Savannah Marriage Records
Savannah marriage records are filed at the Chatham County Probate Court in downtown Savannah. As the county seat of Chatham County, Savannah is home to the probate court that serves the entire county for marriage licenses. The court issues new licenses and keeps records of marriages that were filed in Chatham County over the years. Savannah is one of the most popular wedding spots in Georgia, so the probate court handles a high volume of license requests. The office on Montgomery Street is easy to find and offers walk-in service during normal business hours.
Savannah Quick Facts
Savannah Marriage License Office
The Chatham County Probate Court is at 133 Montgomery St., Room 509, Savannah, GA 31401. The courthouse is in the historic district near several of Savannah's famous squares. Parking in the area can be tight, especially on weekdays. Metered street parking and public garages are the best options. Plan to arrive with time to find a spot.
| Court | Chatham County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 133 Montgomery St., Room 509, Savannah, GA 31401 |
| Phone | (912) 652-7264 |
| Website | courts.chathamcountyga.gov |
Call (912) 652-7264 to check office hours before you go. The Savannah courthouse can be busy, and staff is helpful if you call with questions first. They can tell you what to bring and how long the wait tends to be on a given day. Room 509 is on the fifth floor. Take the elevator from the main lobby.
The Chatham County marriage license page has details for Savannah couples who want to apply.
This page covers the Savannah marriage license process, fees, and what documents you need to bring to the Chatham County Probate Court.
How to Get a Marriage License in Savannah
Both people must visit the Chatham County Probate Court in person. Georgia law requires it. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID card. You will also need your Social Security number. If either person had a prior marriage, bring the certified divorce decree or death certificate. These documents prove the previous marriage ended.
Fill out the application at the courthouse. Staff reviews your documents and processes the request. Most Savannah marriage licenses are issued the same day you apply. The whole visit usually takes less than an hour. There is no waiting period. Once the court hands you the license, you can have the ceremony right away if you want. The license stays valid for 60 days after the issue date.
Savannah draws many out-of-state couples for destination weddings. If you are coming from out of state, you can still get a marriage license in Savannah. Georgia does not have a residency requirement under O.C.G.A. § 19-3-2. Just bring the same documents any Georgia resident would bring. The process is the same for everyone, whether you live in Savannah or are just visiting for the wedding.
Note: Savannah sees a spike in marriage license requests during spring and fall wedding season. Apply early in the week if you can.
Savannah Marriage License Fees
A marriage license in Savannah costs $77 without premarital counseling. If you complete an approved course, the fee drops to $56. This discount is part of Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30.1. The course needs to be at least six hours and cover topics like communication and conflict resolution.
Many Savannah churches offer premarital courses that qualify for the discount. Some are free, while others charge a small fee. The $21 savings on the license is a nice bonus on top of the course content. Ask the Chatham County Probate Court for a list of approved course providers in the Savannah area. You can also ask your officiant, as many ministers and celebrants in Savannah know which local courses meet the state's criteria.
Certified copies of Savannah marriage records cost a fee per copy from the probate court. Call ahead to ask about the current rate. If the marriage took place years ago, you might also be able to get a copy from the Georgia Department of Public Health. The DPH has records from 1952 to 1996. The search fee is $10, and copies are $5 each. Contact DPH at (404) 679-4702 or visit their marriage records page.
Searching Older Savannah Marriage Records
The Chatham County Probate Court holds marriage records that go back many decades. If you know the names of the couple and the rough year of the marriage, the court staff can search their files for you. In-person and phone requests are both possible, though in-person visits tend to get faster results for Savannah records.
Beyond the local court, the state has resources for older Savannah marriage records. The Georgia Probate Records portal has an online search tool that covers some counties. The Georgia Archives holds historical vital records that may include early Chatham County marriages. These archives are a good resource for anyone doing family research or genealogy tied to the Savannah area.
The Georgia Department of Public Health is another option. They hold state-level marriage records from 1952 through 1996 at their office in Atlanta. You can request a search by mail, phone, or through their website. The address is 1680 Phoenix Blvd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349. This is a good choice when you are not sure which county the marriage was filed in, since the DPH holds records from across the state.
Savannah Marriage Requirements
Georgia law sets the rules, and they are the same in Savannah as anywhere in the state. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-3-2, both people must be 18 or older. No exceptions. No blood test is needed. There is no waiting period. Your license is good the moment it is issued.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license. Then you return it to the Chatham County Probate Court within 60 days. This is the step that makes the marriage official in the Savannah records. O.C.G.A. § 19-3-36 puts the responsibility on the officiant to file the signed license. But as the couple, you should follow up and confirm that it was filed. A quick call to the court at (912) 652-7264 can confirm that your Savannah marriage record is on file.
The key items to bring for a Savannah marriage license:
- Photo ID for both applicants
- Social Security numbers
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
- License fee ($56 with counseling, $77 without)
Nearby Cities for Marriage Records
Pooler is the nearest qualifying city to Savannah. Pooler is also in Chatham County, so residents there use the same Chatham County Probate Court for marriage licenses. If you live in Pooler or the western part of the county, you still go to the Montgomery Street courthouse in Savannah to apply.
Chatham County Marriage Records
Savannah is the county seat of Chatham County. The Chatham County Probate Court handles all marriage records for the county, including Savannah and surrounding communities like Pooler and Tybee Island. For full details on the county court, forms, fees, and how to request copies, visit the Chatham County page.