Complete Wedding Guide
Getting Married in Georgia: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about marriage licenses, requirements, costs, and planning your wedding in Georgia. Georgia brings iconic Southern romance with Savannah's moss-draped squares, Atlanta's modern skyline, and rolling countryside dotted with peach orchards and historic plantations.
Georgia weddings are anchored by two distinct aesthetics: Savannah's moss-draped squares and antebellum architecture in the south, and the Blue Ridge Mountain vineyard scene around Helen and Dahlonega in the north. The Jekyll Island Club, a National Historic Landmark on the barrier islands, is one of the most unique wedding venues on the East Coast. Georgia's license fees vary by county, from $56 to $86, and no blood test or residency requirement has applied here for years.
Georgia Marriage License Requirements
Georgia offers a generous 6-month license validity period. Georgia abolished common law marriage for relationships formed after January 1, 1997, but still recognizes those established before that date.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Georgia?
Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other religious leaders. Judges of any court, justices of the peace, and retired judges. Any religious society can designate a person to perform marriages according to their customs.
Wedding Costs in Georgia
Average Wedding Cost
$30,500
This includes venue, catering, photography, attire, and other typical wedding expenses in Georgia.
Average Guest Count
150
The typical Georgia wedding hosts 150 guests. Plan your seating, catering, and photo sharing accordingly.
Best Seasons
Spring, Fall
The most popular seasons to get married in Georgia. Book venues early during peak season.
Coastal Wedding Tips for Georgia
Secure your beach or waterfront permit early
Many coastal and beach ceremony sites in Georgia require permits from the county parks department, the National Park Service, or the state coastal commission. Permit availability is limited and often opens months in advance. Apply as soon as your date is confirmed.
Always plan a weather backup
Coastal weather in Georgia can shift quickly. Even if the forecast looks clear, have an indoor or tented backup venue confirmed before you send invitations. Many beachfront venues include a backup space in the contract.
Time the tide and the sun
For a beach ceremony, check both the tide table and the sunset time for your specific date. A low tide gives you more sand space, and a ceremony that ends 30 to 45 minutes before sunset positions you perfectly for golden-hour portraits with your photographer.
Protect your guests from wind and glare
Coastal ceremonies in Georgia frequently deal with ocean wind that disrupts officiant scripts and guests' comfort. Provide printed ceremony programs so guests can follow along, and orient seating so the sun is behind the couple rather than in guests' eyes.
Popular Wedding Regions in Georgia
Atlanta
A booming metro with rooftop venues, converted warehouses, botanical gardens, and world-class catering.
Savannah
One of the most romantic cities in America with cobblestone streets, historic squares, and coastal elegance.
North Georgia Mountains
Blue Ridge and Dahlonega offer vineyard weddings, mountain lodges, and waterfall backdrops.
Top Wedding Venues in Georgia
How to Get Married in Georgia: Step by Step
Apply for Your Marriage License
Visit the Probate Court in Georgia with your partner. Bring valid photo ID (driver's license or passport), proof of age, and the license fee of $56 to $86. Both partners must appear in person.
No Waiting Period
Georgia has no waiting period, so you can hold your ceremony the same day you receive your license. Your license is valid for 6 months.
Choose Your Officiant
In Georgia, your wedding can be officiated by ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other religious leaders. Make sure your officiant is properly authorized before the ceremony.
Hold Your Ceremony
Have your ceremony at your chosen Georgia venue. Georgia does not require witnesses, though many couples still choose to have them.
File Your Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, your officiant will sign the marriage license and return it to the Probate Court. Once filed, you will receive your official marriage certificate. This is your legal proof of marriage.
Georgia Wedding Planning Tips
Savannah books up fast for March through May when the azaleas are in bloom
North Georgia vineyards offer stunning fall color in October and November
Atlanta's food scene means exceptional catering options at competitive prices
Planning your Georgia wedding? Collect every guest photo.
Once you have your marriage license sorted, make sure every guest can share their photos and videos. With Pix Wedding, guests scan a QR code and instantly upload to your shared album. No app downloads. No hassle.
