Decatur County Marriage License Info
Marriage licenses in Decatur County are filed through the Probate Court in Bainbridge, the county seat. This southwest Georgia county sits close to the Florida state line. The probate court is the only office in the county that can issue a marriage license. Couples must visit the court together with proper identification. No appointment is needed for most visits, and the staff can guide you through each step of the process. Plan to bring cash or check, and confirm payment options by calling ahead.
Decatur County Marriage License Quick Facts
Decatur County Probate Court
The Probate Court of Decatur County is your one stop for a marriage license in this part of Georgia. The court is in Bainbridge, which is also the largest city in the county. You can reach the office by phone to ask about anything before you make the trip.
| Office | Decatur County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 624, Bainbridge, GA 39818 |
| Phone | (229) 248-3025 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
The courthouse is in downtown Bainbridge. Try to get there well before the end of business. Applications started too close to closing time may need to be finished the next day. The court is closed on weekends and all state holidays.
Since Decatur County is near the Florida border, some couples from the Tallahassee area come here to apply. Remember that Georgia marriage licenses are only valid for ceremonies performed in Georgia.
Marriage License Requirements for Decatur County
Both people getting married must appear at the court together. No exceptions. Bring a valid photo ID. Accepted forms include a state driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The court will verify your identity at the time of application.
If either applicant has been married before, you need to show proof that the prior marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or death certificate works. The court will not accept plain copies. It must be a certified copy from the court or vital records office that issued it.
You must be at least 18 to apply. Persons aged 17 can apply only with a court order of emancipation. Georgia ended blood test requirements back in 2003. There is no waiting period at all.
Couples can fill out the application ahead of time using the online portal. Print the form and bring it along with your ID. This cuts down on time at the office, though you still must appear in person at the Decatur County Probate Court.
Decatur County Marriage License Fee
A standard marriage license costs $56 in Decatur County. Couples with a premarital education certificate pay just $16. The education program must be at least six hours long and completed within 12 months of the application date.
The $40 discount is available statewide. Programs offered by licensed counselors, clergy, or approved online providers all count. Just make sure you get a signed completion certificate to present at the time of filing.
Check with the court on accepted payment methods before your visit. Some probate courts in rural Georgia have limited payment options. Calling (229) 248-3025 takes just a moment and can prevent a wasted trip.
Decatur County Marriage License Resources
The state of Georgia provides a helpful guide at georgia.gov that covers the marriage license process in every county.
Review this page to understand the basics before heading to the Decatur County courthouse. It includes information on ID requirements, fees, and what to do after the ceremony.
After Your Wedding in Decatur County
Once the ceremony is done, the officiant signs the marriage license. The signed license must be returned to the Decatur County Probate Court within 30 days. You can mail it to the address above or bring it in person.
The court records the license and mails a certified marriage certificate to you. Processing can take several weeks. If 45 days pass with no certificate, contact the court. Keep your own copy of the signed license before sending it in. That way you have a backup in case anything gets lost in the mail.
Search Decatur County Marriage Records
The Decatur County Probate Court keeps all marriage records filed in the county. Contact the office at (229) 248-3025 to request a certified copy or to verify a record. You can also search online using the Georgia Probate Records search tool.
State-level records from June 1952 to August 1996 are available through the Georgia Department of Public Health. For records outside that window, the county court is the place to go.
Nearby Counties
These counties neighbor Decatur County. Georgia law lets you apply for a marriage license in any county, so these courts may be options for you as well.