How to Get Married in Gwinnett County, Georgia: Marriage License & Officiant Guide
If you are planning an intimate wedding, elopement, or simple marriage ceremony in Gwinnett County, the legal process may feel more complicated than the celebration itself. The good news is that getting legally married in Georgia is fairly straightforward once you know what to do.
This guide explains how to apply for a Gwinnett County marriage license, who may legally perform your ceremony, what happens after you say “I do,” and how Andrea Lucia & Co. can help you create a meaningful, stress-free wedding experience.
Quick note: This article is for general information and is not legal advice. Fees, office hours, forms, and court procedures can change. Confirm the latest requirements directly with the Gwinnett County Probate Court before applying.
Where Do You Get a Marriage License in Gwinnett County?
Marriage licenses are issued through the Gwinnett County Probate Court’s Vital Records Division.
Gwinnett County Probate Court – Vital Records Division
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Phone: (770) 822-8250
Marriage license information and forms
The office currently accepts marriage-license applications Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both people getting married must appear together to apply.
Who Should Apply in Gwinnett County?
If at least one person is a Georgia resident, the couple may obtain a marriage license from any county in Georgia and use it for a ceremony performed anywhere in the state.
If neither person is a Georgia resident, the couple must obtain the license in the Georgia county where the ceremony will take place. That means an out-of-state couple planning to marry in Lawrenceville, Snellville, Duluth, Buford, Suwanee, Norcross, or another location within Gwinnett County should apply through the Gwinnett County Probate Court.
What Do You Need to Bring?
The Gwinnett County Probate Court requires both applicants to appear together and provide acceptable proof of age and identity. The court lists documents such as a driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, military identification, immigration papers, or another approved form of identification.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need:
A final, stamped, and sealed divorce decree from your most recent divorce
Proof of a former spouse’s death, such as a death certificate or obituary
A certified English translation of any legal document issued in another language
Proof of completed premarital education if you are requesting the reduced license fee
Use your complete, current legal names on the application. Errors may create delays when updating records with agencies such as Social Security or Georgia Driver Services.
How Much Does a Gwinnett County Marriage License Cost?
The Gwinnett County Probate Court currently lists the marriage-license fee as:
$56 without qualifying premarital education
$16 with acceptable proof of qualifying premarital education
Premarital education is optional. To qualify for the discount, the program must meet Georgia requirements, including at least six hours of instruction, and the couple must provide the required certificate or notarized documentation.
Because fees and payment policies may change, check the Probate Court website before your visit.
Is There a Waiting Period in Georgia?
Georgia does not require a waiting period after the marriage license is issued. Once you have your valid license, your ceremony may be performed.
This makes Gwinnett County a convenient location for couples planning an elopement, a short-notice wedding, or a small ceremony—although your officiant, venue, and other vendors may still require advance booking.
Who Can Legally Officiate a Wedding in Georgia? ME :)
Under Georgia law, a marriage ceremony may be performed by certain authorized people, including judges, magistrates, ministers, and other people authorized by the rules of their religious society or sect.
Your officiant does more than lead the ceremony. The officiant must also complete the appropriate section of the marriage license and certify the fact and date of the marriage.
If you are asking a friend or relative to officiate, confirm that the person is legally authorized and understands the paperwork responsibilities before the wedding day. A beautiful ceremony is important, but so is making sure the legal document is completed correctly.
What Happens to the Marriage License After the Ceremony?
After the ceremony, the officiant completes and signs the marriage license. Under current Georgia law, the completed license must be returned to the probate court that issued it within 30 days after the wedding so the marriage can be recorded.
If your license was issued by Gwinnett County, it should be returned to the Gwinnett County Probate Court. Once the original signed license has been received and recorded, the couple may request a certified marriage certificate. Gwinnett County currently lists certified copies at $10 each.
Ask your officiant before the wedding who will be responsible for returning the completed license. Do not assume this important final step has been handled.
Can You Have a Small or Private Wedding in Gwinnett County?
Absolutely. A legal wedding does not have to mean a large venue, a long guest list, or months of complicated planning.
You can create a meaningful celebration with:
Just the two of you
A few close family members or friends
A simple marriage-license signing
A personalized ceremony and vow exchange
An intimate setup with décor, cake, and a celebratory toast
Professional photography and short-form wedding content
The right choice depends on the experience you want, not on what tradition says your wedding must look like.
A Bilingual Gwinnett County Wedding Officiant and Photographer
At Andrea Lucia & Co., we help couples create intimate wedding experiences that feel personal, beautiful, and easy. Andrea is an ordained wedding officiant and professional photographer serving Gwinnett County and Metro Atlanta. Ceremonies can be performed in English, Spanish, or bilingually, allowing couples and their families to feel fully included in the moment.
Depending on the experience you select, services may include:
A simple legal ceremony or marriage-license signing
A personalized intimate ceremony
English, Spanish, or bilingual officiating
Wedding photography
Short vertical video clips for social media
Ceremony décor and seating
Cake, a celebratory toast, water, or custom mocktails
Guidance designed to make your day feel organized and stress-free
Whether you want to quietly say “I do” or celebrate with a small circle of loved ones, you deserve a wedding that feels intentional and true to you.
Ready to Plan Your Gwinnett County Intimate Wedding?
If you are looking for a Gwinnett County wedding officiant, intimate wedding photographer, or an all-in-one ceremony experience, Andrea Lucia & Co. would love to hear your story.
Contact Andrea Lucia & Co. to check your wedding date and explore your ceremony options.
Small can still be beautiful. Simple can still feel special. And your wedding day can be meaningful without becoming overwhelming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both people need to be present to apply for a Gwinnett County marriage license?
Yes. The Gwinnett County Probate Court states that both applicants must appear together when filing the application.
Do Georgia residents have to apply in the county where they live?
No. If at least one applicant is a Georgia resident, the couple may apply for a marriage license in any Georgia county. If neither applicant is a Georgia resident, the license must come from the county where the ceremony will occur.
Is premarital counseling required in Gwinnett County?
No. It is optional. Couples who complete qualifying premarital education and provide acceptable documentation may receive a reduced marriage-license fee.
How quickly can we get married after receiving the license?
Georgia has no mandatory waiting period, so the ceremony may take place after the license has been issued.
How long does the officiant have to return the signed license?
Current Georgia law requires the officiant or other authorized person to return the completed license to the issuing probate court within 30 days after the marriage.
Can our ceremony be performed in Spanish?
Yes. Andrea Lucia & Co. offers ceremonies in English, Spanish, or a bilingual format for couples marrying in Gwinnett County and throughout Metro Atlanta.
Gwinnett County Probate Court: Marriage Licenses and Certificates
Georgia Code § 19-3-30: Issuance, Return, and Recording of a Marriage License
Information reviewed September 2026.
