Find Emanuel County Marriage License
Marriage license applications in Emanuel County are handled at the Probate Court in Swainsboro. Emanuel County is one of the larger counties by land area in central-east Georgia. The probate court is the only office that issues marriage licenses here. Both applicants must appear together with proper ID and the filing fee. Walk-ins are welcome during regular hours. The court can usually process your application in one visit if all your documents are in order. Swainsboro is easy to reach from several nearby cities along major highways.
Emanuel County Marriage License Quick Facts
Emanuel County Probate Court
The Emanuel County Probate Court in Swainsboro issues all marriage licenses for the county. The court is in the Emanuel County Courthouse. Staff handle walk-in applications during normal hours and can help you with questions about the process.
| Office | Emanuel County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 142, Swainsboro, GA 30401 |
| Phone | (478) 237-8911 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
The courthouse is downtown in Swainsboro. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. Try to arrive before mid-afternoon so the staff has enough time to process your application before closing.
If you have any unusual circumstances, like a foreign ID or a name discrepancy on your documents, call the court at (478) 237-8911 beforehand. They can tell you exactly what extra documents you may need.
Marriage License Requirements in Emanuel County
Both people must show up at the court. No exceptions to this rule. Each person needs valid photo ID. The following types are accepted:
- Driver's license or state-issued ID
- Valid U.S. or foreign passport
- Certified birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Military identification
Previously married applicants must bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or death certificate. Without it, the court cannot process your application. The document must be certified, not just a photocopy.
Georgia does not require a blood test or impose any waiting period. You must be 18 or older. A 17-year-old with a court-issued emancipation order can apply, but no one younger. Georgia residents can file in any county. Non-residents must file in the county where the ceremony will happen.
Emanuel County Marriage License Fees
A marriage license costs $56 in Emanuel County. If you have a certificate from a qualifying premarital education program, the fee is $16. That saves you $40.
The program must cover at least six hours of instruction. You must complete it within 12 months before applying. It can be through a counselor, church, or approved online provider. Bring the completion certificate with you.
Confirm payment options with the court before your visit. Call (478) 237-8911 to find out if they accept cash, checks, or cards. Being prepared on this front avoids delays.
Emanuel County Marriage License Resources
The Georgia.gov marriage license page covers the statewide process for getting a marriage license.
Use this page to review the general steps before visiting the Emanuel County Probate Court. It covers ID requirements, fees, and the post-ceremony return process.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must sign the license after the wedding. The completed license goes back to the Emanuel County Probate Court within 30 days. You can mail it or return it in person at the Swainsboro courthouse.
The court will record the license and mail you a certified marriage certificate. This process typically takes a few weeks. If you have not received it after 45 days, contact the court. Always make a copy of the signed license before sending it back.
The certified marriage certificate is your official proof of marriage. Use it for name changes, updating your Social Security card, and other legal purposes. Keep it in a safe and secure place.
Search Emanuel County Marriage Records
Emanuel County marriage records are maintained at the Probate Court. Call (478) 237-8911 to ask about a specific record or get a certified copy. You can also search the Georgia Probate Records search tool for online access.
State marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996 are available through the Georgia Department of Public Health. For anything outside that range, the county court is your primary resource.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Emanuel County. Georgia law allows you to apply for a marriage license at any county probate court in the state.