Bulloch County Marriage Records

Bulloch County marriage records are managed by the Probate Court in Statesboro, Georgia. The court issues marriage licenses by appointment, keeps completed certificates on file, and provides certified copies. If you need to search for a Bulloch County marriage record or plan to get a license, the Probate Court at the Bulloch County Courthouse is your first stop. Statesboro is home to Georgia Southern University and serves as the hub for this east Georgia county. Call (912) 489-8749 to set up an appointment or ask about what you need to bring for a marriage license in Bulloch County.

Bulloch County Probate Court Details

The Bulloch County Probate Court is on the first floor of the Bulloch County Courthouse at 2 North Main Street, Room 103, in Statesboro. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Marriage license services are available by appointment only from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. This is different from many Georgia counties that accept walk-ins. You must schedule your visit ahead of time for a marriage license in Bulloch County.

The Bulloch County Probate Court website has information about court services and contact details. For marriage licenses, the process starts online. You fill out the application at georgiaprobaterecords.com first. Then you call (912) 489-8749 to schedule your appointment in Statesboro.

The court site above shows services offered at the Bulloch County Probate Court, including marriage license issuance and certified copy requests.

Bulloch County Marriage License Application

The marriage license process in Bulloch County has two steps. First, go to georgiaprobaterecords.com and fill out the online application. Once you submit it, call the Probate Court at (912) 489-8749 to schedule your in-person appointment. Both parties must appear together at the Statesboro courthouse. You cannot skip the online part or the in-person visit in Bulloch County.

Bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or military ID works. If either person was married before, bring proof that the marriage ended. A certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate is what the court needs. The Bulloch County clerk will review all documents at your appointment.

The fee for a marriage license in Bulloch County is $76 without premarital counseling. With a counseling certificate, the fee is $36. That is a $40 discount for couples who complete at least six hours of premarital education as required under O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30.1. The counseling has to happen within 12 months before the application. Present the certificate at your appointment at the Bulloch County Probate Court. Payment options include cash, check, and credit card.

Note: Appointments are required for marriage licenses at the Bulloch County Probate Court. Walk-ins are not accepted.

Searching Bulloch County Marriage Records

To search for a marriage record in Bulloch County, call the Probate Court at (912) 489-8749. Tell the clerk the names and an approximate date. They can check the files and let you know what is available. You can also send a written request by mail to P.O. Box 1005, Statesboro, GA 30459.

Bulloch County marriage records from 1952 through 1996 may also be on file with the Georgia Department of Public Health. The state search fee is $10, and mail requests take 8 to 10 weeks. For older Bulloch County records going back before 1952, check the Georgia Archives in Morrow. They keep historical vital records on microfilm from many Georgia counties.

The Georgia Probate Records portal at georgiaprobaterecords.com may also let you look up recorded marriage data for Bulloch County. This depends on whether the county has posted that data to the system. Call the court to check on online search options for Bulloch County marriage records.

Certified Copies of Bulloch County Records

Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10 each at the Bulloch County Probate Court. You can get copies in person in Statesboro or by mail. Copies are ready within 10 business days after the signed license has been returned to the office. That timing matters if you just got married in Bulloch County and need a certificate fast.

For mail requests, send a written note with the full names, date of marriage, and a check or money order for $10 per copy. Mail it to P.O. Box 1005, Statesboro, GA 30459. The state also offers copies through the Department of Public Health for marriages from 1952 to 1996. The state search is $10, with extra copies at $5 each. State processing takes 8 to 10 weeks by mail.

Wedding Ceremonies in Bulloch County

The Bulloch County Probate Judge no longer performs wedding ceremonies at the courthouse. You will need to find your own officiant. Georgia law allows ordained ministers, judges, magistrates, and other authorized people to perform weddings. The officiant must sign the license after the ceremony and return it to the Bulloch County Probate Court within 30 days.

The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued in Bulloch County. Georgia has no waiting period. You can get married the same day you pick up the license. If 60 days pass without a ceremony, the license becomes void. You would have to apply and pay again at the Bulloch County court in Statesboro.

Marriage Requirements for Bulloch County

Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 19-3-2 sets the minimum marriage age at 18. Seventeen-year-olds need a court emancipation order. The order must be at least 15 days old. The older party cannot be more than four years older under O.C.G.A. § 19-3-36. No one under 17 can marry in Georgia. These rules apply in Bulloch County just like every other county.

No blood test is needed. There is no waiting period. Georgia residents can get a license at any county court. Non-residents must apply in the county of the ceremony. For Bulloch County, that means the Statesboro court. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-3-1, a valid marriage needs the ability to contract, an actual agreement, and proper legal recording. The signed license returned to the Bulloch County Probate Court takes care of the last part.

Cities in Bulloch County

Statesboro is the county seat and largest city in Bulloch County. Home to Georgia Southern University, it has a population of about 35,000. All marriage license applications and marriage record requests go through the Probate Court in Statesboro.

Other communities in Bulloch County include Brooklet, Portal, and Register. All marriage records for these areas are handled at the Bulloch County Probate Court in Statesboro.

Nearby Counties

These counties are next to Bulloch County. Check your address to confirm which county handles your marriage license before you apply.