Access Martinez Marriage Records
Martinez marriage records are filed through the Columbia County Probate Court. Martinez is a census-designated place in Columbia County with a population of about 33,019. It sits just west of Augusta in east Georgia. The Probate Court handles all marriage license applications, stores the completed certificates, and issues certified copies of past records. Martinez residents share this court with Evans and the rest of Columbia County. You can reach the court at (706) 541-1254 for questions about marriage licenses or record searches.
Martinez Quick Facts
Martinez Marriage License at Columbia County
The Columbia County Probate Court issues all Martinez marriage licenses. Both people must go to the court in person. You cannot apply by phone or mail. Bring valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. Social Security numbers are required for both applicants. If either person has been married before, bring a certified divorce decree or death certificate.
Columbia County has been growing fast in recent years. The Probate Court serves the entire county, which means it handles a good number of marriage license requests. Plan your visit during regular business hours and try to go early in the day to avoid long waits.
| Court | Columbia County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Phone | (706) 541-1254 |
| Website | columbiacountyga.gov/Probate-Court |
The Columbia County marriage license page gives specifics on how Martinez residents can apply for a license.
This page outlines the marriage license process for Columbia County, which covers Martinez and all other communities in the county.
How to Apply for a Martinez Marriage License
The steps are clear. Both people go to the Columbia County Probate Court together. Bring your IDs and documents. The clerk reviews everything and processes your application. Most Martinez couples finish the same day. Georgia has no waiting period, so your license is good right away. No blood test is needed either.
Your Martinez marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date the court issues it. If you do not hold the ceremony and return the signed license within that time, it expires. You would need to apply and pay again. After the wedding, the person who performed the ceremony signs the license. You then file the completed document back with the Columbia County Probate Court. That filing makes it an official marriage record.
Georgia does not require residency. Couples from South Carolina, or from across the state line in Augusta, can come to Columbia County and get a license. This is helpful for people who live in the Martinez area but work in Augusta or other nearby cities.
Fees for Martinez Marriage Records
The standard marriage license fee in Martinez is $56 to $77. Georgia law under O.C.G.A. §19-3-30.1 lets couples reduce that cost by taking a premarital education course. The course drops the fee to $16 to $37. That is a good savings. The course must be at least six hours and cover things like communication and managing money as a couple.
Other fees for Martinez marriage records:
- Certified copy of marriage record: $5
- Record search fee: $10
- Premarital course discount: saves $40+
Ask the court about payment methods. Call (706) 541-1254 before your trip to confirm. Some Georgia probate courts take only cash or money orders, while others accept cards.
Search Martinez Marriage Records Online
The Columbia County Probate Court keeps records of every marriage license it has issued. To search for a past Martinez marriage record, contact the court by phone or visit in person. Give them the full names of both people and the approximate date of the marriage. The search fee is $10 and certified copies are $5 each after that.
The Columbia County Probate Court website has general information about court services for Martinez residents.
The Probate Court page on the Columbia County website covers all court services, including marriage records and license applications for Martinez.
Online tools can help with your search. The Georgia Probate Records portal provides search tools for many Georgia counties. Check if Columbia County records are in the system. The Council of Probate Court Judges site also links to individual courts and provides forms.
The general state portal at georgia.gov explains the marriage license process for all of Georgia, including Columbia County where Martinez is located.
Historical Martinez Marriage Records
For Martinez marriages from 1952 to 1996, the Georgia Department of Public Health may have records on file. You can submit a request at dph.georgia.gov. The search fee is $10 and copies cost $5 each. This applies to any Georgia marriage that happened in that time range.
Records from before 1952 may be available at the Georgia Archives in Morrow. The Archives is the state repository for older vital records. For records after 1996, the Columbia County Probate Court is your only source.
Under O.C.G.A. §19-3-36, the Probate Court judge is required to keep a permanent record of every marriage license issued. This means Columbia County will always have a local record of Martinez marriages, even if the state-level copy is not available. The county court is the most reliable source for any year.
Martinez Marriage License Requirements
Georgia law sets the rules for marriage. Under O.C.G.A. §19-3-2, both people must be at least 18. No one under 18 can marry in Georgia. O.C.G.A. §19-3-1 defines who can legally marry in the state. These rules apply to every Martinez marriage license application at the Columbia County court.
You do not need to be a Georgia resident. Couples from any state can apply in Martinez. Both people must appear at the court. Bring photo ID and your Social Security number. If you took a premarital education course, bring the certificate to get the reduced fee.
Standard probate forms are available at gaprobate.gov. Check there for any extra documents the Columbia County court may require for your Martinez marriage license application.
Nearby Cities for Marriage Records
Martinez is in east Georgia near Augusta. Nearby cities that also file marriage records through their county probate courts include the following. Each city uses its county Probate Court for all marriage license services.
Evans shares the same Columbia County Probate Court as Martinez. Augusta is in Richmond County with its own Probate Court. If you live between Martinez and Augusta, pick whichever court is more convenient for you.
Columbia County Marriage Records
Martinez is part of Columbia County. The Columbia County Probate Court handles all marriage license filings and record storage for the entire county. For full details on the court, including office hours, fees, and contact information, see the Columbia County page.