Rounding off our journey down the East coast, we come to the states of Georgia and Florida. These are a pair of beautiful states (though I admit a soft spot for Florida because it’s where I was born and where I was married). So let’s take a good look at these beautiful southern states with their rich history and picturesque locations (Disney wedding anyone?)and their marriage laws.
Georgia
Residents of Georgia need to apply for their marriage license in the county where they reside. You will also need two forms of identification when you apply for your license. In Cobb County in Georgia, there is a free marital workshop offered called Focus on Forever. This workshop is skill based and is not based on any religious foundation. The workshop is designed to teach you and your spouse listening skills, financial planning and anger management. So that’s a great plus for Cobb County.
Most counties in Georgia will require that you provide proof of divorce if your marriage ended in the six months previous to applying for a new marriage license. Be sure to check with the county you are planning to get married in. There is no waiting period associated with a Georgia marriage license and it costs around $25 to get a marriage license.
After July of 2003, you do not need a blood test to get married in Georgia. Same sex marriages are not allowed and in 2004, an amendment to the state constitution was passed that banned same sex marriage. You need to be at least 16 to get married in Georgia. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you to apply for a marriage license unless you’re pregnant. You do not need parental consent to get married if your physician provides proof of pregnancy for the County Clerk.
To get a copy of your Georgia Marriage Certificate:
Vital Records
2600 Skyland Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30319-3640
Florida
Florida is a great location for destination weddings – Disney World anyone? I’m very fond of Florida, we planned our wedding there when we lived in Virginia and as you can imagine, there is no Florida residency requirement to apply for a marriage license. The license fee, however, is kind of expensive. It’s about $95 give or take a dollar.
The state also has marriage-preparation courses and if you complete one within 12 months of applying for your license, you can get a discount. There are no blood test requirements when it comes to applying for a marriage license. There is no waiting period for Florida residents who took the marriage preparation course and a three-day waiting period for those who did not take the course.
Cousin marriages are allowed but proxy, common law and same sex marriage are not. If you were previously married, you need to provide the date of your divorce or the death of your spouse. If the divorce or death occurred within 30 days of the application, you’ll need to provide a certified copy of the death certificate or divorce decree.
Applicants under 18 need to have parental consent unless they have been married previously or they have a court order. Applicants who are pregnant or who have a child may also apply for a license if a physician verified their pregnancy. A county court may also give a court order that allows the underage applicants to obtain a marriage license.
Your Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days and you can obtain a copy of your Florida Marriage Certificate:
Department of Children and Families
Division of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
The above information should be taken as guidance only, legal requirements for state and county marriage licenses change often. Please verify the necessary paperwork and more with the office of the county clerk prior to making your wedding plans