Officiating a wedding in Georgia
Registration, the license, and who returns it — the essentials for officiants.
Informational only. Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm the current rule with the county clerk or issuing office that handles the license.
Reviewed August 2026 · Issuing office: georgia.gov
Can you officiate, and is registration required?
Georgia sets no officiant registration or credential filing. The Governor and former Governors, judges, city recorders, magistrates, ministers and others authorized by the rules of a religious society may solemnize, and the license itself is directed to the officiant. Whether an online ordination satisfies a particular probate court is not settled by any state page reviewed, so ask the probate court that will receive the license. The couple gets the license from a county Probate Court; there is no waiting period and probate courts say the license does not expire.
Who returns the license, and by when
The officiant returns the license, with the certificate as to the fact and date of the marriage, to the judge of the probate court within 30 days after the marriage. Because the license itself does not expire, the whole pressure sits on this return. Confirm the window with the issuing court.
Suggested return window: about 30 days after the ceremony. Confirm the current deadline with the issuing clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to register to officiate in Georgia?
No. Georgia has no registration, filing or credential-deposit step for officiants. That is the absence of a requirement rather than a state statement that none exists, so ask the county probate court if you want it confirmed.
Does a Georgia marriage license expire?
Probate courts say it does not, and there is no waiting period after issuance. A couple can marry the same day the license is issued.
Who returns the marriage license in Georgia, and by when?
The officiant, to the judge of the probate court, within 30 days after the marriage. Confirm the window with the issuing court.
Never miss a return deadline
RiteBinder's license tracker keeps every state's note in front of you (free, no card). On Solo it also turns the signed license into a task and reminds you before the deadline.
Confirm the current rule with the issuing office:georgia.gov.