Putnam County Marriage License Search
A Putnam County marriage license is issued by the Probate Court in Eatonton. Both people who plan to wed must go to the court in person. The court sits in the county seat and serves all of Putnam County. You will need a valid form of ID and the standard fee to get your license. There is no wait time in Georgia. Once you have the license in hand, you can hold your ceremony the same day. Putnam County is a small, rural county in central Georgia, and the probate court handles all marriage license work for the area.
Putnam County Marriage License Quick Facts
Putnam County Probate Court
The Putnam County Probate Court is the only place in the county where you can get a marriage license. The office is in Eatonton. Walk-ins are accepted during regular hours, but calling ahead is a good idea. The staff can let you know what to bring and if the judge is in that day.
You can reach the court by phone at (706) 485-4507. Mail can be sent to P.O. Box 648, Eatonton, GA 31024. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on state holidays.
| Office | Putnam County Probate Court, Eatonton, GA 31024 |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 648, Eatonton, GA 31024 |
| Phone | (706) 485-4507 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
The probate judge in Putnam County can also perform wedding ceremonies. Ask the clerk when you pick up your license if you want to schedule one at the courthouse. Fees for a ceremony may be separate from the license fee.
Requirements for a Putnam County Marriage License
Both applicants must show up at the Putnam County Probate Court at the same time. You cannot send a friend or family member in your place. Each person needs to bring a valid photo ID. Georgia does not require a blood test. There is no waiting period, so you can use the license right away.
Accepted forms of ID include:
- State-issued driver's license or ID card
- Valid U.S. passport
- Certified birth certificate
- Military ID
You must be at least 18 years old. If either person was married before, bring proof that the prior marriage ended. A certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate will work. The court will not issue a license without this paperwork if it applies to you.
Georgia residents can apply in any county. If neither person lives in Georgia, you must apply in the county where the ceremony will take place. The license is valid across the whole state once issued. You do not need to be a Putnam County resident to apply there.
Putnam County Marriage License Fees
The standard fee for a marriage license in Putnam County is $56. This is the base cost set by Georgia law. Couples who complete an approved premarital education course can pay the reduced fee of $16. The course must be at least six hours long and finished within 12 months of the application date.
Bring a certificate from the course provider when you apply. The court will not give you the discount without proof. All fees are paid at the time of application. Check with the clerk about accepted payment methods before your visit.
Certified copies of a recorded marriage license cost extra. Contact the Putnam County Probate Court for the current copy fee. You can request copies in person or by mail.
After the Wedding Ceremony
The person who performs your ceremony must sign the marriage license. This can be a minister, judge, or other authorized officiant. The signed license must be returned to the Putnam County Probate Court within 30 days of the ceremony. If it is not returned on time, there can be delays in recording your marriage.
Once the court records the license, it becomes a public record. You can then request certified copies of your marriage certificate. The state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov holds Georgia marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996. For records outside that range, contact the Putnam County Probate Court.
Georgia Marriage License Information
The state of Georgia provides general information about marriage licenses through its official website. You can learn more about the process on the Georgia.gov marriage license page.
Georgia law does not require a waiting period or blood test for a marriage license. The rules are the same in all 159 counties. The fee structure is set by state law, though a few larger counties charge slightly more due to local surcharges.
Online Marriage License Resources
You can start your application online at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Fill out the form at home and print it. Bring the printed copy to the Putnam County Probate Court. This saves time at the office, but you still must appear in person with your ID and payment.
To search for existing marriage records in Putnam County, use the marriage record search tool on the same site. This is a free search. Not all older records may be in the system.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Putnam County. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county in the state.