Canton Marriage Records Lookup
Marriage records in Canton are managed by the Cherokee County Probate Court. Canton serves as the county seat of Cherokee County, so the probate court is right in the heart of town. All marriage license applications, record storage, and certified copies for Canton residents run through this court. Cherokee County has seen fast growth in recent years, and the probate court stays busy with marriage license requests. Walk-in service is available, and the staff processes most applications the same day. You can also start your application online before visiting in person.
Canton Quick Facts
Cherokee County Probate Court for Canton Marriage Records
The Cherokee County Probate Court sits at 90 North Street, Suite 340, Canton, GA 30114. Walk-in hours run from 8:30 AM to 4:10 PM on weekdays. The court closes a bit before the typical end of the business day, so plan to arrive with time to spare. Call (678) 493-6511 if you have questions before your visit.
| Court | Cherokee County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 90 North Street, Suite 340, Canton, GA 30114 |
| Phone | (678) 493-6511 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:10 PM |
| Website | cherokeecountyga.gov/probate-court |
The Cherokee County Probate Court website has information on all services the court provides, including Canton marriage records.
This is the main portal for the Cherokee County Probate Court. It lists contact details, hours, and links to specific services like marriage licenses.
Both people must show up in person to apply. You need a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. If either person was married before, bring the final divorce decree or a death certificate. The clerk checks your documents and processes the application on the spot.
How to Apply for a Canton Marriage License
The Cherokee County Probate Court has a page devoted to the marriage license application process. The Cherokee County marriage license page walks you through each step.
This page has the full set of instructions for Canton couples who want to apply for a marriage license at the Cherokee County courthouse.
Here is a summary of the steps:
- Both applicants go to the probate court during walk-in hours
- Fill out the application together at the service window
- Present valid photo IDs and Social Security numbers
- Pay the license fee
- Receive the license the same day
Georgia does not require a blood test. There is no waiting period. Once the court hands you the license, it is ready to use. You have 60 days to hold the ceremony and return the signed license to the court. The officiant at your wedding signs the license, and then you file it back with the Cherokee County Probate Court. That return filing is what creates the official Canton marriage record.
Canton Marriage License Fees
License fees at the Cherokee County Probate Court follow the state schedule. Without premarital counseling, the fee ranges from $56 to $77. With an approved course, it drops to $16 to $37. Georgia law under O.C.G.A. §19-3-30.1 sets this discount for couples who complete at least six hours of premarital education.
The counseling discount is a good deal. Several churches and private counselors in the Canton area offer approved courses. The probate court can point you toward local options. Bring the completion certificate when you apply. The clerk applies the lower rate right at the window.
Other fees for Canton marriage records:
- Records search: $10
- Certified copies: $5 each
Payment methods can vary by court. Call (678) 493-6511 before your visit to confirm what they accept. Cash and money orders are almost always fine. Some courts take checks or cards, but not all do.
Searching Canton Marriage Records Online
You have a few options for finding Canton marriage records. The Cherokee County Probate Court can look up records in person. Staff will search by name and date for a $10 fee. This is often the most direct way to get what you need if you can visit during business hours.
For online searches, georgiaprobaterecords.com provides access to probate records from many Georgia counties. The site lets you search by name. It is a useful first step to see if a Canton marriage record is on file without driving to the courthouse.
The state also provides general information at georgia.gov about getting a marriage license. For historical records from 1952 through 1996, the Georgia Department of Public Health has a central file. Contact the DPH vital records office to request older marriage records. The Georgia Archives holds records from before 1952.
Canton Marriage Records Legal Requirements
Under O.C.G.A. §19-3-2, both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Georgia does not allow minors to marry. O.C.G.A. §19-3-1 sets out who may marry in the state. You do not need to live in Canton or Cherokee County. Any couple can apply at any probate court in Georgia, no matter where they live.
The license stays valid for 60 days. If you do not marry within that time, it expires and you start over with a new application and fee. Under O.C.G.A. §19-3-36, the probate court judge must keep a record of every license issued. This means the Cherokee County Probate Court always has a local copy of Canton marriage records on file.
Once you get married, the officiant signs the license. You then return it to the court. That step is critical. Without the returned license, the court cannot create the official marriage record. Many Canton couples take care of this within a week of the ceremony.
Nearby Cities for Marriage Records
Canton is surrounded by several fast-growing cities in north metro Atlanta. Some are in Cherokee County and use the same probate court. Others are in neighboring counties with their own courts.
Woodstock is also in Cherokee County, so residents there go to the same Canton courthouse for marriage licenses. Kennesaw and Marietta are in Cobb County, and Cartersville is in Bartow County.
Cherokee County Marriage Records
Canton is the county seat of Cherokee County. The Cherokee County Probate Court manages all marriage license filings for the area. For more on the county court system, fees, hours, forms, and related records, check the Cherokee County page.