Access Oglethorpe County Marriage License

Marriage licenses in Oglethorpe County are issued through the Probate Court in Lexington. Both applicants must go to the court together and present valid photo identification. The fee is $56 for a standard license and $16 with a premarital education certificate. Oglethorpe County is a rural county northeast of Athens. No blood test is required in Georgia and there is no waiting period. You can apply for the license and get married on the same day. The court handles all applications during regular weekday hours.

Oglethorpe County Probate Court

All marriage licenses in Oglethorpe County come from the Probate Court in Lexington. This is the county seat. The courthouse is a small office where the staff handles marriage licenses along with other probate matters. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours.

Lexington is a small town about 20 miles northeast of Athens. The courthouse is easy to find and parking is free. Since this is a small office, you may want to call ahead to make sure the judge or clerk is available to process your application. That way you can avoid any surprises on the day of your visit.

What You Need to Apply

Both applicants must be present at the Oglethorpe County Probate Court. No one else can apply on your behalf. Each person needs a valid photo ID. The court accepts these types:

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

If either person was married before, you must bring proof that the marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or death certificate is required. Both people must be at least 18 years old. OCGA 19-3-2 sets these rules for all of Georgia. No blood test is needed.

Georgia residents can apply in any county regardless of where they live. You do not have to be from Oglethorpe County. Non-residents of Georgia need to apply in the county where the ceremony will happen.

Oglethorpe County Marriage License Fees

The standard fee is $56. Couples who have completed premarital education pay $16. The education program must last at least six hours. A licensed counselor, therapist, or clergy member must lead it. Finish the program within 12 months of applying.

Bring the certificate with you on the day you apply. If you do not have it, you pay $56. Contact the court at (706) 743-5731 to ask about payment options. Fees are non-refundable after payment.

Georgia Marriage License Resources

Georgia provides marriage license information on its site. Check georgia.gov for statewide details that apply to Oglethorpe County and all other counties.

For local specifics, the Lexington probate court is the best source. Call them with any questions about fees or procedures.

After the Ceremony

Your officiant signs the license right after the wedding. Return the signed license to the Oglethorpe County Probate Court within 30 days. OCGA 19-3-30 makes this a legal requirement. Mail it or bring it back in person.

The court records the license and sends you a marriage certificate by mail. This takes up to 30 days. If 45 days pass without receiving it, call (706) 743-5731.

Keep the marriage certificate in a safe spot. You will need it for name changes, updating government records, insurance, and more. The Oglethorpe County Probate Court can provide additional certified copies.

Online Application and Record Search

Fill out the marriage license application online at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Print it and bring it to the Oglethorpe County courthouse. You must still show up in person with your ID and payment.

Search for existing records using the marriage record search tool. The state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov has records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records outside those years, reach out to the Oglethorpe County Probate Court.

Tips for Your Visit to Oglethorpe County

Call ahead. The Oglethorpe County Probate Court is a small office. Staff may be out or busy with other duties. A quick call to (706) 743-5731 confirms that someone is there to help you. Bring all your documents on the first visit so you only need to make one trip to Lexington.

Morning visits are usually best. Get there when the office opens at 8:00 AM and you should have plenty of time. Have your payment ready and your ID in hand. If you were married before, double-check that you have the certified divorce decree or death certificate. Missing one document means you come back another day.

Nearby Counties

Oglethorpe County borders several counties in northeast Georgia. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county in the state.