Long County Marriage License Lookup
Long County marriage licenses are issued through the Probate Court in Ludowici. Long County is a small, rural county in southeast Georgia, not far from the coast. The Probate Court handles all marriage license applications for the county. Both people must visit the office together and bring valid photo ID. The fee is $56 for a standard license, or $16 with a premarital education certificate. Georgia requires no blood test and no waiting period to get a marriage license.
Long County Marriage License Quick Facts
Long County Probate Court
The Long County Probate Court is in Ludowici, the county seat. This is a small office that serves the whole county. The staff can help you with the marriage license process from start to finish. Because Long County is small, the court may have limited staff, so calling ahead is a good idea.
| Address | P.O. Box 368, Ludowici, GA 31316 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (912) 545-2135 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| County Seat | Ludowici |
Call (912) 545-2135 before your trip. The staff can tell you what to bring and confirm the office will be open. Long County is adjacent to Liberty County, and some couples from the Fort Stewart area visit this office as well. The court welcomes all applicants during business hours.
Requirements for a Long County Marriage License
Both applicants must appear together at the Long County Probate Court. One person cannot apply on behalf of both. Each of you needs to show a valid form of photo ID. The court uses your ID to verify who you are and to check your age.
Accepted forms of identification:
- Driver's license or state-issued ID card
- U.S. passport
- Certified copy of a birth certificate
- Military identification card
If either person has been married before, documentation that the prior marriage ended is needed. A certified divorce decree or death certificate is what the court requires. They will not issue a new license without it. Both people must be at least 18. Georgia no longer issues marriage licenses to minors.
There is no blood test required. Georgia eliminated that rule in 2003. There is no waiting period. You can hold the ceremony as soon as you get the license. Georgia residents may apply in any county. Non-residents can apply in Long County, but the wedding must take place here if neither person lives in the state. Your Social Security number goes on the application form.
Long County Marriage License Fees
A standard marriage license in Long County is $56. If you have a certificate from a premarital education course, the fee is only $16. That is a big discount. The course must be at least six hours long. You need to have finished it within 12 months of your application.
Present the course certificate when you apply. Without it, the full fee applies. Payment is due at the time of application. Fees are not refundable. Check with the court about what forms of payment they take. Cash may be preferred at smaller county offices.
After the marriage is recorded, certified copies are available for a fee. Ask the Probate Court for the current rate. You will want at least one copy for legal purposes such as name changes or benefit updates.
After Your Wedding
The officiant signs the marriage license once the ceremony is done. Then the signed license must go back to the Long County Probate Court within 30 days. This is required by state law. If it is late, recording the marriage could be delayed.
Once the court records the marriage, you can get certified copies of the certificate. Recording takes some time after the license is received. Plan ahead if you need copies soon after the wedding.
For older marriage records, the state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov keeps records from June 1952 through August 1996. Records from other years are at the county Probate Court.
Long County Online Resources
Start your application through the Georgia Probate Records portal. Fill it out online and print the completed form. Bring it to the Long County Probate Court with your ID and payment. This is a time saver, but the in-person visit is still required.
Search for Long County marriage records at the marriage record search page. The state has an overview of the process at georgia.gov.
Remember that no county in Georgia handles the full marriage license process online. You must go to the Probate Court in person to complete your application.
Who Can Perform Weddings
Georgia law authorizes judges, ministers, and other officials to officiate weddings. Any state or federal judge in Georgia can perform the ceremony. Ordained clergy from any faith are eligible. You do not need to notify Long County in advance about who your officiant will be.
The officiant signs the license and makes sure it gets returned to the Probate Court within 30 days. If you have questions about whether someone qualifies to officiate, the court staff can help.
Nearby Counties
Long County is in southeast Georgia. These nearby counties also issue marriage licenses through their Probate Courts.