White County Marriage License Info

Marriage licenses in White County are issued by the Probate Court in Cleveland. Couples must appear together at the courthouse to file their application. White County is in the north Georgia mountains, and Cleveland serves as the county seat. The probate court handles all marriage license applications in the county. Valid ID and the fee are what you need to bring. Georgia has no blood test requirement and no waiting period, so you can marry the same day you get your license. The process is the same here as in any other Georgia county.

White County Probate Court

The White County Probate Court is in Cleveland. It is the only place to get a marriage license in the county. The office is part of the county government building. Walk-in service is available during business hours, though calling first is a good idea.

The court phone number is (706) 865-2613. Mail goes to P.O. Box 65, Cleveland, GA 30528. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on weekends and state holidays.

White County is a popular spot for mountain weddings. Because of this, the probate court may handle more marriage license applications than other counties of similar size. The probate judge may also officiate ceremonies. Ask the clerk for details when you apply.

White County Marriage License Requirements

Both people must be present at the same time to apply. No one can file on behalf of someone else. Each applicant needs valid photo ID. Georgia stopped requiring blood tests back in 2003. There is no waiting period in the state.

The court accepts these types of identification:

• Valid state driver's license or ID card
• U.S. passport
• Original or certified birth certificate
• Military ID

Both parties must be at least 18. If either person has been married before, proof that the prior marriage ended is required. A certified divorce decree or death certificate will do. The clerk will ask for it before processing the application.

Any Georgia resident can apply for a marriage license in White County regardless of where they live. Non-residents of Georgia can also apply here, but only if their ceremony will take place in White County. The license is valid throughout the state.

White County Marriage License Fees

The fee for a marriage license in White County is $56. This is the standard amount across Georgia. A reduced fee of $16 applies if you complete an approved premarital education course. The course must be at least six hours and done within 12 months of the application.

You need the certificate from your course provider when you apply. No proof, no discount. Fees are paid when you submit the application and are non-refundable. Call the clerk to check what payment methods the office accepts.

Certified copies of a recorded marriage certificate are available for a fee. Reach out to the White County Probate Court for current pricing. Copies can be requested in person or by mail.

After the Wedding Ceremony

The officiant must sign the marriage license after the ceremony. Then the signed license needs to be returned to the White County Probate Court within 30 days. You can mail it to P.O. Box 65, Cleveland, GA 30528, or bring it back to the courthouse yourself.

The court records the license after receiving it. Once it is recorded, certified copies of the marriage certificate become available. This is the document you use for legal purposes like changing your name or updating your records.

The Georgia Department of Public Health at dph.georgia.gov holds marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records before or after that window, contact the White County Probate Court.

Georgia Marriage License Basics

Visit the Georgia.gov marriage license page for general guidance that covers all 159 counties, including White County.

Georgia keeps marriage license rules consistent across the state. No blood test. No wait. Show up together, bring ID, pay the fee. White County follows the same process as every other county. Local variations are limited to things like payment methods and whether the judge performs ceremonies.

Online Application and Records

Start your marriage license application online at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Fill it out, print it, and bring it to the White County Probate Court. This step saves time at the counter. You still need to go in person with your ID.

Search for existing marriage records in White County using the marriage record search tool. Older records may not show up online. Call the court for help finding records that are not in the system.

Nearby Counties

White County is bordered by these north Georgia counties. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county they prefer.