Find Brookhaven Marriage Records
Marriage records in Brookhaven are filed through the DeKalb County Probate Court in Decatur. Brookhaven is a city of about 59,400 people in northern DeKalb County, just inside the I-285 perimeter near Atlanta. The city does not run its own Probate Court, so all marriage license applications and record searches go through the county office. The DeKalb County Probate Court on McDonough Street in Decatur is where Brookhaven residents apply for licenses, search past records, and pick up certified copies of marriage documents.
Brookhaven Quick Facts
Where to Get a Brookhaven Marriage License
Brookhaven residents apply for marriage licenses at the DeKalb County Probate Court. The court is in Decatur, about 10 miles south of Brookhaven. Both people must go in person. You cannot apply online, by phone, or by mail. Plan for the drive and allow extra time for traffic on the way to the courthouse from Brookhaven.
| Court | DeKalb County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 556 N. McDonough St., Suite 1100 Decatur, GA 30030 |
| Phone | (404) 371-2601 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | dekalbprobatega.com |
The DeKalb County Probate Court website has details about the marriage license process for Brookhaven and all other county residents.
Check the site before your visit for current hours and any appointment rules that may apply.
Georgia has no waiting period for marriage licenses. There is no blood test either. Under O.C.G.A. §19-3-30.1, the Probate Court judge issues the license. Brookhaven couples can get it and have a ceremony the same day if they want. The license is good for 60 days from the date it is issued.
Brookhaven Marriage License Requirements
The requirements for a marriage license in Brookhaven follow Georgia state law. Both people must be at least 18 under O.C.G.A. §19-3-2. No exceptions. O.C.G.A. §19-3-1 says marriage is a civil contract that both parties must enter freely. Close relatives cannot marry each other.
Bring these items when you go to the DeKalb County Probate Court from Brookhaven:
- Photo ID for each person (driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID)
- Social Security numbers
- Certified divorce decree if either person was married before
- Death certificate if a former spouse died
- Premarital education certificate for the lower fee (if you have one)
The DeKalb County Probate Court has a marriage license page with full details on what Brookhaven residents need to bring.
Visit dekalbprobatega.com for the full list.
The fee for a Brookhaven marriage license is $56 without a premarital course. With the course, it is $16. The $40 savings is worth it for many couples. The state-approved course covers topics like communication, finances, and conflict skills. Bring the completion certificate to the courthouse. No residency requirement exists. You do not have to live in DeKalb County or Brookhaven to apply here.
How to Search Brookhaven Marriage Records
Searching for marriage records tied to Brookhaven can be done online or in person. The Georgia Probate Records site is the quickest online tool. It covers DeKalb County and lets you search by name. You can see basic license details right away. Certified copies still need to come from the court in Decatur.
The DeKalb County government website also has Probate Court resources for Brookhaven residents looking for marriage records.
Go to dekalbcountyga.gov for more details on how the county handles records.
You can also visit the Probate Court in Decatur and ask the clerk to search for a Brookhaven marriage record. Bring a name and an approximate date. The staff can look it up and make copies. Call (404) 371-2601 ahead of time so you know what to expect.
For older records, the Georgia DPH has marriage records from 1952 to 1996. The fee is $10 for the first copy and $5 for extras. Visit dph.georgia.gov to start. Records before 1952 may be at the Georgia Archives in Morrow.
Marriage Ceremony Options for Brookhaven
After getting the license from DeKalb County, Brookhaven couples need a ceremony before it expires. The ceremony can take place anywhere in Georgia. It does not have to be in Brookhaven or even in DeKalb County. Under O.C.G.A. §19-3-36, judges, magistrates, and ordained clergy can officiate.
The officiant must sign the license after the ceremony. Then they must return it to the DeKalb County Probate Court within 30 days. This step creates the permanent marriage record. Without the signed license on file, the marriage may not show up in the county system. Brookhaven couples should confirm with their officiant that the paperwork will be filed on time.
The DeKalb County Probate Court may offer civil ceremonies. Call (404) 371-2601 to ask about times, fees, and how to schedule one. Civil ceremonies at the courthouse are short and simple. Some Brookhaven couples prefer this route for its ease.
Getting Copies of Brookhaven Marriage Records
Copies of Brookhaven marriage records come from the DeKalb County Probate Court. Certified copies carry an official court seal. They work for legal purposes like name changes, benefits claims, and court proceedings. Plain copies are fine for personal records. Call (404) 371-2601 for current fees and ID requirements.
You can also get copies from the state. The georgia.gov site has general marriage license info. For vital records copies, use dph.georgia.gov. The Georgia Probate Court forms page has blank forms you may need for various requests.
Georgia marriage records are public. Anyone can ask for basic information. Certified copies may have some limits on who can pick them up. The court can tell you the rules when you call or visit. For Brookhaven marriage records, the DeKalb County Probate Court is always the first place to check.
Georgia Marriage Law for Brookhaven
Georgia law governs all marriages in Brookhaven. The key statutes are in Title 19 of the O.C.G.A. Under O.C.G.A. §19-3-1, marriage is a civil contract. Both parties must freely agree and be legally able to marry. O.C.G.A. §15-9-60 gives Probate Courts the power over marriage licenses and vital records in each county. For Brookhaven, that means the DeKalb County Probate Court in Decatur.
There is no residency rule. You do not need to live in Brookhaven, DeKalb County, or Georgia. Any two eligible people can apply here. This is helpful for out-of-state couples who plan to have a wedding in the Brookhaven area. You still must meet all other legal requirements set out in Georgia law.
Nearby Cities for Marriage Records
Brookhaven is in northern DeKalb County, bordered by Atlanta and several smaller cities. Many nearby cities share the same DeKalb County Probate Court. Others are in Fulton or Gwinnett counties with their own courts. Here are close cities with marriage records pages:
- Atlanta (Fulton/DeKalb County)
- Dunwoody (DeKalb County, same court)
- Chamblee (DeKalb County, same court)
- Tucker (DeKalb County, same court)
- Sandy Springs (Fulton County)
DeKalb County Marriage Records
Brookhaven is part of DeKalb County. All marriage license filings go through the DeKalb County Probate Court in Decatur. The county court serves more than 760,000 residents across all cities in the county. For a complete look at fees, procedures, and related resources, visit the DeKalb County marriage records page.