Search Muscogee County Marriage Records

Muscogee County marriage records are managed by the Probate Court in the Columbus Government Center. Columbus and Muscogee County are consolidated, so the same court serves both. If you need a marriage license, a certified copy of a past record, or want to schedule a courthouse ceremony, the Probate Court on 10th Street handles it all. The court uses a walk-in system for license applications, and both parties must show up in person. Online applications are required before your visit to speed up the process in Muscogee County.

Muscogee County Probate Court

The Probate Court sits on the 6th floor of the Columbus Government Center. This is the only office in Muscogee County that issues marriage licenses and keeps marriage records. The court operates on a walk-in basis for license applications, but you must complete the online application first. There is no appointment system. Staff stop processing new license applications at 4:00 PM, so plan to arrive well before then. The regular hours run from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays.

You can reach the marriage license line at (706) 225-4750. For estate and guardianship matters, the court has a separate number at (706) 653-4333. You can also email the license office at probatelicense@columbusga.org with general questions. The Muscogee County Probate Court website has full details on all services.

The court site lists the steps for getting a license, what ID to bring, and how to order copies of past records.

Muscogee County Marriage License Application

The process in Muscogee County starts with an online application. You must fill it out before you visit the court. Complete the form through the court's online portal and write down your Order Number. The court does not send an email confirmation, so keep that number handy. When you walk in, give the Order Number to the clerk and they will pull up your application. Both people must appear together. No exceptions.

The Muscogee County marriage license page goes through the full list of what to bring and what to expect at the counter.

That page covers ID types, fees, and the rules for minors who want to apply.

Muscogee County charges $56 for a standard marriage license. With proof of premarital counseling, the fee drops to $16. This discount follows O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1, which requires at least six hours of approved education within the past 12 months. Payment can be made with cash, money order, or credit and debit cards. There is a 3% fee on card transactions. The court does not accept American Express, personal checks, or phone tap payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Plan your payment method before you visit the Muscogee County office.

You need valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or a birth certificate paired with another photo ID. If you were married before, bring your final divorce decree or a death certificate for your former spouse. 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 older party cannot be more than four years older. That 17-year-old also needs printed proof of six hours of pre-marital counseling.

Courthouse Ceremonies in Muscogee County

The Muscogee County Probate Court offers wedding ceremonies on a set schedule. Not every day is available. Ceremonies happen on Monday and Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and on Friday from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and again from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Tuesday and Thursday have no ceremony slots. The cutoff is 3:00 PM sharp, so do not show up late. You must already have your Muscogee County marriage license in hand before the ceremony.

This is a good option for couples who want to keep things simple. The courthouse ceremony is quick and handled by the Probate Judge. If you want a private officiant, any judge, minister, or authorized person in Georgia can perform the ceremony. Just make sure the signed license gets back to the Muscogee County Probate Court within 30 days under O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.

Note: The ceremony schedule may change on holidays or when the judge is not available, so call ahead.

Muscogee County Marriage Record Copies

Certified copies of marriage records from Muscogee County cost $10 each. You can get them in person at the Probate Court or order by mail. For mail requests, send the date of marriage, full names of both parties, your return address, and a $10 money order payable to the Probate Court. Allow 5 to 7 days for processing. The court also offers an online option for ordering copies by credit card through their website.

For marriages recorded in Muscogee County between June 1952 and August 1996, the Georgia Department of Public Health also has copies on file. The state charges a $10 search fee that is not refundable. For any Muscogee County marriage before 1952 or after 1996, the Probate Court is the only source. Older records may also be available on microfilm through the Georgia Archives in Morrow.

Anyone can request a copy of a marriage certificate from Muscogee County. The marriage application, however, is more restricted. Only the people named on it can get a copy that shows birth dates and the mother's maiden name. Other requesters get a version with those details removed.

Muscogee County License Rules

Under O.C.G.A. 19-3-1, a valid marriage in Georgia requires that both parties can legally contract, that they enter an actual contract, and that consummation follows state law. Both people must be of sound mind and free from any prior marriage that was not dissolved. These requirements apply to every license issued by the Muscogee County Probate Court. Georgia does not require a blood test (eliminated July 1, 2003) and sets no waiting period. Your Muscogee County license is good for 60 days from the date it is issued.

If at least one person in the couple lives in Georgia, you can get a license in any county, not just Muscogee. But if neither person is a Georgia resident, the license must come from the county where the ceremony will happen. Columbus draws visitors from across the Chattahoochee Valley, so the Muscogee County court sees quite a few out-of-state couples who plan to marry locally. Georgia also recognizes marriages performed in other states under O.C.G.A. 19-3-43, but you cannot leave the state to dodge Georgia's own rules.

Cities in Muscogee County

Muscogee County is consolidated with the city of Columbus. All marriage licenses in Muscogee County are issued through the Probate Court at the Government Center downtown. There is no separate city office for marriage records.

Columbus is the third largest city in Georgia with over 201,000 residents. The consolidated government means the Muscogee County Probate Court handles all marriage record needs for the city and county together.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Muscogee County. Georgia residents can get a marriage license from any county, but it helps to know which court is nearest to where you live or plan to hold the ceremony.