Find Crisp County Marriage License
Crisp County marriage licenses come from the Probate Court in Cordele. Cordele is the county seat and the main city in Crisp County. If you want to get married here, both of you must go to the Probate Court in person. Bring valid ID and the fee. The standard cost is $56, but it drops to $16 if you have completed a premarital education course. No blood test. No waiting period. The court is open weekdays and accepts walk-in applicants during regular hours.
Crisp County Marriage License Quick Facts
Crisp County Probate Court
All marriage license applications in Crisp County go through the Probate Court in Cordele. The office is in the county courthouse. You can walk in during business hours to apply. The staff will guide you through the steps and make sure your paperwork is in order.
| Address | P.O. Box 747, Cordele, GA 31010 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (229) 276-2616 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| County Seat | Cordele |
If you are coming from outside the area, call (229) 276-2616 before your visit. The court staff can confirm what documents you need and let you know about any schedule changes. It is better to call ahead than to drive out and find the office closed for a holiday or training day.
Requirements for a Marriage License in Crisp County
Both applicants must show up at the Crisp County Probate Court together. One person cannot apply alone. Each of you must present a valid form of photo identification. The court verifies your identity and age as part of the process.
The court accepts these types of ID:
- Driver's license or state-issued photo ID
- Current U.S. passport
- Original or certified birth certificate
- Valid military ID
If either person has been married before, you must provide proof that the earlier marriage ended. A certified copy of the final divorce decree works. So does a death certificate if the former spouse passed away. The court will not issue a new license without this documentation. Georgia law is strict on this point.
Both applicants need to be 18 years old or older. The state changed the age rule, and minors can no longer get married in Georgia. Your Social Security number is required on the application. You do not have to live in Crisp County to apply here. Georgia residents can get a license in any county. Non-residents can apply too, but the ceremony must happen in Crisp County if neither person is a Georgia resident.
Crisp County Marriage License Fees
The fee for a standard marriage license is $56 in Crisp County. If you and your partner complete a premarital education course approved by the state, you pay only $16. The course must include at least six hours of instruction. You need to finish it within 12 months of the date you apply.
You must present the course completion certificate when you apply. Without it, you pay the full $56. All fees are due at the time of application. They are not refundable if the license is not used. Call the Probate Court to ask about payment options before your visit.
After your marriage is recorded, you can request certified copies. The cost per copy varies. Contact the court for current pricing. You may need copies for name changes, insurance updates, and similar tasks.
After the Wedding Ceremony
Once the ceremony is done, the officiant signs the marriage license. The signed license must go back to the Crisp County Probate Court within 30 days. This is a state law, not a suggestion. If the license is not returned on time, your marriage might not be recorded properly.
The court will record the marriage after they receive the signed license. Recording takes some time. After it is done, certified copies are available. You will want at least one or two copies for legal purposes. Some people order more so they have extras on hand.
The Georgia Department of Public Health holds marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. Visit dph.georgia.gov to check on older records. For more recent ones, the Crisp County Probate Court is the source.
Crisp County Online Resources
Start your application at home using the Georgia Probate Records portal. You fill out the form online, print it, and bring it to the court. This can speed up the process. You still need to appear in person with your ID and the fee, though.
Search for marriage records in Crisp County using the online search tool. The state also provides general guidance at georgia.gov about how marriage licenses work in Georgia.
No county in Georgia does fully online marriage licenses. The online tools are only for the application and record searches. You have to go to the Crisp County Probate Court to actually get the license.
Who Can Officiate in Crisp County
Georgia law lets judges, ministers, and other authorized officials perform wedding ceremonies. State and federal judges who sit in Georgia qualify. Ordained clergy from any faith can also perform the ceremony. Retired judges are included in the list of authorized officiants.
Your officiant does not have to file any paperwork with Crisp County before the ceremony. They just have to sign the license and make sure it gets returned to the court within 30 days. If you are unsure about your officiant, contact the Probate Court for clarification.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Crisp County. Any Georgia resident can apply for a marriage license in any county. Your marriage record stays in the county where you applied.