Macon County Marriage License

Marriage licenses in Macon County are issued at the Probate Court in Oglethorpe. Note that Macon County is not the same as the city of Macon, which sits in Bibb County. Both people must come to the courthouse to apply together. The court charges $56 for a standard license and $16 with a premarital education certificate. There is no waiting period and no blood test. Macon County follows the same rules as every other Georgia county for marriage license applications. You can walk in during business hours any weekday to get started.

Macon County Probate Court

The Macon County Probate Court handles all marriage license requests. The office is in Oglethorpe, which is the county seat. This is a small courthouse, so the staff tends to know the process well and can walk you through the steps quickly. Call first if you plan to arrive close to the end of the day.

Oglethorpe is a small town in central Georgia. Parking at the courthouse is free. Since this is a rural county, the office can be less crowded than courts in big cities, which often means faster service. Arrive with all your documents ready and the process should not take long at all.

Requirements for a Macon County Marriage License

Both applicants must appear in person. You cannot send someone else. Each person needs a valid photo ID. The Macon County Probate Court accepts these forms of identification:

• State-issued driver's license or ID card
• Valid U.S. passport
• Certified birth certificate
• Military ID

If either person was married before, bring a certified copy of your final divorce decree or the death certificate of your former spouse. The court will not issue a new license until proof is shown. Both applicants must be at least 18. Georgia law under OCGA 19-3-2 sets the minimum age and eligibility rules. No blood test has been required in Georgia since 2003.

There is no residency requirement for Georgia residents. You can apply in Macon County even if you live in another part of the state. Out-of-state couples must get the license in the county where the ceremony will take place.

Marriage License Fees in Macon County

A standard marriage license costs $56 in Macon County. This is the fee set by Georgia law and it is the same across most counties. Couples who finish a premarital education course pay just $16. The course must last at least six hours and be led by a licensed counselor, therapist, or clergy member. You must complete it within 12 months of applying.

Bring your certificate of completion when you visit the probate court. Without it, you pay the full $56. Call the court at (478) 472-7661 to ask what payment methods they take. Some small courts only accept cash or checks, so it is wise to check before you go. Fees are not refundable once paid.

Georgia Marriage License Resources

The State of Georgia has general marriage license information on its website. You can learn more about the process at georgia.gov.

This page covers the basics that apply to all Georgia counties, including Macon County. For details specific to this court, call the Probate Court in Oglethorpe.

After the Wedding Ceremony

The officiant signs the marriage license right after the ceremony. Then the signed license must go back to the Macon County Probate Court within 30 days. This is required by OCGA 19-3-30. You can mail it or bring it in person.

Once the court records the license, they mail you a marriage certificate. Processing takes up to 30 days. If more than 45 days go by and you still have not received your certificate, call (478) 472-7661 to follow up.

Keep the marriage certificate safe. You will need it for name changes, insurance, and other legal tasks. Extra certified copies can be requested from the Macon County Probate Court for a small fee.

Search Marriage Records Online

You can start a marriage license application online at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Fill it out at home, print it, and bring it with you to the Macon County Probate Court. You still must appear in person with your ID and payment.

To search for existing marriage records, use the marriage record search tool on the same site. The state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov holds marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records outside that time frame, reach out to the Macon County Probate Court.

Nearby Counties

Macon County borders several other counties in central Georgia. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county, so a neighboring court may also be an option if it is more convenient for you.