Forsyth County Marriage License Search

Marriage licenses in Forsyth County are issued at the Probate Court in Cumming. The court is an Article 6 expanded jurisdiction court, which means it handles a wider range of cases than most Georgia probate courts. For marriage licenses, both people must appear in person between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM. An online application is available to speed up the process. The standard fee is $56, or $16 with a qualifying premarital education certificate. Forsyth County sits north of Atlanta and is one of the state's fastest-growing counties.

Forsyth County Probate Court

The Forsyth County Probate Court is at 100 West Courthouse Square in Cumming. Suite 008 is on the ground floor. The court handles marriage licenses along with estates, guardianships, and other probate matters.

Marriage license applications are accepted from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The court closes at 4:30 PM, so you need to arrive by 4:00 PM to start the process. Walk-ins are fine, but filling out the online application first will make things faster.

If you have questions before your visit, email the court at probatevital@forsythco.com. They are usually quick to respond. You can also call during business hours. The fax line is available if you need to send documents ahead of time.

Marriage License Requirements

Both applicants must appear in person. Bring a valid photo ID. Accepted forms include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Each person needs proof of age.

If you were married before, you need a certified copy of the final divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate. The Probate Court will not issue a new license without proof that the prior marriage ended.

There is no blood test. No waiting period. No residency requirement for Georgia residents. If neither person lives in Georgia, the license must be obtained in the county where the ceremony will take place.

You must be 18 or older. A 17-year-old may be eligible with emancipation documents and a premarital education certificate. The other party cannot be more than four years older than the 17-year-old applicant. No one under 17 qualifies.

Forsyth County Marriage License Fees

A standard marriage license costs $56. With a premarital education certificate, the cost drops to $16. The education program must be at least six hours and completed within the past 12 months. Both applicants must attend together. A licensed counselor, therapist, or clergy member must teach the course.

Certified copies cost $10 each. You can request them at the Probate Court in person or by mail. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by money order or certified check.

The state vital records office at the Georgia Department of Public Health holds marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. Anything before or after that range stays at the county Probate Court where the license was filed.

Forsyth County Online Application

Forsyth County recommends using the online application. You can access it through the Georgia Probate Records portal. Fill out your information, print the completed form, and bring it to the Probate Court.

The online form asks for names, dates of birth, addresses, parents' names, and whether either party has been married before. You still need to appear in person. The online step just cuts down on time at the counter.

For searching existing marriage records in Forsyth County, use the marriage record search on the same site. You can look up records by name and county.

After the Wedding

Your officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. Return the signed license to the Forsyth County Probate Court within 30 days. You can mail it or drop it off. The court will record it and send your marriage certificate by mail. Allow up to 30 days for processing.

If you do not get your certificate within 45 days, contact the Probate Court. Call (770) 781-2140 or email probatevital@forsythco.com to check the status. Make sure the officiant filled out every required field on the license before returning it. Incomplete forms cause delays.

Marriage Officiants in Forsyth County

Georgia law allows judges, magistrates, ministers, and other authorized individuals to perform wedding ceremonies. Religious leaders such as pastors, priests, and rabbis can all officiate. Friends and family members may officiate if they are ordained through a recognized body.

The officiant is responsible for signing the license and making sure it gets back to the Probate Court. Make sure whoever performs your ceremony understands this duty. A lost or late return can cause problems with your marriage records.

Cities in Forsyth County

Cumming is the county seat of Forsyth County. All residents apply for their marriage license at the Probate Court in Cumming. The county also includes parts of several smaller communities.

Nearby Counties

Forsyth County sits between Hall County to the north and Fulton County to the south. Georgia residents can get a marriage license in any county.