Ware County Marriage Records Lookup

Ware County marriage records are held at the Probate Court in Waycross, Georgia. The Probate Court issues marriage licenses and stores all marriage certificates for the county. Waycross is the county seat and the largest city in Ware County, sitting in southeast Georgia near the Okefenokee Swamp. The court on Church Street is the only office in the county for marriage-related services. Whether you need a license or want to search for an existing marriage record, this is where you start. Below you will find the details on fees, rules, requirements, and how to search for Ware County marriage records.

Ware County Probate Court

The Ware County Probate Court is at 800 Church Street, Suite 123, in Waycross. This office handles all marriage license applications and record requests for Ware County. The court is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Both applicants must appear at the same time for a marriage license. Walk-ins are accepted. The staff is used to handling all kinds of marriage-related questions.

Ware County is one of the larger counties in Georgia by land area. Waycross is the main population center. The Probate Court handles a steady number of marriage licenses and record requests each year. The office is accessible from downtown Waycross. If you are coming from a surrounding county, Waycross is within reasonable driving distance of most communities in the area.

Marriage License Fees in Ware County

A marriage license in Ware County costs $56 without premarital counseling. If both parties complete a qualifying premarital education course of at least six hours, the fee is reduced to $16 under O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30.1. The course has to be done within 12 months of applying. Bring the completion certificate when you visit the Ware County Probate Court.

Certified copies of Ware County marriage records are $10 each. Additional copies requested at the same time cost $5. The court accepts cash and money orders. Credit and debit cards may be accepted with a small service fee. Call (912) 287-3415 to verify payment options before your visit.

How to Search Ware County Marriage Records

Visit the Ware County Probate Court in Waycross. Give the clerk the names of both parties and the date of the marriage if known. The clerk will search and can print a certified copy for $10. Most requests are filled while you wait.

You can request records by mail as well. Write to the Ware County Probate Court at 800 Church Street, Suite 123, Waycross, GA 31501. Include both names, the approximate marriage date, your return address, and a $10 money order. Processing and delivery take a few weeks.

For online searches, the Georgia Probate Records website has a marriage search tool. Select Ware County and enter a name. Not every record is online, but many are. It is a helpful starting point before reaching out to the court directly.

The Georgia Probate Records portal shown above covers marriage records from Ware County and many other counties in the state.

Ware County Marriage License Requirements

Both applicants must be at least 18 years old per O.C.G.A. § 19-3-2. Each person must appear at the Ware County Probate Court with a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport meets the requirement. Social Security numbers are needed on the application form.

Anyone who was previously married must bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. O.C.G.A. § 19-3-1 says you cannot marry while a prior marriage is still in effect. Documents in any language other than English require a certified translation.

Georgia has no waiting period. You can get married the same day you get your license from Ware County. No blood test is needed. The license expires after 60 days, so plan the ceremony within that time frame.

Note: Ware County follows the same rules as every other county in Georgia for marriage licenses.

After the Wedding in Ware County

Your officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. They have 30 days to file it with the Ware County Probate Court. Once the court receives it, they record the marriage and mail a certified certificate to the couple. This process takes roughly 30 days.

For a quicker copy, go to the Probate Court in Waycross after the license is filed. Pay $10 and the staff will print a certified copy. This is usually much faster than waiting for the mail. Keep the certificate stored safely for future legal needs like name changes, benefits updates, and insurance claims.

State Marriage Records for Ware County

The Georgia Department of Public Health maintains marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996. For a Ware County marriage in that range, you can get a copy from the state office. The fee is $10 and is non-refundable. Mail to the State Office of Vital Records at 1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349. Phone: (404) 679-4702. Allow 8 to 10 weeks for mail processing.

For Ware County marriages before 1952 or after 1996, the Probate Court in Waycross has the original records. The Georgia Archives may have microfilm copies of historical records. The Georgia.gov marriage page gives a statewide overview of the license process.

The Georgia Archives site above has information on finding older vital records, including marriage files from Ware County and other Georgia counties.

Online Resources for Ware County

You can fill out a marriage license application online through the Georgia Probate Records website. This saves time at the Ware County Probate Court. The form stays in the system for 30 days. Both people still have to appear in person at the court in Waycross with ID and the fee to complete the process.

The Council of Probate Court Judges website has general information about all Georgia Probate Courts. The standard forms page has downloadable forms for various probate matters, including marriage-related requests.

Nearby Counties

Ware County borders several counties in southeast Georgia. Each has its own Probate Court for marriage records and licenses.