Echols County Marriage License

Marriage license applications in Echols County are filed at the Probate Court in Statenville. Echols County is one of the smallest and least populated counties in Georgia. The probate court is the only office that issues marriage licenses in the county. Because of the small population, the court handles relatively few marriage license applications each year, so you can expect quick and personal service. Both applicants must come in together with valid photo ID. Call ahead to make sure the office is open and staffed before making the drive out to Statenville.

Echols County Probate Court

The Echols County Probate Court is in Statenville, the county seat. This is a very small court. The probate judge handles marriage licenses along with other county duties. Because of the limited staff, calling before you visit is strongly recommended.

Statenville is a very small community near the Florida border. If you are driving from a distance, verify the office is open by calling (229) 559-5602. Small courts like this one can sometimes close for lunch or have adjusted hours.

The upside of a small courthouse is that you are unlikely to face a long line. Most people who apply here get their license the same day with minimal wait.

Marriage License Requirements for Echols County

Both people must appear at the court together. No proxies or mail-in applications are allowed. Each applicant needs a valid photo ID. Accepted forms include a state driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate.

If you were married before, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse. The court will not move forward without proof that prior marriages ended legally. Plain copies do not count.

You must be 18 or older. A 17-year-old needs a court order of emancipation to apply. Georgia got rid of blood test requirements years ago. There is no waiting period. Once the license is in hand, you can have the ceremony the same day if you want.

Fill out the application ahead of time at the online application portal. Print it and bring it to the court. This is especially helpful in a small office where the staff might appreciate having the form ready to go.

Echols County Marriage License Fee

The standard marriage license fee in Echols County is $56. If you have a certificate from a premarital counseling program, the fee drops to $16. The program needs to be at least six hours long and completed within the 12 months before you apply.

This discount applies in every Georgia county. Qualifying programs can be done through licensed counselors, religious organizations, or approved online providers. Have the certificate with you at the courthouse.

Call (229) 559-5602 to check what payment methods the court accepts. Small courts often have limited options, so checking beforehand is a smart move.

Echols County Marriage License Resources

The state provides general guidance on the Georgia.gov marriage license page that covers the process for all counties.

Review this page for information on ID types, fees, and the post-ceremony steps. Everything on this page applies to the Echols County Probate Court.

After the Ceremony

The officiant signs the marriage license once the ceremony is done. The signed license must be returned to the Echols County Probate Court within 30 days. You can mail it to the address above or drop it off at the courthouse in Statenville.

After the court records the license, they will mail you a certified marriage certificate. Plan on a few weeks for this to arrive. Contact the court if you have not received it within 45 days. Copy the signed license before returning it so you have a backup.

The certified marriage certificate is your official proof of marriage. Keep it safe. You will need it for name changes, bank accounts, insurance, and other legal needs.

Search Echols County Marriage Records

Marriage records filed in Echols County are stored at the Probate Court in Statenville. Contact the court at (229) 559-5602 to request a copy or verify a record. The Georgia Probate Records search tool may also have digital records available.

State-level marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996 can be found through the Georgia Department of Public Health. For records outside that range, you need to go through the county probate court.

Nearby Counties

Echols County is in the far south of Georgia, near the Florida border. These neighboring counties also have probate courts that issue marriage licenses.