Wilcox County Marriage License Search
Marriage licenses for Wilcox County are issued at the Probate Court in Abbeville. Both parties must come to the court in person to apply. Wilcox County is a small rural county in south-central Georgia, and the probate court is the only office that issues marriage licenses here. You will need a valid form of ID and the fee. Georgia law makes the process easy with no blood test and no waiting period. You can get married the same day your license is issued, and it can be used anywhere in Georgia.
Wilcox County Marriage License Quick Facts
Wilcox County Probate Court Information
The Wilcox County Probate Court in Abbeville is where you go for a marriage license. It is the only office in the county that handles this. The courthouse is in the center of town. Because the county has a small population, wait times are usually minimal.
Call ahead at (229) 467-2442. The mailing address is P.O. Box 77, Abbeville, GA 31001. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The court is closed on weekends and state holidays.
| Office | Wilcox County Probate Court, Abbeville, GA 31001 |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 77, Abbeville, GA 31001 |
| Phone | (229) 467-2442 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Calling before you visit is a good idea, especially with a small county office like this one. The clerk might be out, or the office could have shortened hours on a given day. A quick call can prevent a wasted trip. Ask about wedding ceremonies too. The probate judge may officiate if you want a courthouse wedding.
What You Need for a Wilcox County Marriage License
Both people need to show up at the probate court. You cannot have someone else file for you. Each applicant brings a valid photo ID. Georgia does not require blood tests. There is no waiting period after the license is issued.
Accepted forms of ID:
- Georgia driver's license or state ID card
- U.S. passport
- Certified copy of birth certificate
- Military ID
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. If either person was married before, you must bring proof that the prior marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or a death certificate for the former spouse is what the court needs. Do not leave this at home if it applies to your situation.
Georgia residents can apply in any county in the state. You do not have to be a Wilcox County resident. If neither person lives in Georgia, you must apply in the county where the wedding ceremony will happen. Once the license is issued, it works statewide.
Wilcox County Marriage License Fees
The standard fee for a marriage license in Wilcox County is $56. Couples who have completed a premarital education course can pay just $16. The course must include at least six hours of instruction and must be finished within 12 months of the application date.
Bring the course completion certificate to the courthouse. You will not get the reduced rate without proof. All fees are paid at the time of filing and cannot be refunded. Ask the clerk what payment methods are accepted.
After the license is recorded, certified copies of the marriage certificate can be ordered. Each copy costs a small fee. Contact the Wilcox County Probate Court for the current price per copy. You can get copies in person or by mail.
After the Wedding
The person who performs your wedding ceremony signs the marriage license. Then the signed license must be returned to the Wilcox County Probate Court within 30 days. Send it by mail to P.O. Box 77, Abbeville, GA 31001, or bring it in person.
The court records the license once it is returned. Certified copies of the marriage certificate become available at that point. The certificate is your official proof that you are married. Use it for name changes, insurance, and other legal needs.
The state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov holds marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records from other time periods, the Wilcox County Probate Court is your best resource.
Georgia Marriage License Process
You can read about the statewide process at the Georgia.gov marriage license page. The same rules shown there apply to Wilcox County.
Every county in Georgia follows the same laws for marriage licenses. No blood test. No waiting period. Both applicants come in person with ID and pay the fee. The local differences are minor. Things like office hours and payment options vary. The rest is the same wherever you go in the state.
Online Application and Records
Fill out the marriage license application online at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Print the form and bring it with you to the Wilcox County Probate Court. This saves time at the office. You still need to go in person with ID and payment.
To search for existing marriage records in Wilcox County, use the marriage record search tool. Some records may not be available online, especially older ones. The court can help with records not found in the system.
Nearby Counties
Wilcox County borders these Georgia counties. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county.