Find Cartersville Marriage Records
Marriage records in Cartersville are managed by the Bartow County Probate Court. Cartersville is the county seat of Bartow County with about 25,000 residents. The Probate Court at 135 W. Cherokee Ave handles everything related to marriage licenses in the county. Since the courthouse is right in Cartersville, local couples have easy access. The court issues new marriage licenses and keeps completed records on file. Whether you need to apply for a license or get a copy of an old Cartersville marriage record, the Bartow County Probate Court is the place.
Cartersville Quick Facts
Cartersville Marriage License at Bartow County
The Bartow County Probate Court is where Cartersville couples go to apply for a marriage license. The court is at 135 W. Cherokee Ave, Suite 243A, Cartersville, GA 30120. Call (770) 387-5075 if you want to check hours or ask questions before you visit. The office serves all of Bartow County, including Cartersville and the surrounding areas.
Both people must appear at the court at the same time. You each need valid photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID card will work. You also need to know your Social Security number. If either person was married before, you must bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate. Georgia does not require a blood test.
| Court | Bartow County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 135 W. Cherokee Ave, Suite 243A, Cartersville, GA 30120 |
| Phone | (770) 387-5075 |
| Website | bartowcountyga.gov - Probate Court |
The Bartow County Probate Court page has information on all court services, including marriage licenses for Cartersville residents.
The Bartow County website lists the Probate Court's services and contact details. Cartersville couples can check here for the latest hours and requirements.
Cartersville Marriage License Fees
What you pay for a Cartersville marriage license depends on premarital education. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30.1, Georgia gives a discount to couples who take an approved six-hour premarital course. The course covers communication, finances, and how to handle conflict. You get a certificate at the end that you bring to the court.
Fees for Cartersville marriage licenses:
- Standard fee without counseling: $56 to $77
- Reduced fee with premarital course: $16 to $37
- Certified copy of marriage record: $5
- Search fee: $10
The savings can be up to $40. Churches and counselors in the Cartersville and Bartow County area offer programs that qualify. The probate court staff can help you find a provider. You pay at the courthouse when you apply for your license.
Applying for Cartersville Marriage Records
The process is simple. Walk into the Bartow County Probate Court with your partner. Hand over your IDs and fill out the application form. The clerk checks your documents. If everything is good, the license is issued the same day. Most Cartersville couples are done in under an hour.
There is no waiting period in Georgia. Your license is valid right away. It stays good for 60 days. Have your ceremony within that time frame. The officiant who performs the ceremony signs the license. Then file the signed license back with the Bartow County Probate Court. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-3-36, the court records every returned license. That recorded document is what becomes the official Cartersville marriage record.
Bartow County also has an online resource at gabartow.org with additional marriage information.
This page offers another source of marriage license information for Cartersville couples looking to prepare before their courthouse visit.
Searching Cartersville Marriage Records
The Bartow County Probate Court keeps all marriage records for licenses issued in the county. If a Cartersville couple got their license in Bartow County, the record is there. You can search in person at the courthouse or call (770) 387-5075 to ask about a specific record.
Online options are available too. The Georgia Probate Records portal lets you search for marriage records across multiple Georgia counties, including Bartow. Search by name and date to check for a Cartersville marriage record from your computer.
The Georgia Department of Public Health holds marriage records from 1952 through 1996. The search fee is $10 and copies cost $5 each. You can request these at dph.georgia.gov. For records before 1952, the Georgia Archives holds historical vital records that may include old Cartersville marriage filings.
Cartersville Marriage License Requirements
Georgia law is the same for everyone. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-3-2, both people must be at least 18. There are no exceptions to this. O.C.G.A. § 19-3-1 requires both parties to consent freely to the marriage. The court verifies this when you appear in person.
You do not need to live in Cartersville, Bartow County, or Georgia. Out-of-state couples can apply at the Bartow County courthouse with no extra steps. The state overview of marriage license rules is at georgia.gov. Standard probate forms are at gaprobate.gov.
After the ceremony, the signed license must be filed back with the court. This is required under Georgia law. Once recorded, it becomes a permanent marriage record. Certified copies are available from the Bartow County Probate Court at any time for legal needs like name changes, insurance updates, or immigration paperwork.
Get Copies of Cartersville Marriage Records
Certified copies of Cartersville marriage records are available from the Bartow County Probate Court. These copies have the official court seal and work for legal matters. Visit the court in person for the fastest service. In-person requests are often handled the same day.
Mail requests work too. Send your request to 135 W. Cherokee Ave, Suite 243A, Cartersville, GA 30120. Include the full names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, and a check or money order for the fees. The court will mail the certified copy back to you. The fee is $5 per copy plus a $10 search fee if the court needs to look up the record.
Nearby Cities
Cartersville is in northwest Georgia. Several qualifying cities are within reasonable driving distance. Some are in neighboring counties with their own probate courts for marriage records.
Bartow County Marriage Records
Cartersville is the county seat of Bartow County, and the Probate Court here handles all marriage filings for the area. Bartow County includes Cartersville and several smaller communities in northwest Georgia. For more details on the county court system, fees, forms, and how to request copies of records, visit the Bartow County marriage records page.