Dade County Marriage License

Marriage license applications in Dade County are handled by the Probate Court in Trenton. Dade County sits at the far northwest tip of Georgia, right along the Alabama and Tennessee borders. The probate court serves as the sole issuing office for all marriage licenses in this county. Both people who plan to marry must show up at the court in person with valid photo ID. Georgia law allows residents from any county to apply here, though most applicants come from the local area. The court staff can walk you through the full process when you arrive, and no appointment is needed for standard applications.

Dade County Probate Court Details

The Dade County Probate Court in Trenton is where you file for a marriage license. The office is small but handles all probate matters for the county, including marriage licenses, estates, and guardianships. You can call ahead to confirm hours or ask questions about what to bring.

The courthouse is in downtown Trenton. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. The staff processes most marriage license applications in a single visit, so you can expect to leave with your license the same day if your paperwork is in order.

For couples near the state line, keep in mind that a Georgia marriage license is only valid for ceremonies held in Georgia. If your ceremony is in Tennessee or Alabama, you will need a license from that state instead.

Marriage License Requirements in Dade County

Both applicants must appear together at the Dade County Probate Court. You cannot send one person alone or use a proxy. Each person needs a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The court must verify your identity before issuing the license.

If either person was married before, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate for the former spouse. The court needs proof that all prior marriages have been legally ended. This is a state requirement, not just a local rule.

Georgia does not require a blood test or a waiting period. You must be at least 18 years old to apply. A 17-year-old may apply only with a valid court order of emancipation. No one under 17 can get a marriage license in Georgia under any circumstances.

You can start the application online before your visit. The Georgia Probate Records portal lets you fill out the form at home. Print it and bring it to the Dade County courthouse. This saves time at the counter.

Dade County Marriage License Fees

The standard fee for a marriage license in Dade County is $56. Couples who complete a premarital counseling program pay just $16. The counseling must be at least six hours and done within 12 months of your application. Bring the certificate of completion when you apply.

This $40 discount is set by state law. It applies in every Georgia county. The program can be through a licensed counselor, a religious institution, or an approved online course. Make sure you get a signed certificate that meets the state's requirements.

Ask the court about accepted payment methods. Some Georgia probate courts take cash only. Others accept checks or cards. Call the Dade County Probate Court at (706) 657-4778 to confirm before your visit.

Dade County Marriage License Resources

The Georgia.gov marriage license page has a full overview of the process for all counties, including Dade County.

This state resource covers the basic steps, fee structure, and ID requirements that apply to every county in Georgia. It is a good starting point before you visit the Dade County Probate Court.

After the Wedding in Dade County

Your officiant must sign the marriage license after the ceremony. The signed license needs to go back to the Dade County Probate Court within 30 days. Mail it or drop it off in person at the courthouse in Trenton.

Once the court records the license, they will mail you a certified marriage certificate. This process can take a few weeks. If you have not received your certificate after 45 days, call the probate court to check the status. Keep a copy of the signed license for your own records before you turn it in.

Search Dade County Marriage Records

To find an existing marriage record from Dade County, contact the Probate Court directly. They keep all local marriage records on file. You can also search the Georgia Probate Records marriage search tool for digital records.

The Georgia Department of Public Health at dph.georgia.gov holds state marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records before or after that range, the county probate court is your best source. Certified copies from the state cost a separate fee.

Nearby Counties

Dade County borders just one other Georgia county. Residents can apply for a marriage license in any Georgia county, so neighboring offices are an option if the timing works better.