Access Houston County Marriage License
Marriage license applications in Houston County are handled at the Probate Court in Perry. Houston County is one of the more populated counties in middle Georgia, with Warner Robins as its largest city. The Probate Court sees a steady number of marriage license applications throughout the year. Both applicants must come to the courthouse together. Bring a valid photo ID and the correct fee. No appointment is required. Walk-ins are served during regular business hours, and the license is typically issued the same day you apply. The court staff will guide you through each step.
Houston County Marriage License Quick Facts
Houston County Probate Court
The Houston County Probate Court in Perry is where you apply for a marriage license. The court sits in the county seat and serves all Houston County residents, including those in Warner Robins, Centerville, and Bonaire. As a busier court, they have experienced staff who process license applications daily.
The state of Georgia provides a helpful overview of the marriage license process at georgia.gov.
Check the state page for general information before visiting the Houston County Probate Court.
| Office | Houston County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 4627, Perry, GA 31069 |
| Phone | (478) 218-4710 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Houston County is home to Robins Air Force Base. Many military families apply for marriage licenses here. The court is familiar with military ID and documents. Active duty members and their partners can use military ID as their primary form of identification. The office handles a higher volume than many Georgia counties, so expect efficient service.
Requirements for a Houston County Marriage License
Both people must appear at the Probate Court together. You each need a valid photo ID. The minimum age is 18. Georgia law does not allow anyone under 18 to get married without a court order.
- Valid driver's license or state-issued ID
- Certified birth certificate
- Valid U.S. passport
- Military ID card
Previously married applicants must provide a certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate. The Houston County Probate Court needs this before they can issue a new license. Your Social Security number goes on the application. You don't need the physical card, just the number.
No blood test is required anywhere in Georgia. That law changed in 2003. There is no waiting period. Once you have the license, the ceremony can happen right away. Georgia residents can apply for a license in any county. Non-residents must hold the ceremony in the county where the license was issued.
Speed up your visit by completing the online application at georgiaprobaterecords.com before going to the court. Print the form and bring it along with your ID and fee.
Houston County Marriage License Fees
A standard marriage license in Houston County costs $56. Couples with a premarital education certificate pay $16. The course needs to be at least six hours and completed within 12 months of the application date. The savings is $40, which is worth it for many couples.
Fees are non-refundable. The Houston County Probate Court accepts multiple forms of payment. Call (478) 218-4710 to ask about the specific methods available. The license fee includes one certified copy of the marriage certificate after the signed license is returned and recorded.
Additional certified copies cost around $10 each. You may need extra copies for legal name changes, updating your Social Security card, changing bank accounts, and filing with insurance companies. Ordering several at once saves you from repeat trips or mailings.
After the Wedding Ceremony
The officiant signs the marriage license after the wedding. Return the signed license to the Houston County Probate Court within 30 days. Georgia law requires this, and late returns can delay your official marriage record.
Send it to: Houston County Probate Court, P.O. Box 4627, Perry, GA 31069. Or drop it off in person at the courthouse. The court will record the marriage and mail you a certified certificate. This takes about two to four weeks from when they receive the signed document.
If 45 days pass and you have not received your marriage certificate, call the court. They can check on the status and make sure nothing was lost in the mail. Keep your marriage certificate in a safe and secure location once it arrives.
Houston County Marriage Record Search
You can search for marriage records filed in Houston County through the Georgia Probate Records search tool. This online database covers records from numerous Georgia counties and allows searches by name.
The Georgia Department of Public Health holds state-level marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. Visit dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords for details on how to request those records. For anything outside that range, contact the Houston County Probate Court directly.
Certified copies can be requested in person at the courthouse or by mail. Mail requests should include the full names of both parties, the approximate marriage date, and payment for the copy fee. Allow two to three weeks for processing.
Cities in Houston County
Warner Robins is the largest city in Houston County. All residents apply for marriage licenses at the Probate Court in Perry, the county seat.
Nearby Counties
Houston County is surrounded by several Georgia counties. If another courthouse is closer to where you live or work, you can apply for a marriage license there instead.