It can be difficult to figure out how to get married in Georgia if you are a resident of the state.There are many elements to consider when getting a marriage license.You can have a beautiful wedding in Georgia if you find the right professionals to help you pull off this big day and get your marriage license on time.
Step 1: Do you know if you can marry in Georgia?
If you want to marry in Georgia, you need to know if you are eligible to do so under the state's laws.You don't have to deal with delays or problems when you get your license.When you apply for a license, neither you nor your partner can be married to another person.You must provide proof of your former spouse's death or divorce if you are widowed or divorced.You have to be at least 18 years old to get married in Georgia.People as young as 16 can get married in some counties.Georgia does allow marriage between cousins, but only if they are related by blood.If a person is capable of understanding the idea of marriage, he or she can marry.Questions about specific laws in the county in which you will marry should be directed to the local clerk.The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority offers a search engine.
Step 2: Payment is required to apply for a marriage license.
If you want to apply for a marriage license at the court or clerk's office, you need to have proper documentation.Delays in getting your license or marriage will be ensured by this.You can pick up the application at the local clerk's office.To get a marriage license, you will need an ID in English.Driver's licenses, military IDs, passports, or birth certificates are acceptable forms of ID.Your ID must be valid as well.A certified translation of the documents is required if your ID is not in English.Before the marriage license can be issued, proof of your divorce or spouse's death must be presented.Georgia stopped blood testing for marriage licenses in 2003
Step 3: The license fees need to be secured.
You will need to pay the right fees to get your marriage license.You can reduce the general fee if you take a premarital counseling class.Marriage license fees can vary by county.There is a marriage license fee.The marriage license fees can be forgiven if you take a six hour premarital education class.Local religious and community centers offer premarital education classes.The cost of your marriage license may be reduced by $30 if you take one of these classes.Some areas only accept cash for marriage licenses.
Step 4: The appropriate County Probate Court can be found here.
Marriage licenses are issued to couples in Georgia.Call ahead of your wedding date to confirm hours of operation and any other questions.You can find a complete list of Georgia's probate courts on the website http://www.usmarriagelaws.com.Some counties have websites with information on specific laws.If there is no website for your specific County Probate Court, you can call the number listed to verify information.If you are not a resident of Georgia, you will have to apply for a license in another state.You will apply for a license in the county in which you are a resident if you and your fiancée are from Georgia.If only one person is a Georgia resident, apply for a marriage license in another state.
Step 5: You can get a marriage license from a local court.
Before you can get married in Georgia, you have to purchase a license.It is important to have all of the proper documentation and fees prepared before you go to the County Probate Court.There are two parties applying for a marriage license.If one party can't be present, he must apply for a Supplemental License.You can sign your application at the court.There is no waiting period for marriage licenses in Georgia.A Georgia marriage license will always be valid.
Step 6: If you want, change your name.
You must state on your Georgia marriage license application that you would like to change your name.It is important to state this on the marriage license application so that you can avoid a longer process of changing your name after the wedding.You don't need to fill out any other forms once you change your name on the marriage license.
Step 7: It's up to you to decide on a location.
You should decide on a location for your Georgia wedding before you start planning the ceremony.There are many places in Georgia that are perfect for a wedding.Knowing the location will help you apply for a marriage license in a timely manner.Consider indoor and outdoor locations.Georgia has many state parks and historic sites that can be used for your wedding.You can find a list of state parks and historic sites at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.You might want to consider a destination wedding at one of Georgia's many coastal islands, such as Sea Island.
Step 8: Guests can save the date cards.
Save the date cards should be sent to your guests six to eight months before your wedding.Guests will be able to schedule time and save money if need be.The save the date card doesn't have to be formal.It's a good idea to let people know the location of your wedding.You can use this on the card if you have engagement photos or simply a picture of you and your fiancée.Save the date for the people you want to attend.Make sure to send the save the date cards to people who have said they will come, even if they already know.
Step 9: A weddingplanner is a good choice.
If you can afford it, you should consider hiring a wedding planner.She can help you plan your wedding from start to finish.She can help decrease stress on your wedding day.Depending on how they bill, where they are located, and the types of services you want, the costs of hiring a wedding planner can vary a lot.A good rule of thumb is to estimate 15% of your total wedding budget for a wedding planner.Some wedding planners have special deals with several venues that you can use to control the costs.There are many ways to find a wedding planner.Ask your friends, family, or colleagues for suggestions.You might want to look for a wedding planner of your own.The easiest way to find a wedding planner is online.Search engines for wedding planners can be found on some wedding related websites.Local wedding magazines and city guides can be used to find a wedding planner.
