So You Wanna Get Hitched Georgia-Style? A Guide to Peachy Keen Matrimony
Congrats! You've found your lobster, your peanut butter to your jelly, your grits to your...well, more grits (because everything's better with grits in Georgia). Now you just gotta make it official. But fear not, lovebirds, for getting married in Georgia is about as easy as a Sunday afternoon spent sipping sweet tea on a porch swing. Here's how to tie the knot without getting tangled in red tape:
The License to Thrill (or Be Thrilled By)
First things first, you gotta grab a marriage license. Think of it as your official "go ahead and smooch in front of everyone" permission slip. You can snag one at your local county probate court. Pro tip: Don't forget to bring your ID – gotta prove you're old enough to know what you're getting yourselves into (18, to be exact, unless you're an emancipated minor with some extra hoops to jump through). Also, if you've been married before and haven't settled those affairs yet, bring your divorce decree or proof your ex shuffled off this mortal coil (sorry for the morbid joke, but gotta cover our bases).
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| How To Legally Get Married In Georgia |
Location, Location, Location
Now, where are you gonna say "I do"? Georgia offers some serious scenery, from mountain vistas to charming beaches. But here's the thing: if neither of you live in Georgia, you gotta get your license in the county where your ceremony is happening. Residents, on the other hand, can get their license in any county courthouse. Easy peasy!
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
The Ceremony Shenanigans
Once you have your license, find yourself an officiant – that's the person who makes it all official. They can be a judge, a minister, or even someone ordained online (because, hey, the internet has its perks). Just make sure they're registered in Georgia and don't accidentally ask them to pronounce you husband and wife – it's spouse in Georgia, y'all!
The I Dos and We Dos
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
The big day arrives! Gather your friends and fam (and those two essential witnesses), say your heartfelt vows (or crack some jokes, it's your wedding!), and get ready to seal the deal with a kiss. Remember, you gotta sign that marriage license within 30 days of the ceremony and return it to the probate court. Do it, and they'll mail you your official marriage certificate – proof you're officially a pair of Georgia peaches!
Congrats, you're married! Now pop the champagne (or the sweet tea, if that's more your speed) and celebrate!
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Hitched-FAQ
How to find my local probate court?
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
A quick Google search with "your county + probate court" should do the trick!
How much does a marriage license cost?
The fee varies by county, but it's usually around $60.
How long is a marriage license valid for?
You have 30 days to get hitched after getting your license.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
What if I don't have my original birth certificate?
A certified copy works just fine.
Can I get married if I'm not a US citizen?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to check any visa requirements you might have.
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