Henry County Marriage License

Marriage licenses in Henry County are issued by the Probate Court in McDonough. The court offers online appointment reservations so you can plan your visit in advance. Both applicants must show up together with valid identification. Henry County is part of the south metro Atlanta area, and its Probate Court serves residents from Stockbridge, McDonough, Hampton, Locust Grove, and other communities. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Henry County Probate Court Details

The Henry County Probate Court is at 99 Sims Street in McDonough. The office handles marriage licenses, estates, guardianships, and firearms permits. For marriage licenses, both people must appear in person.

Henry County offers online appointment reservations. This is a nice feature that many Georgia counties do not have. You can visit the court website to pick a date and time that works for you. Walk-ins may also be accepted, but setting up a time in advance helps avoid long waits.

The courthouse is in downtown McDonough, near the town square. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The Probate Court is a separate office from the Superior Court, so make sure you go to the right place.

Marriage License Requirements in Henry County

Both applicants must be present. No one can apply on behalf of someone else. Each person needs valid photo identification. A driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID all work.

If either person was married before, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or death certificate from the last marriage. The court needs proof that no prior marriage is still active.

Georgia residents can get a marriage license in any county. You do not have to live in Henry County to apply here. However, if neither applicant is a Georgia resident, you can only get the license in the county where the ceremony will happen.

There is no blood test. No waiting period. The license does not expire. Once you have it, you can get married whenever you choose. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. A 17-year-old needs emancipation paperwork and cannot marry someone more than four years older.

Henry County Marriage License Fees

The fee is $56 for a standard license. With a premarital education certificate, the fee is $16. The education program must include at least six hours of instruction. It must be completed within 12 months of the application. Both applicants must attend the course together.

Qualifying programs are taught by licensed counselors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, or active clergy members. Bring the certificate of completion when you apply. You cannot get the discount retroactively.

Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10 each. You can request them at the Henry County Probate Court or by mail. The state vital records office has marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records outside that window, contact the county Probate Court where the license was issued.

After the Ceremony

The person who performs the ceremony must sign the marriage license. Then the signed license goes back to the Henry County Probate Court. You have 30 days to return it. The court records the license and mails your marriage certificate. This usually takes up to 30 days.

Make sure the officiant fills out all required fields. Incomplete licenses can slow things down. If you do not get your certificate within 45 days, call the Probate Court at (770) 288-7600.

Marriage License Rules in Georgia

Georgia does not have a mandatory waiting period. You get the license the same day you apply, assuming everything checks out. The state dropped its blood test requirement in 2003. Licenses do not expire.

You can start the application process at home using the Georgia Probate Records portal. Print it out and bring it with you. You still must appear in person, but filling out the form ahead of time saves a few minutes at the counter.

The Georgia.gov marriage license page has a basic overview of what to expect across the state. Keep in mind that some details, like payment methods and office hours, vary from county to county. Always check with the local Probate Court for the most current information.

Cities in Henry County

Henry County includes Stockbridge, McDonough, Hampton, and Locust Grove. All residents go to the Probate Court in McDonough for marriage licenses.

Nearby Counties

Henry County is south of Atlanta and borders several other metro area counties. Georgia residents can apply for a license in any county.