Planning a simple wedding or elopement in Bartow County? Before finalizing your plans, it’s important to understand the difference between obtaining a marriage license and having a legal wedding ceremony.
Bartow County Probate Court issues marriage licenses, but it does not currently perform marriage ceremonies. Couples must arrange their own officiant and ceremony location. Your celebration can still be wonderfully simple, whether you plan a private civil ceremony, an intimate gathering, or portraits commemorating your marriage.
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Does Bartow County Offer Courthouse Wedding Ceremonies?
Bartow County’s official marriage-license instructions state that the Probate Court does not perform marriage ceremonies. Couples must select their own officiant and venue.
That means your visit to Probate Court is for the marriage-license process—not an on-site courthouse wedding ceremony. After receiving the license, you can plan a brief ceremony at a private venue, home, outdoor location, or another appropriate setting with an authorized officiant.
Review the official Bartow County marriage-license information before making your plans.
How to Apply for a Bartow County Marriage License
Bartow County requires couples to complete the marriage-license application online before visiting the Probate Court office.
The basic process includes:
Complete the online marriage-license application.
Save the confirmation number provided after completing the application.
Visit Bartow County Probate Court to finish the application process and pay the required fee.
Bring valid photo identification for each applicant.
Bring the most recent divorce decree or former spouse’s death certificate when applicable.
The official website does not state that a separate appointment is required after the online application. Follow the instructions provided with your confirmation number and review the county website for current notices before visiting.
Bartow County Probate Court Location and Hours
Marriage licenses are processed at:
Bartow County Probate CourtFrank Moore Administration and Judicial Center135 West Cherokee Avenue, Suite 243-ACartersville, GA 30120
The Probate Court’s general office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding recognized holidays. Marriage-license applicants may complete the in-person portion of the process between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
The Probate Court also publishes a notice that its offices close from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM on the first and second Thursday of each month for traffic arraignment. Review the Bartow County Probate Court website for current hours and closure notices.
Bartow County Marriage-License Fees
As of September 5, 2026, Bartow County lists the marriage-license fee as $75. Couples who have completed at least six hours of qualifying premarital counseling may receive the reduced $35 fee by providing the required certificate.
The Probate Court accepts cash, money order, and credit or debit cards. A service charge applies to card payments.
Because fees can change, confirm the current amount on the official marriage-license page before visiting.
Guest and Photography Policies
Because Bartow County Probate Court does not conduct wedding ceremonies, it does not publish a courthouse-wedding guest limit.
As of September 5, 2026, the official county website also does not publish a general policy for professional wedding photography or camera equipment inside the courthouse. Do not assume that interior courthouse portraits are automatically permitted.
We can plan your photography around your selected ceremony venue and any locations where photography access has been confirmed.
Planning Photography for a Bartow County Wedding
Not having an on-site Probate Court ceremony does not mean your wedding needs to become complicated. You can obtain your marriage license through Bartow County and then hold a brief ceremony with your chosen officiant at another location.
Depending on your plans, photography can include:
Details such as rings, flowers, and attire
Your private legal ceremony
Photographs with attending family and friends
Portraits of the two of you
A separate portrait location before or after the ceremony
For ceremony and portrait coverage, explore our Atlanta Elopement Photography Packages. If you only need portraits to commemorate your marriage, view our Wedding Portrait Photography Options.
Compare Other Georgia Courthouse Options
If you specifically want a courthouse that performs on-site wedding ceremonies, compare the available processes in our Guide to Courthouse Weddings in Georgia.
Ready to discuss your Bartow County wedding or portrait plans? Contact Jaimie Dee Photography to tell us about your ceremony, preferred location, and photography ideas.
Information last reviewed September 5, 2026, using Bartow County Probate Court’s official marriage-license and court information.