Access Gilmer County Marriage License
Marriage license applications in Gilmer County are handled at the Probate Court in Ellijay. Gilmer County is in the north Georgia mountains, and it has become a popular area for outdoor weddings. The court processes marriage license applications for all couples who choose to file here, whether they live in the county or not. Both people must appear in person. Bring valid photo ID and the correct fee. Walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours, and most applications can be completed in a single visit.
Gilmer County Marriage License Quick Facts
Gilmer County Probate Court Information
The Gilmer County Probate Court is in Ellijay and handles all marriage license filings. The court is in the Gilmer County Courthouse. Staff take walk-in applications and can process most of them in one visit.
| Office | Gilmer County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 16, Ellijay, GA 30540 |
| Phone | (706) 635-4462 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Ellijay is known as the Apple Capital of Georgia and draws many visitors, especially in the fall. If you are planning a mountain wedding and need to file here, try to come on a weekday morning when the office tends to be less busy.
Non-Georgia residents who plan to get married in Gilmer County must apply here. Georgia residents can apply at any county in the state. Call (706) 635-4462 if you need to check on anything before your visit.
Gilmer County Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must appear at the court together. No one else can file on your behalf. Each person needs valid photo identification. Accepted forms include:
- State driver's license or ID card
- U.S. or foreign passport
- Certified birth certificate
- Military identification card
If you were married before, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse. The court needs this to verify that previous marriages were ended legally. Only certified copies are accepted.
The minimum age to marry in Georgia is 18. Persons aged 17 need a court-issued emancipation order. Georgia dropped the blood test requirement back in 2003. There is no waiting period. The license is valid as soon as it is issued.
Fill out the application ahead of time at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Print the form and bring it to the courthouse. This is especially helpful if you are visiting Ellijay from out of town and want to limit your time at the court.
Gilmer County Marriage License Fees
A marriage license in Gilmer County costs $56. Couples who have completed a premarital counseling program pay $16. The counseling needs to be at least six hours and finished within 12 months of your application.
The discount is available under Georgia state law. Programs from licensed counselors, religious leaders, or approved online providers all count. Have the certificate with you when you apply.
Ask the court about payment methods. Call (706) 635-4462 to find out if they take cash, checks, or credit cards. Being prepared on payment can save you time.
Gilmer County Marriage License Online
Check the Georgia.gov marriage license page for a full overview of the statewide marriage license process.
This state page covers everything you need to know before visiting the Gilmer County Probate Court, including ID rules, fees, and the steps after the ceremony.
After the Wedding Ceremony
The officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. Return the signed license to the Gilmer County Probate Court within 30 days. You can mail it or drop it off at the courthouse in Ellijay.
The court records the document and mails a certified marriage certificate. This usually takes a few weeks. If you are from out of town and applied here for a destination wedding, the certificate will be mailed to the address you provided. Call (706) 635-4462 if you do not receive it within 45 days.
Copy the signed license before you return it. That way you have a backup if anything gets lost in transit.
Search Gilmer County Marriage Records
Gilmer County marriage records are on file at the Probate Court in Ellijay. Call (706) 635-4462 to request a certified copy or inquire about a specific record. You can also use the Georgia Probate Records search tool for online lookups.
State-level marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996 are kept by the Georgia Department of Public Health. Records outside that period are only available from the county probate court.
Nearby Counties
Gilmer County is in the north Georgia mountains. These neighboring counties also have probate courts that issue marriage licenses.