Officiants
Officiants And Ceremony Rules
Who can marry you, what they sign, and the rules for the ceremony itself.
Who Can Marry You
Authorized Officiants
- The Governor or any former governor of Georgia
- Any judge, including judges of state and federal courts of record in Georgia
- A city recorder
- A magistrate
- A minister
- Any other person of a religious society or sect authorized by its rules to perform marriages
A notary cannot. Glynn County Probate Court.
The Ceremony
No Witnesses Required
Georgia does not require witnesses. Cobb notes that if an officiant never returns the license, O.C.G.A. 19-3-30(e) sets out what has to be shown, so having witnesses can still help. Cobb County Probate Court.
Ceremony In Georgia
A Georgia license is only good for a ceremony performed in Georgia. Bring the license to the ceremony and hand it to your officiant beforehand.
What The Officiant Writes
After the ceremony the officiant completes the date of marriage, county and city of marriage, their signature, printed name and complete address. Missing fields delay recording.
From A Photographer
Talk To Your Officiant About The Signing
Most officiants sign right after the recessional or during cocktail hour. Tell them you want it photographed, find a table with good light, and have a pen that writes. Every wedding I photograph, I ask about the signing in our planning call so it does not get done in a hallway while I am with your families. If you want to talk about yours, check your date with me.
Choosing An Officiant
Friend, Minister Or Judge
Many couples ask a friend to marry them. Under the Georgia list, that friend needs to be a minister or another person authorized by the rules of a religious society to perform marriages, since Georgia does not let notaries do it. Cobb County says it does not require or record officiant credentials, so the court will not check them at the counter. That makes it your job to be sure your officiant qualifies.
The License Has To Reach The Officiant
Give the license to your officiant before the ceremony, not after. They complete it once you are married and are responsible for getting it back to the court. Glynn County says preferably within 30 days.
If The Court Cannot Marry You
Chatham, Glynn, Liberty and Effingham probate courts do not hold ceremonies, and Camden's judge is not performing them for now. Glynn says it can share a list of local officiants if you ask.
Questions
Questions Couples Ask
Who can perform a wedding in Georgia?
Glynn County lists them under O.C.G.A. 19-3-30(c). The Governor or any former governor of Georgia, any judge including judges of state and federal courts of record in Georgia, a city recorder, a magistrate, a minister, or another person of any religious society authorized by its rules to perform marriages.
Can a notary marry us?
No. Glynn County says a notary is not authorized to perform weddings in Georgia.
Does our officiant need to register with the court?
Cobb County says it does not require or record officiant credentials, and only needs the license filled out neatly and returned.
Do we need witnesses?
No. Georgia does not require witnesses. Glynn asks you not to write a witness name on the application.
Can the probate judge marry us?
Not in most counties in this guide. Chatham, Glynn, Liberty and Effingham say their probate courts do not hold ceremonies, and Camden's judge is not performing them for now. Gwinnett and Fulton hold free courthouse ceremonies.
