How to Find Georgia Marriage Records
Finding Georgia Marriage Records
- Marriages are kept by the probate court for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county
- 1952-1996 - duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state
- 1996 to the present - records are held exclusively by the probate court in the county where the marriage occurred
Tip: More marriage information is usually found on the marriage license application or the marriage register. Less information is found on the marriage certificate. |
Next Step: When did the marriage occur? |
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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records
Marriages Before 1952
- Marriage records are kept by the probate court for each county, and recording usually begins at the creation of the county.
If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in other records.
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index
Marriage Indexes and Digital Images | |||
Database Name - Index and Image | Link or links to access database | # of records | |
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1785-1950 | On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years | 683,052 |
If you do not locate the marriage in the above, try: | |||
Database Name-Index Only | Link or links to access database | # of records | |
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1808-1967 | On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years | 1,069,456 | |
Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1560-1993 | On Findmypast ($) | ||
Ancestry, Marriages, 1699-1944 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 216,770 |
Ancestry, Marriages, To 1850 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 167,492 |
Ancestry, Marriages, 1851-1900 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 83,321 |
Can't access Ancestry? | Visit your local FamilySearch center or your local public library. |
No marriage record for your ancestor? |
Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. |
Can't find your ancestor in the online index? | Tips for searching online indexes | ||
No marriage record for your ancestor? |
Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. |
STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
If you did not find your ancestor in the databases above, follow the instructions below:
PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage
PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records
OR
Some images of county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.
Marriages 1952 to 1996
- 1952-1996 - Duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state.
Currently, there are only limited online indexes to Georgia marriage records for the period 1952 to 1996.
PART ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index
Marriage Indexes | |||
Database Name-Index Only | Link or links to access database | # of records | |
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1808-1967 | On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years | 1,069,456 | |
Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1560-1993 | On Findmypast ($) |
PART TWO: Obtain the Certificate
PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage
PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records
OR
To Order Marriage Certificates | |||
From County of Marriage | From GA Dept. of Public Health | ||
Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state | County websites can be more difficult to use | Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee | May be more expensive than ordering from the county |
Marriages 1996 to Present
- 1996 to the present - Records are held exclusively by the probate court in the county where the marriage occurred.
Currently, there are no online indexes to Georgia marriage records for the period 1996 to the present.
PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage
PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records