Harris County Marriage License

Marriage license applications for Harris County are filed at the Probate Court in Hamilton. The court is the only place in the county where you can get a marriage license. Harris County is located in western Georgia, just north of Columbus. Many couples from the Columbus metro area apply here. Both people must be present to complete the application. Bring a valid photo ID and the required fee. The process is straightforward, and the court staff will guide you through the paperwork. Walk-in visits are accepted during regular office hours.

Harris County Probate Court

The Harris County Probate Court in Hamilton issues all marriage licenses for the county. The office is inside the county courthouse. Staff handle marriage license applications along with other probate matters like estates and guardianships.

You can learn about the general process on the Georgia marriage license page at georgia.gov.

That resource covers the statewide rules that apply in every county including Harris.

If you have questions before your visit, call the office. The staff can tell you about any documents you might need beyond the basics, like proof of a prior marriage ending. They can also let you know about accepted payment methods.

Requirements for a Harris County Marriage License

Both applicants must come to the court at the same time. You cannot have someone else apply on your behalf. Each person must show a valid photo ID. You need to be 18 or older.

• State driver's license or ID card
• Certified birth certificate
• U.S. passport (valid)
• Military ID

If either person has been married before, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or death certificate. The Harris County Probate Court requires this before they can issue a new license. Your Social Security number is needed on the application form, though you do not have to show the card.

No blood test is required. Georgia ended that requirement in 2003. There is no waiting period either. Once you have the license in hand, you can get married right away. There is no residency requirement for Georgia residents. Non-residents can apply but the ceremony must take place in the county where the license was issued.

To save time, complete the application online first. The Georgia Probate Records portal lets you fill out the form at home. Print it and bring it to the Harris County courthouse.

Harris County Marriage License Fees

The standard marriage license fee in Harris County is $56. Couples who have a premarital education certificate pay only $16. The savings is significant. The course has to be at least six hours and taken within 12 months of your application date.

All fees are non-refundable. Check with the court about what payment methods they accept. The fee includes one certified copy of the marriage certificate that gets mailed to you after the signed license is recorded. Additional certified copies are around $10 each. You can order them at the time of application or later.

Having extra copies is helpful. Banks, insurance companies, and the Social Security Administration all need to see a certified copy when you update records or change your name. Getting a few at once is easier than going back later.

After the Wedding Ceremony

After your ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license. The completed license must be returned to the Harris County Probate Court within 30 days. This is required by Georgia law. Don't let this step slip through the cracks.

Send it to: Harris County Probate Court, P.O. Box 528, Hamilton, GA 31811. You can also drop it off in person. The court will process and record the marriage, then mail your certified marriage certificate. Processing usually takes two to four weeks.

If you haven't received your certificate within 45 days after sending in the signed license, call (706) 628-4951 to check. Keep your certificate stored safely once it arrives. You may also want to make photocopies for your personal files, though official use typically requires certified copies.

Harris County Marriage Record Search

Search for Harris County marriage records using the Georgia Probate Records search tool. This covers many Georgia counties and lets you search by the names of either spouse.

The state vital records office has marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. Visit dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords for those records. Outside that date range, the Harris County Probate Court in Hamilton is your source. Older records may be stored in different formats, so call ahead if you need something from many years back.

Certified copies can be ordered by mail or picked up in person. Include the names of both parties, the approximate date of marriage, and a check or money order when requesting by mail. Processing takes a couple of weeks.

Nearby Counties

Harris County shares borders with several counties. Georgia residents can get a marriage license in any county in the state, so check if one of these is more convenient.