Oconee County Marriage License

Marriage licenses for Oconee County are issued at the Probate Court in Watkinsville. Both people need to appear together at the courthouse with valid photo ID. The fee is $56 for a standard license and $16 with a premarital education certificate. Oconee County is just south of Athens in northeast Georgia. There is no blood test and no waiting period. You can get your license and have the ceremony on the same day. The probate court handles all marriage license applications during weekday business hours.

Oconee County Probate Court

The Oconee County Probate Court in Watkinsville is the only place to apply for a marriage license in this county. Watkinsville is the county seat and is located just a few miles south of Athens. The court staff handles marriage license paperwork and can guide you through the process.

Watkinsville is a short drive from the University of Georgia campus in Athens. The town has a small-town feel and the courthouse is simple to locate. Parking is free. Many couples who live in the Athens area come to Oconee County for their marriage license, either because of proximity or preference.

Requirements for an Oconee County Marriage License

Both applicants must appear in person together. Each person needs valid photo identification. The Oconee County Probate Court accepts these types of ID:

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

Previously married? Bring a certified divorce decree or a death certificate for your former spouse. The court checks this before issuing a new license. You must be 18 or older per OCGA 19-3-2. Georgia has not required a blood test since 2003.

Any Georgia resident can apply in Oconee County. No local residency is needed. Out-of-state couples must apply in the county where the wedding ceremony will take place. The license is valid across all of Georgia.

Oconee County Marriage License Fees

The standard fee is $56. With a premarital education certificate, you pay $16. The course needs to be at least six hours and led by a licensed counselor, therapist, or clergy member. Complete the course within 12 months before applying.

Bring the certificate to the courthouse when you apply. If you do not have it, you owe the full $56. Call (706) 769-3940 to check on accepted payment methods. Fees cannot be refunded once they are paid.

Georgia Marriage License Resources

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

For Oconee County specifics, the probate court in Watkinsville is your best contact.

After Your Wedding

The officiant signs the license after the ceremony. Return the signed license to the Oconee County Probate Court within 30 days. OCGA 19-3-30 requires this step. You can mail it or hand deliver it.

The court records the license and sends you a marriage certificate by mail. Processing takes up to 30 days. Call (706) 769-3940 if you have not received it after 45 days.

Store your marriage certificate somewhere safe. You need it for legal name changes, updating records with Social Security, insurance changes, and many other tasks. The Oconee County Probate Court can issue additional certified copies.

Online Application and Records

Georgia has an online application at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Fill it out at home, print it, and bring it to the Oconee County courthouse. An in-person visit is still needed.

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

Name Change After Marriage in Oconee County

Changing your name is not required. But if you want to, the marriage certificate from the Oconee County Probate Court is where it starts. Take it to the Social Security office first. Fill out form SS-5 with your new name. You need the certified marriage certificate and a photo ID.

After Social Security updates your records, go to the Georgia DDS office for a new driver's license. Then work through the rest: bank accounts, credit cards, insurance, voter registration, and any professional licenses. Oconee County is close to Athens, so you have several DDS and Social Security office options nearby. Plan to spend a few weeks getting everything updated.

Nearby Counties

Oconee County borders several other counties near Athens. Georgia residents are free to get a marriage license in any county, so a nearby court could work just as well for you.