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In Dekalb County, a group of judges are offering a FREE marriage ceremony to couples looking to tie the knot this Valentine’s Day. We’ve found offers from four different Dekalb judges.
Note that in every case, you’ll have to apply for your marriage license ahead of time. The marriage license is not free; but the civil ceremony itself will be complimentary. In Dekalb County, the fee for a ceremony is set by each individual judge.
We found two options for the FREE marriage ceremonies, and we’re including the details for both the Dekalb Superior Court AND the Dekalb Magistrate Court. Each has a separate procedure for booking your appointment. And if you can’t find an open slot in one, you can always try the other!
FUN FACT:
Once you have your marriage license in hand, you can get married right away. There is no mandatory waiting period in Georgia.
Applying for a marriage license – things to know
This is general information that was derived from the Dekalb County Probate Court website. It is NOT legal advice.
- Georgia residents may apply for a marriage license in any county in Georgia.
- If neither applicant is a resident of Georgia, the marriage license must be obtained in the county where the ceremony is going to be performed.
- The marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed in Georgia.
- Premarital blood tests are no longer required in Georgia.
- Both applicants must be present in order to obtain a marriage license.
- You must provide proof of age with a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or other official document.
- If either applicant has been divorced, you must present a final, stamped, sealed certified divorce decree(s).
- If either applicant was previously married and the spouse died, you must present proof of death such as a death certificate or an obituary.
- The fee for the license is $66 if the couple does NOT have a Certificate of Premarital Education.
- The fee for the license is $26 if the couple has gone through counseling and has a Certificate of Premarital Education.
Free weddings thru Dekalb Superior Court
On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, Judge Parker-Smith and Judge Morris invite couples to the DeKalb County Superior Court, located at 556 North McDonough St. in Decatur.
According to a press release, the judges believe that love should be celebrated without unwarranted financial burden, especially on Valentine’s Day.
These are the steps that couples should follow to take advantage of the free opportunity.
- Apply for your marriage license at dekalbprobatega.com/services/marriage-license/.
- Book your appointment with DeKalb County Probate Court to receive a physical copy of your marriage license.
- Send an email to Karen Loder at keloder@dekalbcountyga.gov to reserve your complimentary marriage ceremony slot.
- Bring a copy of your marriage license to the ceremony.
“Love has the power to bind communities together. By offering complimentary marriage ceremonies, we hope to create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds within our local community,” said Judge Morris in a press statement.
More info
Free weddings thru Dekalb Magistrate Court
On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, Chief Magistrate Judge Berryl A. Anderson and Chief Probate Court Judge Bedelia C. Hargrove are offering FREE marriage ceremonies. They are opening two courtrooms staffed by Magistrate Court judges, who will be officiating the Valentine’s Day ceremonies.
The weddings will take place between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. that day.
Couples will need to get a marriage license from Probate Court in advance (https://dekalbprobatega.com/services/marriage-license/)
To reserve a time for your ceremony, visit the Dekalb Probate Court website at: dekalbprobatega.com/valentineswedding/ and sign up for a time slot.
All ceremonies will be performed on the first floor of the Judicial Tower located at 556 North McDonough Street, Decatur, Georgia 30030.
For more info, see the press release or send an email to waarchibald@dekalbcountyga.gov.
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