Planning a simple wedding or elopement in Cherokee County? Before choosing your ceremony or photography location, it’s important to understand that obtaining a marriage license and having a legal wedding ceremony are separate steps.
Cherokee County Probate Court issues marriage licenses but does not perform marriage ceremonies. Couples must arrange their own authorized officiant and ceremony location.
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Does Cherokee County Offer Courthouse Wedding Ceremonies?
Cherokee County’s official instructions state that Probate Court does not perform marriage ceremonies. The court only issues the marriage license, and it is the couple’s responsibility to arrange an authorized officiant.
That means visiting Cherokee County Probate Court is the administrative license step—not an on-site courthouse wedding ceremony. Couples may hold their legal ceremony at a private venue, home, outdoor setting, or another appropriate location.
Review the official Cherokee County marriage-license instructions before planning your visit.
How to Apply for a Cherokee County Marriage License
Marriage-license applications are accepted on a walk-in basis from 8:30 AM to 4:10 PM, Monday through Friday.
The application must be completed and submitted to a clerk no later than 4:10 PM to be processed that day. The county recommends completing the application and gathering all required documentation before arriving.
Couples should:
- Download and complete the Cherokee County marriage-license application packet.
- Make sure both applicants have the required identification.
- Bring documentation showing how the most recent previous marriage ended, when applicable.
- Submit the completed application to a Probate Court clerk by 4:10 PM.
If both applicants live outside Georgia, the ceremony must take place in Cherokee County when the license is issued there.
Cherokee County Probate Court Location and Hours
Marriage licenses are issued at:
Cherokee County Probate Court90 North Street, Suite 340Canton, GA 30114
The Probate Court’s general hours are:
Monday–Friday8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Marriage-license applications have the earlier processing window of 8:30 AM–4:10 PM. Arriving before the application cutoff does not guarantee same-day processing if the application is incomplete, so prepare the required paperwork before visiting.
Cherokee County Marriage-License Fees
As of September 5, 2026, Cherokee County lists the marriage-license fee as:
- $66 without qualifying premarital education
- $26 with a qualifying premarital-education certificate
The county also lists a separate $10 fee for a certified copy of the marriage-license application.
Payment may be made by cash or credit/debit card. A convenience fee applies to card transactions.
Fees and payment policies can change, so confirm the current amounts in the official marriage-license application packet.
Guest and Photography Policies
Because Cherokee County Probate Court does not conduct wedding ceremonies, it does not publish a courthouse-ceremony guest limit.
As of September 5, 2026, the county’s official Probate Court pages also do not publish a general policy for:
- Professional wedding photography inside the courthouse
- Camera or lighting equipment
- Interior wedding portraits
- Photography on courthouse grounds
Do not assume that a ceremony or professional photography will be permitted inside the courthouse. We’ll plan your photography around your confirmed ceremony location and spaces where photography access has been established.
Planning Your Cherokee County Wedding Photography
Your wedding can still be simple and meaningful without an on-site Probate Court ceremony. After receiving your marriage license, you can hold a brief ceremony with an authorized officiant at your selected venue or portrait location.
Depending on your plans, photography may include:
- Details such as rings, flowers, and attire
- Your legal ceremony
- Family and guest photographs
- Portraits of the two of you
- Additional photographs at another selected location
For ceremony and portrait coverage, explore our Atlanta Elopement Photography Packages. If you only need portraits before or after your legal ceremony, view our Wedding Portrait Photography Options.
Compare Other Georgia Courthouse Options
If you specifically want a courthouse with a publicly confirmed on-site ceremony program, visit our Guide to Courthouse Weddings in Georgia.
You can also review the nearby Cobb County Courthouse wedding guide and Forsyth County Courthouse wedding guide.
Ready to discuss your Cherokee County wedding or portrait plans? Contact Jaimie Dee Photography to tell us about your ceremony, location, and photography ideas.
Information last reviewed September 5, 2026, using Cherokee County Probate Court’s official marriage-license and contact information.