Create Your Free AlbumNo credit card required. Setup takes under 2 minutes.
Explore Georgia Wedding Venues
Browse our guide to the best wedding venues across Georgia.
Wedding Photo Sharing in Georgia
Learn how to collect every guest photo at your Georgia wedding.
What Makes Getting Married in Georgia Unique
Georgia's wedding identity divides between two distinct regions. Savannah's moss-draped squares, antebellum architecture, and walkable historic district produce one of the most photogenic small-city wedding markets in the country. Atlanta's urban venue scene and the North Georgia mountains around Helen, Dahlonega, and Blue Ridge produce a second, very different aesthetic with vineyards, log cabins, and waterfall ceremony sites. The Jekyll Island Club on the barrier islands is one of the unique destination venues on the East Coast. Georgia's wedding economy is mature and competitive, which keeps service quality high. The license process is straightforward, and Georgia has not required residency, blood tests, or a waiting period for many years.
Signature Georgia Wedding Angles
Georgia Wedding Season: What Locals Know
Georgia weddings peak in April and early May for spring bloom and in mid-October through early November for the cooler North Georgia mountain color. Summer is workable at indoor venues but Atlanta and Savannah humidity is genuinely uncomfortable outdoors from late June through August. Coastal Sea Island and Jekyll weddings have a slightly extended fall season.
Georgia-Specific Wedding Questions
What does it cost to get married in Georgia and how fast is it?
Georgia marriage license fees vary by county from $40 to $86, with most counties around $56. There is no waiting period, no blood test, and no residency requirement. The license is valid for 30 days. Couples can apply Monday morning at the county Probate Court and legally marry the same day, which makes Georgia popular for Savannah elopements.
When is the best season for a Savannah wedding?
Savannah's prime wedding months are March, April, October, and early November. Spring is dogwood and azalea season. Mid-October has the cooled-off temperatures and dry skies for outdoor square ceremonies. Avoid late June through August when humidity is severe and afternoon thunderstorms become a daily concern.
What makes Jekyll Island Club a distinct Georgia venue?
Jekyll Island Club is a former private retreat for the early 20th century industrial elite, including the Rockefellers and Morgans. The property occupies its own barrier island, with shingle-style Gilded Age architecture, oceanfront grounds, and a guest experience that doubles as a multi-day destination. Spring and fall Saturdays book 18 to 24 months out and cap guest count based on cottage capacity.
Popular Wedding Searches in Georgia
Wedding Guides for Other States
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Marriage laws and requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with your local Probate Court in Georgia before making plans. Last reviewed: 2026.
Georgia Marriage & Wedding FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A marriage license in Georgia costs $56 to $86. You can apply at the Probate Court. No residency requirement, so out-of-state couples can apply as well.
Georgia has no waiting period. You can get married the same day you receive your marriage license. The license is valid for 6 months after issuance.
Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other religious leaders. Judges of any court, justices of the peace, and retired judges. Any religious society can designate a person to perform marriages according to their customs.
The minimum age to marry without parental consent in Georgia is 18. With parental consent, individuals as young as 17 may marry.
The most popular wedding seasons in Georgia are Spring and Fall. During these windows, top venues in regions like Atlanta and Savannah book out months in advance. Fall weddings benefit from cooler temperatures and, in some regions, stunning foliage color.
The average wedding in Georgia costs $30,500 with an average guest count of 150. Spring and Fall are the most popular seasons for weddings in Georgia. Popular wedding regions include Atlanta, Savannah, North Georgia Mountains.
Explore more free wedding tools
Everything you need to make your wedding day stress-free and unforgettable.
Seating Chart Planner
Plan your reception seating visually.
Guest List Manager
Track RSVPs and dietary needs.
Timeline Builder
Plan your entire wedding day.
Countdown Timer
Count down the days to your big day.
Wedding Checklist
Month-by-month planning checklist.
Alternative to Wedding Guest Book
15 creative alternatives guests actually enjoy.
Photo Sharing QR
The best way to collect guest photos.
Cost Calculator
Compare wedding costs by city.