Henry County Marriage Records

Henry County marriage records are managed by the Probate Court under Judge Kelley Powell. The court processes all marriage license applications and keeps copies of completed marriage records for the county. If you are searching for a past marriage certificate or need to apply for a new license in Henry County, the Probate Court is your main resource. Henry County requires appointments for marriage license services, so plan ahead before you visit. Staff at the court can guide you through the process and help you find records on file.

Henry County Probate Court

The Henry County Probate Court handles all marriage license and marriage record matters for the county. Judge Kelley Powell oversees the office. One thing that sets Henry County apart from many other Georgia counties is that you must make an appointment to apply for a marriage license. Walk-ins are not accepted for license applications. Each appointment takes about 30 minutes, and the court processes an average of 14 to 20 marriage licenses per week.

To get started, visit the Henry County Probate Court website for instructions on booking your appointment. You should also fill out an online application before your visit. Both people must come to the Henry County Probate Court together at the scheduled time. The court treats marriage licenses as an essential service, so they keep regular hours for this work throughout the week.

Henry County is a growing area south of Atlanta. The county includes cities like Stockbridge and McDonough. All marriage license business for these cities runs through the Henry County Probate Court. Check the court website for the current address, phone number, and any special instructions before you go.

Henry County Marriage License Fees

Henry County charges standard Georgia rates for marriage licenses. Under O.C.G.A. 15-9-60, the fee ranges from $56 to $77 without premarital counseling. With a qualifying education course, the cost drops to between $16 and $37. This discount is set by O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1. The class has to be at least six hours. It must be done within 12 months before you apply. A licensed counselor, therapist, social worker, or active clergy member must lead it.

Bring the original premarital education form when you visit the Henry County Probate Court. The form must have original signatures and proper notary marks. Copies, scans, or electronic versions are not accepted for the fee discount at most courts. Check the Henry County website for accepted payment methods before your appointment.

How to Search Henry County Marriage Records

You can search for marriage records from Henry County at the Probate Court. Give the staff the full names and date of the marriage. A certified copy costs $10. In-person requests are the fastest way to get what you need. You can also ask about records by phone through the court website contact info. The Henry County Probate Court staff can tell you if a record is on file.

The Georgia Probate Records online portal also lets you search for recorded marriage licenses from counties that participate in the system. Some Henry County marriage records may be available to look up there. You can search by name and date to find filings.

The Georgia Department of Public Health has marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996. For Henry County marriages before 1952 or after 1996, the Probate Court is the only place to get copies. The state search fee is $10 and is not refundable. Mail requests to the state take 8 to 10 weeks.

Henry County Marriage License Process

Getting a marriage license in Henry County starts with the online application. Go to the court website and fill out the application form. Then book an appointment. Both parties must come to the Henry County Probate Court at the set time. Each application takes about 30 minutes to process.

Bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID works. If either person was married before, bring the final divorce decree or a death certificate for a former spouse. All documents must be in English or have a certified translation. Under O.C.G.A. 19-3-2, both parties must be at least 18 years old. A 17-year-old can apply only with proof of emancipation and the conditions set by O.C.G.A. 19-3-36.

Georgia has no waiting period. Once the Henry County Probate Court gives you the license, you can have the ceremony the same day. The license stays valid for 60 days. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Henry County Probate Court within 30 days. The court then records the marriage and sends a certified certificate by mail.

Henry County Marriage Record Sources

Beyond the Probate Court itself, several other sources can help you find marriage records tied to Henry County. The online marriage application at Georgia Probate Records lets you fill out forms before your appointment. This saves time at the office window.

For older records, the Georgia Archives in Morrow holds marriage records on microfilm from many Georgia counties. FamilySearch has a free index of Georgia marriages from 1808 to 1967 that may include Henry County filings. The Council of Probate Court Judges publishes standard forms used by all 159 county probate courts in Georgia. You can also request a marriage verification from the state for marriages on or after January 1, 2014.

Cities in Henry County

Henry County has several cities that rely on the Probate Court for marriage license services. All marriage records for these cities are on file at the Henry County Probate Court.

Other towns in Henry County include Hampton and Locust Grove. All marriage license matters for these areas go through the Henry County Probate Court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Henry County. If you need marriage records from outside Henry County, check with the Probate Court in one of these neighboring counties.