Search Polk County Marriage License
Polk County marriage licenses are handled at the Probate Court in Cedartown, Georgia. Cedartown is the county seat and the main city in Polk County. The Probate Court is the only office that issues marriage licenses in the county. Both people must come in person and bring valid photo ID. The cost is $56 for a standard license or $16 with a premarital education certificate. Georgia does not require a blood test, and there is no waiting period. Walk-ins are welcome at the Probate Court during regular business hours.
Polk County Marriage License Quick Facts
Polk County Probate Court Details
The Polk County Probate Court is in Cedartown. The court handles marriage licenses along with other probate matters like wills and guardianships. For marriage licenses, you work directly with the court clerk. The office is located near the downtown area and is easy to find.
| Address | P.O. Box 948, Cedartown, GA 30125 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (770) 749-2114 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| County Seat | Cedartown |
Call the Probate Court at (770) 749-2114 for questions. Polk County is in northwest Georgia, near the Alabama state line. Some couples from the Cartersville and Rome areas also visit the Polk County court. The staff can help first-time applicants through each step of the process.
Requirements for a Marriage License in Polk County
Both applicants must be present at the Polk County Probate Court. You cannot apply by yourself. Each person must have a valid form of photo ID. The court verifies your identity and checks that both of you meet the age requirement.
Valid ID types include:
- Georgia driver's license or state-issued ID
- Valid U.S. passport
- Certified birth certificate
- Current military ID
Anyone who was married before must bring documentation proving the prior marriage ended. That means a certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate. The court will not issue the license without it. Both applicants must be at least 18. Georgia stopped issuing marriage licenses to minors.
No blood test is required in Georgia. The state removed that requirement a long time ago. There is also no waiting period. Your license is active as soon as it is issued. Georgia residents can apply in any county. If neither applicant is a Georgia resident, the wedding must take place in Polk County. Your Social Security number is part of the application.
Polk County Marriage License Fees
A standard marriage license in Polk County costs $56. This matches the fee in most Georgia counties. If you and your partner have completed a qualifying premarital education course, the fee is reduced to $16. The course needs to be at least six hours long. It must have been completed within 12 months before you apply.
Bring the course certificate with you to the Probate Court. The reduced rate is only available if you show proof at the time of application. You cannot submit the certificate after the fact. The fee is due when you apply and is not refundable.
Certified copies of the marriage certificate are available once the license is returned and the marriage is recorded. These certified copies are what you use to prove you are legally married. Ask the court about the fee for each copy.
After Your Polk County Wedding
The person who performs the ceremony signs the marriage license afterward. The signed license must then be returned to the Polk County Probate Court within 30 days. This is a state deadline. Make sure your officiant knows about this rule and follows through.
The court will record the marriage once they receive the signed license. This process takes some time. After recording is complete, you can request certified copies. These are needed for name changes on your driver's license, Social Security card, and other documents.
Marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996 are also on file at the state level. You can check dph.georgia.gov for those. All other records are held by the Polk County Probate Court.
Online Resources for Polk County
Start your application at georgiaprobaterecords.com. Fill out the form online, print it, and bring it to the court. This gets you through the paperwork faster. You still have to visit in person with your ID and payment.
Search for existing Polk County marriage records using the marriage record search tool. The state overview at georgia.gov covers the basics of the Georgia marriage license process.
The online application is a convenience, not a replacement for the in-person visit. Georgia law requires both people to appear at the Probate Court.
Officiants in Polk County
Georgia allows several types of people to officiate a wedding ceremony. Judges, ordained ministers, and magistrates are all authorized. Any state or federal judge in Georgia qualifies. Clergy from any denomination can perform the ceremony.
The officiant does not need to register with Polk County before the wedding. Their role after the ceremony is to sign the marriage license and make sure it gets returned to the Probate Court on time. If you are unsure about your officiant, call the court for advice.
Nearby Counties
Polk County is in northwest Georgia. These counties are nearby and each has a Probate Court that issues marriage licenses.