Step 10: You can find a venue for the ceremony.
One of the most difficult parts of planning a wedding is finding the perfect venue.There are many factors to consider when looking for and booking a ceremony venue if you are not using a local wedding planner.Think about the type of ceremony you want.Would you like a religious ceremony in a church?Do you want a simple justice of the peace?Maybe you want to have a ceremony at the beach.It is possible to narrow down potential venues by having a basic idea of what you want.How many guests do you have?It is important that your venue can accommodate all of your guests comfortably and within local fire laws.Determine how much work you want to do with a location.If you want to get married in a barn, you may have to clean it after the ceremony.The reception hall may provide staff to do the dirty work for you.Georgia has many ways to find a venue.Ask your friends, family, or colleagues for suggestions.You might want to look for a wedding planner of your own.The easiest way to find a venue is online.Search engines for wedding planners can be found on some wedding related websites.Local wedding magazines and city guides can be used to find a venue in your location.
Step 11: An escort should be selected.
Setting the tone for the day can be influenced by who you choose to preside over your wedding.If you want a ceremony that is specific to you and your fiancée, you should choose an oenologist who works with that type of ceremony.Your ceremony can help set the type of speacher you choose.If you choose a religious ceremony, you will want your officiant to reflect your beliefs.A judge, justice of the peace, or a friend who is an ordination minister can preside over your ceremony if you are not having a religious ceremony.A wedding ceremony can be performed by anyone who is a minister, clergyman, or pastor of a recognized religion.
Step 12: Pick a reception venue.
Your reception site will set the stage for your celebration just as your officiant can.If you don't use a local wedding planner, there are many factors to consider when arranging your reception venue, from the number of guests to the atmosphere you want to create.Think about the type of reception you want.Are you a fan of a band?Or maybe you want to party with a DJ?Knowing the atmosphere you want to create at your reception will help you locate and book your venue.You may want to have your reception at the same place as your ceremony.If you choose a destination wedding, hotels will offer package deals for the ceremony and reception.Make sure your venue can accommodate all of your guests.It's a good idea to find out if the venue is full service and how much you have to arrange.Georgia has many ways to find a reception venue.Ask your friends, family, or colleagues for suggestions.You might want to look for a wedding planner of your own.The easiest way to find a reception venue is online.Search engines for wedding planners can be found on some wedding related websites.Local wedding magazines and city guides can be used to find a venue in your location.
Step 13: You can find and book a caterer.
Food at your wedding will comprise the largest aspect of your reception costs, so you will want to find a caterer that provides you the highest quality food for the best price.Meeting with several different caterers can help you find the right one for your wedding.If you have hired a wedding planner, she can help you find the right caterer and arrange special arrangements with specific ones.The cost of food and service may be included in the venue's price.You can save time and stress by booking the reception venue with an on-site caterer.If they specialize in any type of food, you should ask them if they provide tables, chairs, linens and utensils.If you want the food to meet your standards, schedule a tasting.Georgia has many ways to find a licensed caterer.Ask your friends, family, or colleagues for suggestions.You might want to look for a caterer of your own.If you want to find the right caterer, you can look online, consult wedding magazines, and read city guides.
Step 14: Choose a wedding cake designer.
A wedding cake designer can be hired to make the cake for your big day.The style and taste of your wedding will be reflected in the design you choose.There are many different types of cakes to choose from.The tiered design allows you to have different flavors to match the tastes of your guests.
Step 15: If you want to find the best cake for your wedding, you have to meet with several different cake designers.
If you have a cake designer in the same city as you, you should arrange for the cake to be shipped on your wedding day.There are many ways to find a wedding cake designer.Ask your friends, family, or colleagues for suggestions.You might want to look for a caterer of your own.If you want to find the right caterer, you can look online, consult wedding magazines, and read city guides.
Step 16: Send the invitations for the wedding.
You are ready to send invitations for your wedding in Georgia once you have made all of the arrangements.Your guests will know where to go if you include all of the information on your various locations in Georgia.The invitations should be sent six to eight weeks before the wedding.Send your destination wedding invitations three months or more in advance to give your guests time to plan vacations.Make sure to include a deadline for RSVPs in order for your venues to have a final head count.If your guests aren't from Georgia, you may want to include a list of local hotels, inns, and B&Bs where they can stay.
Step 17: Take care of last minute details in Georgia and confirm any reservations.
Make sure to confirm your reservations with Georgia businesses as the date of your wedding approaches.If you haven't gotten your marriage license already, you'll want to take care of last minute details within the state.