Upson County Marriage License Info

Marriage licenses in Upson County come from the Probate Court in Thomaston, the county seat. Both people planning to marry must visit the courthouse together and bring valid photo identification. Upson County is in the west-central part of Georgia, south of Atlanta. The standard license fee is $56, with a reduced rate of $16 for couples who have completed a premarital education program. Georgia does not require a waiting period or a blood test. The license is valid immediately after it is issued.

Upson County Probate Court

The Upson County Probate Court in Thomaston handles all marriage license applications for the county. Walk-ins are accepted during regular office hours. The staff can guide you through the paperwork and answer any questions you have about the process.

For general information about Georgia marriage licenses, visit the state marriage license page.

The rules on the state page apply to all Georgia counties, including Upson.

Thomaston is about an hour south of Atlanta. The courthouse has parking available. Expect the application process to take roughly 20 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents.

Application Requirements

Both applicants must appear in person at the Upson County Probate Court. No one else can fill out the application on your behalf. Each person needs a valid form of photo ID.

Accepted forms of identification:

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

Anyone who was previously married must bring proof the prior marriage ended. A certified divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate of the former spouse is required. Georgia has not required a blood test since 2003. The minimum age to get a marriage license is 18.

There is no residency requirement for Georgia residents. You can live anywhere in the state and apply in Upson County. Non-residents may only apply in the county where the wedding will take place.

License Fees

The standard marriage license fee in Upson County is $56. Couples who finish a premarital education course of at least six hours pay $16. The course must be done within 12 months of applying. Bring the certificate of completion when you visit the court.

Fees are paid at application time and are non-refundable. Contact the Upson County Probate Court at (706) 647-7835 to find out what payment methods are accepted. Cash and checks are common at most Georgia probate courts.

Certified copies of the marriage certificate are available from the probate court for a small per-copy fee. Having a few extras on hand saves time when you need to update your name or handle other post-wedding paperwork.

After the Ceremony

After the wedding, the officiant signs the marriage license. The signed license must be sent back to the Upson County Probate Court within 30 days. You can mail it or deliver it in person. Timely return is important.

Once recorded, the court mails you a certified marriage certificate. This is the legal document proving your marriage. Processing normally takes a few weeks. If more than 45 days go by without receiving it, get in touch with the probate court.

Use the certificate for name changes at the Social Security office, the DMV, your bank, and your insurance provider. Keep it safe. Replacing a lost certificate involves time and additional fees.

Search Upson County Marriage Records

Look up existing marriage records in Upson County through the Georgia Probate Records search. It is free and lets you search by name.

Start your application online through the Georgia Probate Records application portal. Fill it out, print it, and bring it to the Thomaston courthouse.

State-level marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996 are available from the Georgia Department of Public Health. For records outside that range, contact the Upson County Probate Court.

Courthouse Weddings in Upson County

If you want a simple ceremony, the Upson County Probate Judge can marry you at the courthouse in Thomaston. Call (706) 647-7835 to ask about availability and scheduling. Courthouse weddings are quick. Most last five to ten minutes. You still need at least one witness to be present.

There may be a small fee for the ceremony itself, separate from the license fee. Ask about this when you call. A courthouse wedding is just as legal as a big church ceremony. Some couples prefer it for the simplicity. You can always have a larger celebration with friends and family at another time.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Upson County. Georgia residents can apply at any county in the state.