Find McIntosh County Marriage License

Marriage licenses in McIntosh County are issued through the Probate Court in Darien. Both people planning to marry must come to the courthouse together and bring valid identification. The fee is $56 for a standard license or $16 with a premarital education certificate. McIntosh County is on the Georgia coast, and Darien is a small town with easy access to the courthouse. Georgia has no blood test and no waiting period, so you can get your license and have the ceremony on the same day.

McIntosh County Probate Court

The Probate Court in Darien handles all marriage license requests for McIntosh County. Darien is the county seat and sits along the coast near I-95. The office is small, and you can usually get in and out without a long wait.

Darien is a popular spot for coastal weddings, so some couples from other areas choose to get their license here. Free parking is available near the courthouse. Call the office to check availability, especially if you are planning a visit during busy seasons.

McIntosh County Marriage License Requirements

Both people must appear in person at the court. No exceptions to this rule. Bring a valid photo ID. McIntosh County accepts these forms of identification:

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

If you had a previous marriage, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate for the former spouse. The court checks this before issuing a new license in McIntosh County. Both applicants need to be at least 18 years old. OCGA 19-3-2 sets these age rules for the whole state.

Georgia residents can apply for a license in any county. You do not have to live in McIntosh County. If neither applicant is a Georgia resident, you must apply in the county where the wedding ceremony will take place. No blood test is needed.

McIntosh County Marriage License Fees

The standard fee is $56. Couples who complete a premarital education course pay $16. The course needs to be six hours or more and must be taught by a licensed counselor, therapist, or member of the clergy. Complete it within 12 months of applying for the license.

Have your course certificate ready when you visit the McIntosh County Probate Court. If you do not bring it, you pay the full $56. Call (912) 437-6641 to confirm which payment methods the office accepts. Not all small county courts take cards. Fees cannot be refunded after you pay them.

Georgia Marriage License Resources

General marriage license information is available at the state level. Visit georgia.gov for details that apply to all counties in Georgia.

The information on that page covers rules for every Georgia county, including McIntosh. For questions about the Darien court specifically, call the probate court office.

After the Wedding Ceremony

Your officiant must sign the marriage license right after the ceremony. The signed license needs to be sent back to the McIntosh County Probate Court within 30 days. This is a requirement under OCGA 19-3-30. Mail it or bring it in person.

Once the court records the signed license, they will mail a marriage certificate to you. This usually takes up to 30 days. If you have not gotten the certificate after 45 days, call (912) 437-6641 to ask about the status.

Keep your marriage certificate in a safe spot. It serves as legal proof of your marriage. You will need it for name changes, tax updates, insurance, and other important tasks. Request extra copies from the McIntosh County Probate Court if you need them.

Apply Online or Search Records

Georgia has an online marriage license application at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Fill it out from home, print the form, and bring it to the McIntosh County courthouse. An in-person visit is still required to complete the process.

To search for marriage records, use the marriage record search tool. The state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov holds records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records from other years, the McIntosh County Probate Court is the place to check.

Nearby Counties

McIntosh County shares borders with other coastal and inland counties. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county in the state, so a nearby court may be a good alternative.