Find Lowndes County Marriage License

Marriage licenses in Lowndes County come from the Probate Court in Valdosta. The court recommends using the online application before your visit. Both people must appear in person within three days of submitting the online form. As of January 1, 2025, the Lowndes County Probate Court no longer performs wedding ceremonies. You can still get your license there, but you will need to find a separate officiant for the ceremony. The standard fee is $56, or $16 with premarital education.

Lowndes County Probate Court

The Lowndes County Probate Court is on the second floor of the courthouse at 327 N. Ashley Street in Valdosta. Marriage license applications are processed from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM, Monday through Friday.

The court strongly recommends filling out the online application first. Once you submit it, both applicants must show up in person within three days to finish the process. If more than three days pass, you may need to submit a new application. Bring your printed confirmation along with your photo ID.

The courthouse has a parking lot and some street parking nearby. The second floor is accessible by elevator. If you need assistance, the front desk on the first floor can point you to the Probate Court office.

Ceremony Policy Update

Effective January 1, 2025, the Lowndes County Probate Court stopped performing wedding ceremonies. This is a big change. Before this date, you could get your license and have the judge perform a quick ceremony all in one visit. That option is no longer available.

You still get your marriage license at the Probate Court. But for the actual ceremony, you need to find an officiant on your own. Georgia allows ordained ministers, judges, magistrates, and other authorized individuals to perform weddings. If you need a courthouse-style ceremony, check with the Lowndes County Magistrate Court to see if they offer that service.

Lowndes County Marriage License Requirements

Both people must appear together. Each needs valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Proof of age is also required if your ID does not show a date of birth.

If either person was married before, bring certified proof that the marriage ended. A final divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate will work. The court checks to confirm there are no active marriages on file.

Georgia has no blood test. No waiting period. No expiration on the license. If you are a Georgia resident, you can apply in any county. Non-residents must apply in the county where the ceremony will take place.

The minimum age is 18. A 17-year-old can apply with proof of emancipation and a premarital education certificate. Their partner cannot be more than four years older. No one under 17 is eligible.

Marriage License Fees

The license costs $56 without premarital education. With a valid certificate, you pay $16. The course must be at least six hours and completed within 12 months. Both applicants attend together. A licensed counselor, therapist, or clergy member must provide the instruction.

Certified copies of marriage certificates are $10 each at the Lowndes County Probate Court. You can request them in person or by mail. The Georgia Department of Public Health holds state-level marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996. For other dates, contact the county Probate Court directly.

Returning the Signed License

After your wedding, the officiant signs the license. Return it to the Lowndes County Probate Court within 30 days. Mail or drop it off in person. The court records the document and sends your marriage certificate by mail. Expect about 30 days for processing.

If you have not received your certificate after 45 days, call (229) 671-2650. Double check that the officiant signed all required spots on the license before you send it back. Missing signatures are the most common cause of delays.

Lowndes County Marriage Records

Start your application through the Georgia Probate Records portal. This is the same system used by most Georgia counties. Print the completed form and bring it to the Probate Court in Valdosta.

Search past marriage records using the marriage record search tool. The Georgia.gov marriage license page has general information about the state process.

Cities in Lowndes County

Valdosta is the county seat and the largest city in Lowndes County. All marriage license applications go through the Probate Court in Valdosta.

Nearby Counties

Lowndes County is in south Georgia near the Florida border. These neighboring counties also issue marriage licenses through their own Probate Courts.