Lumpkin County Marriage Records

Lumpkin County marriage records are held at the Probate Court in Dahlonega, Georgia. This mountain county in north Georgia is a popular spot for weddings, and the court sees a good number of marriage license applications. Whether you need to search for an old marriage record or apply for a new license, the Probate Court on Riley Road handles it all. Both people must appear together at the Lumpkin County courthouse. Call (706) 482-2455 to ask about requirements and confirm office hours before your trip to Dahlonega.

Lumpkin County Probate Court

The Probate Court at 325 Riley Road in Dahlonega is the only office that handles marriage records in Lumpkin County. The court issues licenses, keeps signed certificates on file, and gives out certified copies. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Dahlonega draws visitors from across the state for destination weddings. The Lumpkin County Probate Court is used to working with couples who travel from the Atlanta metro area or other parts of Georgia. If at least one person is a Georgia resident, you can get your marriage license in any county. That means you can apply at the Lumpkin County court even if you live in another part of the state.

The Georgia Department of Public Health vital records page explains how to request marriage records from both state and county offices.

The state fee schedule shows what it costs to get copies of marriage records through the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Marriage Licenses in Lumpkin County

Both people must come to the Lumpkin County Probate Court together to get a license. Bring a valid photo ID. A Georgia driver's license, passport, or military ID all work. If either person had a prior marriage, bring the final divorce decree or death certificate for the former spouse.

The license fee in Lumpkin County falls in the standard Georgia range of $56 to $77. Couples who complete six or more hours of premarital counseling pay $16 to $37 under O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1. That is a $40 discount. The education must come from a licensed therapist, counselor, or active clergy member. It must be done within 12 months of the application. Bring proof to the Lumpkin County courthouse in Dahlonega.

The license is valid for 60 days after issue. Georgia has no waiting period. You can marry the same day you get the license. If 60 days pass without a ceremony, the license expires and you start over at the Lumpkin County Probate Court.

Note: Georgia does not require a blood test for marriage licenses since 2003.

Finding Lumpkin County Marriage Records

Call the Lumpkin County Probate Court at (706) 482-2455 to search for a marriage record. Give the clerk the names and an approximate date. They can look through their files and tell you what is on record. You can also visit the courthouse in Dahlonega in person.

For records from June 1952 to August 1996, the Georgia Department of Public Health may also have copies. The search fee is $10 and mail requests take 8 to 10 weeks. Records outside that window are only at the Lumpkin County Probate Court.

The Georgia Probate Records online system is used by many counties for marriage applications. Check with the Lumpkin County court to see if they use it for record lookups. The Georgia Archives in Morrow also has old marriage documents on microfilm from across the state, including Lumpkin County records from the 1800s.

Lumpkin County Marriage Record Fees

Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10 each at the Lumpkin County Probate Court. You can get them in person or by mail. Mail requests go to 325 Riley Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533. Include a check or money order with the names and date of the marriage. Call first to confirm payment methods accepted at the Lumpkin County court.

The state office charges $10 for a search of records from 1952 to 1996. This is not refundable. Extra copies cost $5 each at the same time. Under O.C.G.A. 15-9-60, each county sets its own license fee within the range Georgia law allows.

Lumpkin County Marriage Rules

Both people must be 18 under O.C.G.A. 19-3-2. A 17-year-old can marry only with court-ordered emancipation. At least 15 days must pass since the order was signed. The older party cannot be more than four years older per O.C.G.A. 19-3-36. Nobody under 17 can marry in Georgia.

Georgia residents may apply at any county in the state. If neither person is a Georgia resident, you must apply in the county where the ceremony will take place. The Lumpkin County clerk checks all ID and documents before issuing the license. Foreign documents need a certified English translation.

After the Wedding in Lumpkin County

Your officiant must sign the marriage license and return it to the Lumpkin County Probate Court within 30 days. Under O.C.G.A. 19-3-1, the marriage must be recorded for it to be official. Once the court files the signed license, you get a certified certificate by mail within about 30 days.

This certificate is what you use for name changes with Social Security and the DMV. It is also needed for insurance and bank updates. If the signed license is not returned to the court, the marriage may not appear in Lumpkin County records. The Georgia Probate Court standard forms page has documents for related matters after your wedding.

Cities in Lumpkin County

Dahlonega is the county seat and only city in Lumpkin County. No cities in the county have a population over 25,000. All marriage records are handled at the Probate Court in Dahlonega.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Lumpkin County in the north Georgia mountains. Make sure you apply at the right court before getting your marriage license.