McDonough Marriage Records
Marriage records in McDonough are handled by the Henry County Probate Court. McDonough is the county seat of Henry County, located about 30 miles south of Atlanta along I-75. The Probate Court issues marriage licenses, stores completed marriage certificates, and provides copies of past records. Judge Kelley Powell oversees the court. Appointments are required for all marriage license applications in Henry County. You must fill out the online application first, then the court schedules your visit. Each appointment runs about 30 minutes, and the court processes 14 to 20 licenses per week. Plan ahead, because walk-ins are not accepted.
McDonough Quick Facts
Where to Get a McDonough Marriage License
McDonough couples apply at the Henry County Probate Court. Since McDonough is the county seat, the courthouse is right in town. The court requires appointments for marriage license services. No walk-ins. This is different from some other Georgia counties where you can just show up. Start by filling out the online application through the court website.
Both people must appear at the appointment. Bring valid photo ID for each person. Driver's licenses, passports, and state ID cards are all accepted. You need Social Security numbers for both applicants. If either person was married before, bring a certified divorce decree or death certificate. Without that proof, the clerk will not process your McDonough marriage license.
| Court | Henry County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Judge | Kelley Powell |
| Appointments | Required (apply online first) |
| Time Per Visit | ~30 minutes |
| Website | henrycountyprobatecourt.com |
The Henry County Probate Court website has the online application for McDonough marriage licenses and all other court services.
Start here to fill out the marriage license application. The court website also lists office hours and contact details for McDonough residents.
McDonough Marriage License Process
First, go online. The Henry County Probate Court has an application form on its website. Fill it out with all the needed details for both people. The court then contacts you to set up the appointment. Each appointment takes about 30 minutes. The court issues 14 to 20 licenses per week, so slots can fill up. Book early, especially if you have a specific wedding date in mind.
At the appointment, the clerk checks your IDs and reviews any supporting documents. If everything is in order, you get your McDonough marriage license that day. Georgia has no blood test requirement and no waiting period. The license is valid as soon as the court issues it.
You have 60 days to use the license. After the wedding ceremony, the officiant signs the license. You then file the completed document back with the Henry County Probate Court. This step is what creates the official marriage record. If you miss the 60-day window, the license expires and you would need to reapply and pay the fee again.
McDonough Marriage License Fees
A McDonough marriage license costs $56 to $77 at the standard rate. If you complete a premarital education course, the fee drops. Under O.C.G.A. §19-3-30.1, couples with a course certificate pay $16 to $37. The savings are significant. The course must run at least six hours and cover skills like communication and handling finances together.
Many churches and counselors in the McDonough and Henry County area offer approved premarital programs. You get a certificate when you finish, and you bring it to your appointment at the Probate Court. The clerk applies the reduced rate at that time.
Other costs to know about:
- Certified copy of a past McDonough marriage record: $5
- Record search fee: $10
- Premarital course discount: $40+ savings
Search McDonough Marriage Records
Need a copy of a past McDonough marriage record? Start with the Henry County Probate Court. Every marriage license the court has ever issued is on file. You can search in person, by phone, or by mail. Give the court the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage. A $10 search fee applies. Certified copies cost $5 each.
Online tools help too. The Georgia Probate Records portal covers Henry County records. You can search by name and date. The Council of Probate Court Judges website links to individual county courts and offers forms for download at gaprobate.gov/standard-forms.
The Georgia state portal at georgia.gov provides a summary of the marriage license process that applies to McDonough and all other Georgia cities. It is a good starting point for anyone new to the process.
State-Level McDonough Marriage Records
The Georgia Department of Public Health has a central file of marriage records from 1952 through 1996. If the McDonough marriage record you need is from that era, submit a request at dph.georgia.gov. The search fee is $10 and copies are $5 each.
For older records, the Georgia Archives in Morrow holds historical vital records. Morrow is close to McDonough, making an in-person visit practical if you need something from the Archives. Records after 1996 are only at the Henry County Probate Court.
Under O.C.G.A. §19-3-36, the Probate Court judge must keep a permanent record of every license issued. This means Henry County always has a local copy of all McDonough marriage records, regardless of whether the state has a duplicate on file. The county level is the most complete source.
Requirements for a McDonough Marriage License
Georgia law controls who can get a marriage license. O.C.G.A. §19-3-2 says both applicants must be at least 18 years old. No exceptions exist under current law. O.C.G.A. §19-3-1 defines the legal framework for marriage in the state. These rules apply to every McDonough marriage license filed at the Henry County Probate Court.
Residency is not required. A couple from any state can apply for a marriage license in McDonough. Both people must appear in person at the scheduled appointment. The license lasts 60 days and can be used the same day it is issued. Georgia does not have a waiting period or blood test requirement.
Bring all your documents to the appointment. Missing paperwork means the clerk cannot process the license, and you would need to schedule a new appointment. Double-check that you have your IDs, Social Security numbers, and any divorce or death records before you head to the courthouse.
Nearby Cities for Marriage Records
McDonough sits in Henry County south of Atlanta. Several nearby cities also have marriage records pages. Some share the same Henry County Probate Court, while others are in adjacent counties with their own courts.
- Stockbridge (also in Henry County, same court)
- Stonecrest
- Atlanta
Stockbridge residents use the exact same Henry County Probate Court as McDonough. Stonecrest is in DeKalb County and Atlanta spans Fulton and DeKalb counties. Each uses its own county Probate Court for marriage licenses.
Henry County Marriage Records
McDonough is the county seat of Henry County. The Henry County Probate Court handles all marriage license filings for the area, covering McDonough, Stockbridge, and the rest of the county. For full details on the court, fees, and related services, visit the Henry County page.