the current copy fee. You may also be able to order copies from the state vital records office for marriages recorded during certain years.

Returning the Signed License

After the wedding ceremony, the officiant must sign the marriage license. The signed license then needs to be returned to the Crawford County Probate Court. You have 30 days to get it back. This deadline is important. Late returns can delay the recording of your marriage.

Once recorded, you can get certified copies of your marriage certificate. Use these copies for name changes, tax filings, and other legal needs. The process takes some time after the court gets the signed document back, so plan accordingly.

Marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996 are also on file with the state. Check dph.georgia.gov for those. For other years, the Crawford County Probate Court holds the records.

Crawford County Marriage License Online Tools

You can fill out your marriage license application online through the Georgia Probate Records portal. Complete the form and print it before your visit. This cuts down on time spent at the office. You will still need to go in person with ID and payment.

To look up existing Crawford County marriage records, try the marriage record search. The state also has a helpful overview at georgia.gov that covers the general process for getting married in Georgia.

Remember, no Georgia county issues marriage licenses entirely online. The in-person visit is required by state law. The online application is just a way to get a head start.

Wedding Officiants in Crawford County

Under Georgia law, several types of people can perform a wedding ceremony. Judges, magistrates, and ordained ministers are all authorized. Federal judges and retired judges who sat in Georgia courts also qualify. Clergy from any religious denomination may officiate.

The officiant does not need to file anything with Crawford County before the ceremony. Their duty is to perform the ceremony, sign the license, and see that it gets returned to the Probate Court within the 30-day window. If you are not sure whether your officiant is qualified, the court can help you figure it out.

Nearby Counties

Crawford County sits in central Georgia. These neighboring counties also have Probate Courts that issue marriage licenses. Georgia residents can apply anywhere in the state.