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If you’re planning to elope in Savannah, one of the first steps is obtaining your Savannah marriage license. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process, making it easy to get everything ready before your special day.
Please note that this information reflects the latest guidance from the Chatham County Probate Court, but rules are subject to change. Always double-check with the court for the most up-to-date requirements.
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
Start by filling out the online marriage license application form on the Chatham County Probate Court website. You’ll need to provide copies of any necessary supporting documents, such as:
-Color copies of both applicants’ driver’s licenses or passports.
-A signed or sealed divorce judgment from the last marriage or a death certificate for the last former spouse, if applicable.
Step 2: Schedule an Appointment
After submitting your online application, make an appointment for both applicants to appear in person at the Chatham County Probate Court (Room 509 of the Chatham County Courthouse at 133 Montgomery Street, Savannah, Georgia). Walk-ins are not accepted, so scheduling an appointment is mandatory. Most destination couples schedule this appointment for their arrival day or at least one day before the wedding to allow time for any issues that might arise.
Step 3: Bring the Required Documents
When you arrive for your appointment, bring all the necessary documents, as noted above. Having everything prepared will save you from potential delays or return trips.
If I’m a Georgia resident, can I get my marriage license in the county where I live?
Yes, if you’re a Georgia resident, you can obtain your marriage license from any courthouse in any Georgia county and bring it to our officiant at your Savannah ceremony.
What do you do with your marriage license after your wedding day?
The marriage license should be returned to the probate court after it’s signed by your officiant. But, when you book with the Savannah Elopement Package – we take care of filing the license for you after the elopement! All you have to do is follow the steps above and bring your marriage license to the ceremony. Then, our officiant Rev. Joe Wadas or his associate Rev. Danny will file your marriage license for you, and you will receive your certified marriage certificate by mail.
Can I get extra copies of my marriage certificate?
If you work with our team, one copy of your certified marriage certificate will be mailed to you after the wedding. You can request additional certified copies directly from the Chatham County Probate Court after our officiant has filed the signed license with the probate court (usually within a few days of your wedding).
Step 4: Pay the Marriage License Fee
Payment is accepted by credit/debit card, cash, money order, or cashier’s check. The cost depends on whether you’ve completed a premarital education course:
$66.00 without a Certificate of Completion of Premarital Education
$26.00 with a Certificate of Completion of Premarital Education
You can access the premarital education form here.
Step 5: Pick Up Your Marriage License in Chatham County
Out-of-town couples must pick up their Savannah marriage license in person at the Chatham County Probate Court. Most of the process can be completed online before you arrive, but you must finalize it in person.
Once you have your license, bring it to your elopement ceremony. The officiant will sign it and mail it for processing. (Fun fact: No witnesses are required to sign a marriage license in Georgia. Only the officiant signs it!)
We would love to make sure this is the perfect elopement experience. Fill out our contact form, and we will answer any questions you have!