Access Wayne County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Wayne County are issued by the Probate Court in Jesup. Both applicants must appear together during business hours. The court accepts walk-ins and also offers an online application. Wayne County charges $76 for a standard license or $36 with a premarital education certificate. These fees are higher than the base rate in many Georgia counties, so plan for the cost before your visit. The Probate Court is in the Wayne County courthouse and processes applications Monday through Friday.
Wayne County Marriage License Quick Facts
Wayne County Probate Court
The Wayne County Probate Court is the only office in the county that issues marriage licenses. The court is in Jesup, the county seat. Marriage license applications are processed from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays.
The court has an online application option. You can fill out the form at home, print it, and bring it with you. This saves time at the counter but does not replace the in-person visit. Both people still need to show up together.
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 920, Jesup, GA 31598 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (912) 427-5930 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Fee | $76 standard / $36 with premarital education |
Jesup is in southeast Georgia along US Highway 301. The courthouse is in the center of town. Parking is free and available on nearby streets.
Wayne County Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must come to the court together. You each need a valid photo ID. Accepted IDs include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Birth certificates can also prove your age if your ID does not show a date of birth.
If you were married before, bring documentation. A certified copy of your final divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate is needed. The court must see proof that any previous marriage has been resolved.
Georgia does not require a blood test. There is no waiting period after you apply. The license is issued on the same visit. There is no expiration date on the license either, so you can schedule the ceremony whenever you want.
You must be at least 18. A 17-year-old can apply only with emancipation papers. The other party cannot be more than four years older than the 17-year-old. No one under 17 can get a marriage license in Georgia for any reason.
Marriage License Fees in Wayne County
Wayne County charges $76 for a standard marriage license. This is higher than the $56 base fee in many other Georgia counties. With a premarital education certificate, the fee drops to $36. The program must be at least six hours and finished within 12 months of your application.
Both applicants must take the premarital course together. It must be taught by a licensed counselor, therapist, psychologist, or active clergy member. Bring the certificate of completion with you when you visit the court. You cannot get the reduced fee later.
Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10 each. You can request them at the Wayne County Probate Court in person or by mail. The Georgia Department of Public Health also holds marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996.
After the Wedding Ceremony
The officiant signs the marriage license after performing the ceremony. The signed license must go back to the Wayne County Probate Court within 30 days. You can mail it or drop it off. The court records the license and mails your marriage certificate. Processing typically takes up to 30 days.
Contact the Probate Court at (912) 427-5930 if you have not received your certificate within 45 days. Delays usually happen because the officiant did not complete all the required fields on the license.
Georgia Marriage License Law
Marriage licenses in Georgia are governed by Title 19, Chapter 3 of the Official Code of Georgia. The Probate Court judge or clerk issues licenses between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM as allowed by state law. Applications must be in writing and verified under oath.
Each applicant provides full names, birth dates, addresses, and parents' names. The application asks whether either person completed premarital education. Georgia law also requires each applicant to pick a legal last name at the time of application. This will be the name on the marriage certificate.
The Georgia.gov marriage license page gives a good overview of the process. For more detail on the specific statutes, the Georgia Probate Records site has the online application form used by most counties.
Cities in Wayne County
Jesup is the county seat of Wayne County. The county also includes Screven and Odum. All residents apply at the Probate Court in Jesup. None of the cities in Wayne County exceed the population threshold for a separate city page.
Nearby Counties
Wayne County is in southeast Georgia. Neighboring counties each have their own Probate Court. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county.