Lumpkin County Marriage License
Lumpkin County marriage licenses are available at the Probate Court in Dahlonega. Dahlonega is a popular north Georgia mountain town, and the Probate Court sees a steady flow of marriage license applications, especially from couples who plan destination weddings in the area. Both applicants need to appear in person with valid photo ID. The standard fee is $56, or $16 if you have a premarital education certificate. No blood test or waiting period is required in Georgia.
Lumpkin County Marriage License Quick Facts
Lumpkin County Probate Court
The Lumpkin County Probate Court in Dahlonega is where all marriage license applications are processed. Dahlonega sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is the county seat. The Probate Court is in the courthouse area. The staff deals with a fair number of marriage license requests, especially during the fall wedding season.
| Address | P.O. Box 345, Dahlonega, GA 30533 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (706) 864-3736 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| County Seat | Dahlonega |
Call (706) 864-3736 to reach the Probate Court. The staff can answer questions about what documents to bring and whether you need an appointment. Walk-ins are generally accepted, but during busy seasons, calling first can help you plan your visit better.
Requirements for a Lumpkin County Marriage License
Both people must appear at the Lumpkin County Probate Court in person. No exceptions. You cannot apply by mail or phone, and you cannot send just one person. Each applicant must present a valid photo ID.
The court accepts these forms of ID:
- State-issued driver's license or photo ID
- Current U.S. passport
- Certified birth certificate (original or copy)
- Active military ID
If either person was previously married, proof that the marriage ended is required. Bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate. The Probate Court will not issue a license without this. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Georgia law prohibits marriage for anyone under 18.
Georgia has no blood test requirement. That was eliminated in 2003. There is no waiting period either. Once you have the license, the wedding can happen right away. Georgia residents can apply in any county. Out-of-state couples can apply in Lumpkin County, but the ceremony must take place here if neither person is a Georgia resident. Social Security numbers are required on the application.
Lumpkin County Marriage License Fees
The standard marriage license fee is $56 in Lumpkin County. Couples who complete an approved premarital education course pay only $16. The course must cover at least six hours and must have been done within 12 months of applying. This discount is set by state law and applies in every Georgia county.
Bring the course completion certificate with you. The court needs to see it before they can apply the lower fee. All fees are due at the time of application and are non-refundable. Ask the Probate Court about accepted payment methods before your visit.
Certified copies of the marriage certificate can be ordered after the marriage is recorded. You will likely need copies for name changes, insurance, and other legal matters. The fee per copy varies, so check with the court for current pricing.
After the Ceremony
The officiant signs the marriage license after the wedding. The signed license must be returned to the Lumpkin County Probate Court within 30 days. This deadline is set by Georgia law. Do not forget this step. If the license is not returned in time, your marriage may not be recorded properly.
Once the court records the marriage, certified copies of the certificate are available. You may need to wait a few weeks for the recording to be processed. Contact the court if you have not received your certificate after a reasonable amount of time.
The Georgia Department of Public Health at dph.georgia.gov keeps marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records from other periods, the Lumpkin County Probate Court has them on file.
Online Application for Lumpkin County
You can begin the marriage license application online at georgiaprobaterecords.com. Complete the form and print it out. Then bring it to the Lumpkin County Probate Court with your ID and fee. This saves time at the office but does not eliminate the need for an in-person visit.
To search for existing Lumpkin County marriage records, use the marriage record search tool. General information about Georgia marriage licenses is at georgia.gov.
Officiants in Lumpkin County
Georgia law allows a range of people to perform weddings. Judges and magistrates can officiate. Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy members are authorized. The officiant does not have to register with Lumpkin County beforehand.
Lumpkin County is a popular wedding destination. Many couples have outdoor ceremonies in the mountain setting and use local or visiting officiants. As long as the officiant is authorized under Georgia law, the ceremony is valid. The officiant must sign the license and see that it is returned to the court within 30 days.
Nearby Counties
Lumpkin County is in the north Georgia mountains. These neighboring counties also have Probate Courts where you can get a marriage license.