Georgia Wedding Laws
What to expect when officiating a wedding.
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Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
- Minister Required to Be Present: Yes
- Witnesses Required: Two
- Couple’s Consent Required: Yes
- Pronouncement Required: Yes
All legally relevant parties must be physically present during the ceremony, including the couple, officiant, and two witnesses. The ceremony must include:
- The proclamation of consent (“I do”).
- The pronouncement by the officiant (“I now pronounce you married”).
Beyond these elements, the ceremony can be customized according to the couple’s preferences.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 18 (17 with Proof of Emancipation)
- Residency: Not Required
- Kinship Restrictions: No Closer Than First Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
Couples must be at least 18 years old to marry without restrictions. Minors aged 17 can marry if they present proof of emancipation. Same-sex marriages are fully recognized. If both members of the couple are from out of state, they must obtain the marriage license from the county where the ceremony will take place.
Marriage License Requirements
- Who Picks Up License: The Couple
- Where License is Valid: Any County in Georgia
- Marriage License Pick-Up: In Person Only
- Cost of License: Varies by County
- Accepted ID: Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
- Proof of Divorce: Required if Applicable
- Blood Test: Not Required
Both members of the couple must apply for the marriage license in person. The application requires details such as names, ages, addresses, social security numbers, and, if applicable, proof of divorce. Out-of-state couples must obtain the license in the county where the wedding will take place.
Marriage License Facts
- Ceremony Type: Religious
- Mandatory Waiting Period: None
- License Valid For: Varies by County
- License Must Be Submitted: Within 30 Days of Ceremony
Marriage licenses are issued immediately upon application. Some counties in Georgia have no expiration date, but all licenses must be returned to the issuing office within 30 days after the wedding to be recorded.
Requirements for the Minister
- Minimum Age: 18
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: County Clerk
- Document Submission Deadline: After Ceremony
Ministers performing weddings in Georgia must be at least 18 years old. There is no statewide registration, but counties may require proof of ordination. Ministers ordained by Ministries of Love should confirm requirements with the county office issuing the marriage license. Keeping a copy of ordination credentials on hand is recommended.
Final Steps
- Officiant’s Title on Marriage License: Minister
- Church/Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
- Address of Church: Minister’s Home Address
After the ceremony, the officiant must ensure the marriage license is properly completed, signed by all required parties, and returned to the issuing county office within 30 days. Careful attention to detail is necessary to avoid errors that could lead to delays or reissuance. It is also recommended that officiants maintain personal records of all ceremonies performed, especially if services were paid.
Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
- Minister Required to Be Present: Yes
- Witnesses Required: Two
- Couple’s Consent Required: Yes
- Pronouncement Required: Yes
All legally relevant parties must be physically present during the ceremony, including the couple, officiant, and two witnesses. The ceremony must include:
- The proclamation of consent (“I do”).
- The pronouncement by the officiant (“I now pronounce you married”).
Beyond these elements, the ceremony can be customized according to the couple’s preferences.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 18 (17 with Proof of Emancipation)
- Residency: Not Required
- Kinship Restrictions: No Closer Than First Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
Couples must be at least 18 years old to marry without restrictions. Minors aged 17 can marry if they present proof of emancipation. Same-sex marriages are fully recognized. If both members of the couple are from out of state, they must obtain the marriage license from the county where the ceremony will take place.
Marriage License Requirements
- Who Picks Up License: The Couple
- Where License is Valid: Any County in Georgia
- Marriage License Pick-Up: In Person Only
- Cost of License: Varies by County
- Accepted ID: Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
- Proof of Divorce: Required if Applicable
- Blood Test: Not Required
Both members of the couple must apply for the marriage license in person. The application requires details such as names, ages, addresses, social security numbers, and, if applicable, proof of divorce. Out-of-state couples must obtain the license in the county where the wedding will take place.
Marriage License Facts
- Ceremony Type: Religious
- Mandatory Waiting Period: None
- License Valid For: Varies by County
- License Must Be Submitted: Within 30 Days of Ceremony
Marriage licenses are issued immediately upon application. Some counties in Georgia have no expiration date, but all licenses must be returned to the issuing office within 30 days after the wedding to be recorded.
Requirements for the Minister
- Minimum Age: 18
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: County Clerk
- Document Submission Deadline: After Ceremony
Ministers performing weddings in Georgia must be at least 18 years old. There is no statewide registration, but counties may require proof of ordination. Ministers ordained by Ministries of Love should confirm requirements with the county office issuing the marriage license. Keeping a copy of ordination credentials on hand is recommended.
Final Steps
- Officiant’s Title on Marriage License: Minister
- Church/Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
- Address of Church: Minister’s Home Address
After the ceremony, the officiant must ensure the marriage license is properly completed, signed by all required parties, and returned to the issuing county office within 30 days. Careful attention to detail is necessary to avoid errors that could lead to delays or reissuance. It is also recommended that officiants maintain personal records of all ceremonies performed, especially if services were paid.