Monroe County Marriage License Search

Marriage licenses in Monroe County are issued by the Probate Court in Forsyth. Both people must go to the courthouse together with photo ID to apply. The license costs $56, or $16 if you bring a premarital education certificate. Monroe County is in central Georgia, right along I-75 between Atlanta and Macon. There is no waiting period and no blood test. Georgia makes it simple to get married. You can apply for the license and have the ceremony the same day if that is your plan.

Monroe County Probate Court

The Monroe County Probate Court in Forsyth is the only office that issues marriage licenses in this county. Forsyth is the county seat and sits right off Interstate 75, making it easy to reach from many parts of central Georgia.

The Forsyth courthouse has free parking. The town is about 60 miles south of Atlanta and 25 miles north of Macon. This location is convenient for couples in the I-75 corridor. Call the court to ask any questions before your visit.

Requirements for a Monroe County Marriage License

Both applicants must come to the court in person. No exceptions. You cannot send a friend or relative. Each person must present a valid form of photo identification. Monroe County accepts:

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

Bring a certified copy of your divorce decree or a death certificate if you were married before. The court needs to confirm that all prior marriages ended before they will issue a new one. Both people must be 18 or older per OCGA 19-3-2. Georgia eliminated the blood test requirement in 2003.

Georgia residents may apply for a marriage license in any county. You do not have to live in Monroe County. Out-of-state couples need to apply in the county where the wedding ceremony will take place.

Monroe County Marriage License Fees

The standard fee is $56. Couples who complete a premarital education course pay just $16. The course must be at least six hours long and led by a licensed counselor, therapist, or member of the clergy. You need to finish the course within 12 months of applying for the license.

Have the certificate ready when you visit the probate court. If you do not bring it, you pay the full fee. Call (478) 994-6304 to ask about accepted payment methods. Not every small Georgia court takes credit cards. All fees are final once paid.

Georgia Marriage License Resources

General information about Georgia marriage licenses is on the state website. Visit georgia.gov for rules that apply statewide.

For Monroe County specifics like payment options and parking, the Forsyth probate court staff can help. Just give them a call.

After the Ceremony

After the wedding, the officiant signs the license. The signed license must be returned to the Monroe County Probate Court within 30 days. That is the law under OCGA 19-3-30. You can mail it or bring it in.

Recording takes up to 30 days once the court has the signed license. They will mail your marriage certificate once it is processed. If 45 days pass and you have not received it, call (478) 994-6304 to check.

Your marriage certificate is an official legal document. Keep it in a secure place. You will need it for name changes, updating your Social Security card, insurance changes, and similar tasks. Extra certified copies are available from the Monroe County Probate Court.

Online Application and Records

Georgia has an online application through the Georgia Probate Records portal. Fill it out at home, print it, and bring it to the Monroe County Probate Court. You must still visit the office in person.

To search for existing marriage records, the marriage record search tool is available. The state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov holds records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records outside that time period, contact the Monroe County Probate Court.

Nearby Counties

Monroe County shares borders with several central Georgia counties. Any Georgia resident can apply for a marriage license at any county probate court in the state.