atlanta georgia public marriage records: how to locate and request copies

Where the records are kept

In Georgia, marriage licenses are recorded by the county Probate Court. For Atlanta residents, that usually means Fulton County or DeKalb County. The State Office of Vital Records provides statewide marriage verifications from June 1952 to the present, confirming names, date, and county. To obtain a certified copy, contact the Probate Court that issued the license; some older volumes may be archived but remain open to the public.

Access, costs, and turnaround

Many counties offer searchable indexes online; full images or certified copies require a request, a fee, and valid ID. Mail and online orders typically take several business days, while in-person visits can be same day. Bring exact names, an estimated date range, and, if possible, a license or certificate number to speed processing.

Frequently asked questions

Here are quick answers to common questions about atlanta georgia public marriage records.

• Unsure of the county? Start with a state verification to pinpoint where to order.
• Are records public? Yes; recent records are generally open, with limited redactions of sensitive data.
• What details help? Full names, prior surnames, approximate date, and city or ZIP.
• Need an apostille? Get a certified copy first, then request an apostille from the Georgia Secretary of State.
• Research tip: Check both Fulton and DeKalb, and try alternate spellings or nicknames.