Access Liberty County Marriage License
Liberty County marriage licenses are issued by the Probate Court in Hinesville. Liberty County is home to Fort Stewart, one of the largest military installations in the country, so the Probate Court regularly works with military couples. Both applicants must appear in person with valid ID. The standard marriage license fee is $56, or $16 with a premarital education certificate. There is no waiting period in Georgia, and no blood test is needed. The court is open Monday through Friday for walk-in applications.
Liberty County Marriage License Quick Facts
Liberty County Probate Court
The Liberty County Probate Court in Hinesville is where you apply for a marriage license. Hinesville is the county seat and the largest city in the county. The court is used to handling applications from both civilian and military couples. Staff can walk you through the process and answer any questions.
| Address | P.O. Box 50, Hinesville, GA 31310 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (912) 876-3320 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| County Seat | Hinesville |
Call (912) 876-3320 before your visit if you have questions. The court staff can confirm hours and let you know about any documents you need. Because of the military presence in the area, the court handles a higher volume of applications than many counties of similar size. Military ID is accepted as valid identification.
Marriage License Requirements in Liberty County
Both people must come to the Liberty County Probate Court at the same time. No one can apply alone or send a representative. Each person must present valid photo identification. The court needs to confirm your identity and age.
Accepted forms of ID include:
- State-issued driver's license or ID card
- Valid U.S. passport
- Certified copy of birth certificate
- Military ID (common at Liberty County given Fort Stewart)
If either person was married before, you must prove that marriage ended. A certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate is required. The court cannot issue a new license without this proof. Both people must be 18 or older. Georgia law does not allow anyone under 18 to get a marriage license.
There is no blood test. Georgia dropped that rule in 2003. No waiting period exists either. You can have your wedding right after getting the license. Georgia residents can apply in any county. Military members stationed at Fort Stewart who are from other states can apply in Liberty County, and their ceremony can take place here as well. Your Social Security number is needed for the application.
Liberty County Marriage License Fees
The standard fee for a marriage license in Liberty County is $56. Couples who complete a premarital education course pay just $16. The course must be at least six hours and must have been finished within 12 months of the application. Bring the certificate of completion when you visit the court.
The fee is due at the time of application. It is not refundable. Check with the Probate Court about which payment methods are accepted. Some offices take cash, checks, and cards, but it varies. Calling ahead helps you avoid surprises.
After the marriage is recorded, you can request certified copies of the marriage certificate. These are your official proof of marriage. You will need them for name changes, updating military records, insurance, and other legal matters. Ask the court for current copy fees.
After the Ceremony in Liberty County
Your officiant must sign the marriage license after the ceremony. The signed license has to be returned to the Liberty County Probate Court within 30 days. This deadline is set by state law. If the license is not returned on time, the marriage may not be properly recorded.
Once the court records the marriage, certified copies become available. Recording may take a few weeks. If you have a time-sensitive need for proof of marriage, let the court know and ask if they can help speed things up. Military personnel often need copies quickly for housing or benefit updates.
The Georgia Department of Public Health at dph.georgia.gov holds marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records outside that range, contact the Liberty County Probate Court directly.
Liberty County Marriage License Online
Begin the application process online at georgiaprobaterecords.com. Complete the form, print it, and bring it with you to the court. This helps cut down on wait time at the office. You still need to appear in person with your ID and the fee.
To search for existing marriage records in Liberty County, check the marriage record search page. General information about Georgia marriage licenses is available at georgia.gov.
The online tools are for pre-application and record searches only. No Georgia county issues marriage licenses without an in-person visit. Plan to make a trip to the courthouse in Hinesville.
Who Can Officiate Weddings
Georgia law permits judges, ministers, and other authorized officials to perform wedding ceremonies. State and federal judges in Georgia can officiate. Ordained ministers and clergy of any faith are authorized. Military chaplains at Fort Stewart can also perform ceremonies for service members.
The officiant does not need to register with Liberty County. They sign the license after the ceremony and make sure it is returned to the court. If you are unsure about your officiant, the Probate Court can advise you on who qualifies under Georgia law.
Cities in Liberty County
Hinesville is the largest city in Liberty County and where the Probate Court is located. All Liberty County residents get their marriage license through this office.
Nearby Counties
Liberty County is on the Georgia coast. These neighboring counties each have their own Probate Court. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county.