Cherokee County Marriage Records

Cherokee County marriage records are held at the Probate Court in Canton, Georgia. This fast-growing county north of Atlanta has over 266,000 residents and is one of the busiest probate courts in the state for marriage licenses. The court accepts walk-ins from 8:30 AM to 4:10 PM for marriage license applications. If you need to search for a past marriage record or get a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Cherokee County, the Probate Court on North Street is where you go. The growing population means the court handles a high volume of requests, so arriving early in the day can save you some wait time.

Cherokee County Probate Court

The Probate Court handles all marriage license work in Cherokee County. The office is in Suite 340 at 90 North Street in Canton. Walk-in service for marriage licenses runs from 8:30 AM to 4:10 PM. If you arrive after 4:10 PM, you will need to come back the next business day. Both people applying for a license must come together.

Each person needs a valid photo ID. A Georgia driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID all work. If either person was married before, you must bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate for a former spouse. The Cherokee County court staff will review your documents and process the application while you wait. Most applications take about 30 minutes, but busy days can mean a longer wait.

You can visit the Cherokee County Probate Court website for more details on their services and hours.

Cherokee County Marriage License Fees

Cherokee County follows the state fee schedule. Under O.C.G.A. 15-9-60, the standard marriage license fee ranges from $56 to $77. If both parties complete a premarital education program, the fee drops to between $16 and $37. The exact fee in Cherokee County depends on current court costs.

To get the reduced fee, both people must complete at least six hours of premarital education. The provider must be a licensed counselor, therapist, psychologist, or active clergy member, as set by O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1. You need to finish the class within 12 months of applying. Bring the completion certificate to the Cherokee County Probate Court. The savings can be significant.

How to Get Cherokee County Marriage Records

Cherokee County marriage records are available from the Probate Court in Canton. Walk in with a valid ID and give the clerk the names and approximate date of the marriage. The staff can search their records and provide certified copies. In-person requests are often handled the same day.

The Georgia Department of Public Health has copies of marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. A mail request to the state costs $10 for a search and includes one certified copy if found. Extra copies cost $5 each. Mail requests take 8 to 10 weeks. For Cherokee County marriages before 1952 or after 1996, the Probate Court is the only source.

You can also check the Cherokee County marriage license page for instructions on applying and what documents to bring.

The county website breaks down the full list of required documents and fees for Cherokee County marriage licenses.

Cherokee County Marriage Requirements

Both parties must be at least 18 years old to get a marriage license in Cherokee County. This rule comes from O.C.G.A. 19-3-2. A 17-year-old can apply only if emancipated, and the other party must be within four years of age. No one under 17 can marry in Georgia.

Georgia has no waiting period and no blood test requirement. The license stays valid for 60 days from the date the Cherokee County Probate Court issues it. After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the court within 30 days. A certified marriage certificate is then mailed to the couple within about 30 days. If you need the certificate sooner, call the court to ask about their timeline.

Note: If at least one party is a Georgia resident, you can apply at any county probate court in the state, not just Cherokee County.

Cherokee County Historical Records

Cherokee County was created in 1831. Marriage records from early on may be at the courthouse or at the Georgia Archives. The archives in Morrow hold microfilm copies of county records going back to the 1800s. Some records are available online through their Virtual Vault.

FamilySearch has a free index of Georgia marriages from 1808 to 1967. Ancestry.com offers records from select counties. The Georgia Probate Records website may also have Cherokee County records available for online search. These tools are useful for genealogy and family history work.

Cities in Cherokee County

Cherokee County includes several cities and towns. All marriage licenses are handled by the Cherokee County Probate Court in Canton.

Other communities in Cherokee County include Holly Springs, Ball Ground, Waleska, and Nelson. All use the Cherokee County Probate Court for marriage licenses.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Cherokee County. If you are not sure where a marriage was filed, try these nearby courts.