Lee County Marriage License Search

Lee County marriage licenses are handled by the Probate Court in Leesburg, Georgia. Lee County sits just east of Albany in southwest Georgia and has grown steadily over the years. The Probate Court is the only place to get a marriage license in the county. Both applicants must come in together with valid identification. The fee is $56 for a standard license, or $16 if you bring a premarital education certificate. Georgia has no waiting period and no blood test requirement for marriage licenses.

Lee County Probate Court Details

The Lee County Probate Court is located in Leesburg, the county seat. The court handles marriage licenses, wills, guardianships, and other probate matters. For marriage license applications, you work with the Probate Court clerk. Walk-ins are accepted during office hours.

Call (229) 759-6010 to reach the court. The staff can answer questions about the process and tell you what to bring. Lee County is close to Albany, so some couples from the Albany area choose to apply here. The court serves all applicants regardless of where they live.

Marriage License Requirements

Both people must visit the Lee County Probate Court together. You cannot apply by yourself or have someone go on your behalf. Each applicant needs a valid photo ID. The court uses this to confirm your identity and verify your age.

The following forms of ID are accepted:

• Georgia driver's license or state ID
• U.S. passport (current and not expired)
• Certified copy of birth certificate
• Military identification card

If you were married before, bring proof the marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or death certificate is what the court needs. Without this, they will not issue a new license. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Georgia stopped allowing minors to marry.

No blood test is needed. Georgia removed that requirement years ago. There is no waiting period either. Your license is valid as soon as it is issued. You can have your ceremony the same day if you want. Residency is not required for Georgia residents, who can apply in any county. Non-residents can apply in Lee County but must hold the ceremony here.

Your Social Security number will be requested on the application. This is a state requirement that applies in all Georgia counties.

Lee County Marriage License Fees

A standard marriage license costs $56 in Lee County. This is the same fee charged by most Georgia counties. If you complete a state-approved premarital education course, the fee is reduced to $16. The course has to be at least six hours. It must have been completed within the 12 months before your application.

Bring the completion certificate when you apply. The Probate Court must see it in order to give you the reduced rate. You cannot submit it later. Payment is due when you apply. Fees are non-refundable. Contact the court to ask about accepted payment methods.

Certified copies of the marriage certificate are available after the marriage is recorded. These copies are your legal proof. You will need them for things like changing your name on a driver's license or updating Social Security records. The cost per copy varies, so ask the court.

After the Wedding

The officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. Then the completed license needs to be returned to the Lee County Probate Court within 30 days. This is a state deadline. Make sure the officiant knows about this requirement. If the license is not returned, your marriage may not be recorded.

After recording, you can request certified copies. The court processes the license and creates the marriage record. This may take a few weeks. If you need proof of marriage sooner, ask the court what options are available.

For older records, the state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov holds marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. All other records are at the county Probate Court.

Online Resources for Lee County

Start your marriage license application at georgiaprobaterecords.com. Fill out the form online and print it. Bring the printed application to the Lee County Probate Court along with your ID and payment. This speeds things up but does not replace the in-person visit.

For searching existing Lee County marriage records, try the marriage record search tool. The state provides general marriage license information at georgia.gov.

Keep in mind that you cannot complete the entire process online. Georgia requires both applicants to appear in person at the Probate Court. The online form just gives you a head start.

Wedding Officiants

Georgia allows several types of people to perform a wedding. Judges, magistrates, and ordained ministers can all officiate. Any judge of a state or federal court in Georgia is eligible. Clergy from any denomination may perform ceremonies. The officiant does not need to register with Lee County before the wedding.

The officiant's responsibility is to conduct the ceremony, sign the marriage license, and make sure it gets back to the Probate Court within 30 days. If you have questions about whether a specific person can officiate, call the Lee County Probate Court.

Nearby Counties

Lee County is in southwest Georgia near Albany. These neighboring counties each have their own Probate Court where marriage licenses are issued.