Pickens County Marriage License

Marriage licenses in Pickens County are issued by the Probate Court in Jasper. Both people who plan to marry must visit the court in person with valid photo ID. A standard license costs $56. Couples with a premarital education certificate pay $16. Pickens County is in the north Georgia mountains, about an hour north of Atlanta. Georgia does not require a blood test or a waiting period. You can get the license and have the wedding on the same day. The court processes applications during regular business hours on weekdays.

Pickens County Probate Court

The Pickens County Probate Court in Jasper is where you go for a marriage license. Jasper is the county seat and the heart of the county. The office handles all marriage license applications and the staff can help you with the paperwork.

Jasper is in the north Georgia foothills. The area draws visitors for mountain scenery and outdoor activities. Some couples choose Pickens County for their wedding because of the setting. The courthouse is in downtown Jasper with free parking available. Call the court before your visit to confirm hours and ask any questions.

Requirements for a Pickens County Marriage License

Both people must go to the court together. You cannot send a representative. Each applicant needs valid photo ID. Pickens County accepts:

• 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 needs this before issuing a new license. Both people must be at least 18 under OCGA 19-3-2. Georgia has not required blood tests since 2003.

Georgia residents can apply in any county. You do not need to be a Pickens County resident. Out-of-state couples must apply in the county where the wedding will take place. The license is valid throughout Georgia.

Pickens County Marriage License Fees

A standard marriage license is $56. With a premarital education certificate, it is $16. The course must be at least six hours and taught by a licensed counselor, therapist, or clergy member. Complete it within 12 months of your application.

Bring the certificate when you apply. Without it, you pay the full amount. Call (706) 253-8860 to ask about accepted payment methods at the Pickens County Probate Court. Fees are final and non-refundable.

Georgia Marriage License Resources

Georgia has general marriage license information at georgia.gov. This applies to all counties including Pickens.

For Pickens County details like payment options and specific procedures, the Jasper probate court office is your best contact.

After the Ceremony

The officiant signs the license after the wedding. Return the signed license to the Pickens County Probate Court within 30 days. OCGA 19-3-30 requires this. You can send it by mail or drop it off.

Processing takes up to 30 days after the court gets the signed license. They mail you a marriage certificate once it is recorded. Call (706) 253-8860 if more than 45 days go by without receiving it.

Keep the certificate safe. You need it for name changes, updating records, insurance, and many other legal matters. The Pickens County Probate Court can issue extra certified copies if you need them.

Apply Online and Look Up Records

Start the application at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Print the form and bring it to the Pickens County Probate Court. An in-person visit is still needed to complete the license.

Search for existing marriage records using 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, contact the Pickens County Probate Court.

Marriage License vs Marriage Certificate

People mix these up all the time. The marriage license is the document that gives you permission to get married. You get it before the wedding. The marriage certificate is the proof that the wedding took place. It comes after. The Pickens County Probate Court issues both, but at different points in the process.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and you return it to the court. Then the court records it and sends you a certified marriage certificate. That certificate is the one you need for name changes, insurance, taxes, and legal matters. Keep it safe. If you lose it, the Pickens County Probate Court can issue a replacement, but it takes time and costs extra.

Nearby Counties

Pickens County is surrounded by other mountain and foothills counties. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county.