Courthouse Wedding Guide
A word to those planning Courthouse Weddings in GA – You have OPTIONS to choose from! Learn the ins and outs of planning the courthouse wedding of your dreams!
A Guide to Courthouse Weddings in GA
Embark on a journey of planning the perfect courthouse wedding in Georgia with our comprehensive guide. Discover a selection of stunning courthouses, including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett County Courthouses, each offering its own unique charm and ambiance.
From the historic charm and modern elegance of Fulton County Courthouse to the captivating architectural splendor of DeKalb County Courthouse, you’ll find the perfect backdrop for your special day. We’ll also explore Cobb County Courthouse, situated in the picturesque Marietta Square, known for its abundant photo opportunities. Lastly, experience the grandeur and grace of Gwinnett County Courthouse in Lawrenceville, offering an enchanting setting for your wedding celebration.
With our expert advice and recommendations, we hope to inspire and guide you towards a memorable courthouse wedding in Georgia experience. As a courthouse wedding photographer studio, we are passionate about capturing your love story and creating timeless memories. Contact us to discuss your photography needs and let us be a part of your extraordinary journey.
Table of Contents
Compare Metro Atlanta Courthouse Wedding Options
The courthouse wedding process varies considerably between Georgia counties. Some courts offer regularly scheduled ceremonies, while others require reservations or only advertise ceremonies for special events.
Use this comparison as a starting point, then visit the complete county guide for current ceremony, marriage-license, guest, and photography information.
Table last reviewed September 5, 2026.
Fulton County
On-site ceremony: Yes—select downtown options available Appointment or walk-in: Varies by court and program Guest limit: Not consistently published Camera/photo policy: Rule 11 approval applies to Magistrate Court
View the Fulton County courthouse wedding guide
DeKalb County
On-site ceremony: Special ceremony events documented; no standing service confirmed Appointment or walk-in: Appointment required for marriage-license processing Guest limit: Not publicly listed Camera/photo policy: Not publicly listed
View the DeKalb County courthouse wedding guide
Cobb County
On-site ceremony: Yes—fixed group ceremony times Appointment or walk-in: Published schedule; individual appointment policy not clearly listed Guest limit: Not publicly listed Camera/photo policy: Not publicly listed
View the Cobb County courthouse wedding guide
Gwinnett County
On-site ceremony: Yes—most Friday afternoons Appointment or walk-in: Advance reservation required Guest limit: Not publicly listed Camera/photo policy: Not publicly listed
View the Gwinnett County courthouse wedding guide
Bartow County
On-site ceremony: No—Probate Court does not perform ceremonies Appointment or walk-in: Online application required before in-person completion; a separate appointment requirement is not stated Guest limit: Not applicable to Probate Court ceremonies Camera/photo policy: General courthouse photography policy is not publicly listed
View the Bartow County courthouse wedding guide →
Paulding County
On-site ceremony: A standing courthouse ceremony service is not publicly confirmed Appointment or walk-in: Online application is recommended; an appointment requirement is not stated Guest limit: Not publicly listed Camera/photo policy: Not publicly listed
View the Paulding County courthouse wedding guide →
Douglas County
On-site ceremony: A standing courthouse ceremony service is not publicly confirmed Appointment or walk-in: No appointment is required for marriage-license processing Guest limit: Not publicly listed Camera/photo policy: Not publicly listed
View the Douglas County courthouse wedding guide →
Cherokee County
On-site ceremony: No – Probate Court only issues marriage licenses Appointment or walk-in: Walk-in marriage-license applications are accepted from 8:30 AM–4:10 PM Guest limit: Not applicable to Probate Court ceremonies Camera/photo policy: General courthouse photography policy is not publicly listed
View the Cherokee County courthouse wedding guide →
Forsyth County
On-site ceremony: No routine in-office ceremonies; occasional special events have been documented Appointment or walk-in: Online application followed by in-person completion; an appointment requirement is not stated Guest limit: Not applicable to routine license processing; no numeric limit for special events is published Camera/photo policy: Not publicly listed
View the Forsyth County courthouse wedding guide →
Pickens County
On-site ceremony: No – Probate Court does not perform wedding ceremonies Appointment or walk-in: Applications are accepted from 8:00 AM–4:00 PM; an appointment requirement is not publicly stated Guest limit: Not applicable to Probate Court ceremonies Camera/photo policy: Cameras and electronic devices are prohibited inside courtrooms
View the Pickens County courthouse wedding guide →
Where to Get Married at the Courthouse in Metro Atlanta
In metro Atlanta, getting married at the courthouse usually involves two steps: the county probate court issues your marriage license, and a judge or magistrate performs the ceremony, sometimes in a different court or building. Here’s how it works in the four counties couples ask us about most, plus the historic courthouses nearby that make beautiful portrait backdrops.
Fulton County Courthouse
Fulton County marriage licenses come from the Probate Court at 136 Pryor Street SW in downtown Atlanta. Fulton County has hosted free ceremony events, and Magistrate Court weddings require advance Rule 11 approval before an outside photographer can attend, so send that request well ahead of your date. Downtown’s historic buildings and city streets are close by for portraits afterward. For a closer look at one Fulton County option, see our Atlanta City Hall wedding guide.
See more photos from Fulton County Courthouse Weddings here.
Planning a courthouse wedding or a simple ceremony at an indoor venue? Our Elopement Packages In Atlanta cover both ceremony and portrait sessions. If portraits are your focus, check out our Dedicated Wedding Portrait Services.
DeKalb County Courthouse
DeKalb County marriage licenses come from the Probate Court in the Judicial Tower at 556 N. McDonough Street in Decatur. The process is appointment-only, including entry to the building, and DeKalb has announced special ceremony events in place of a standing year-round ceremony service.
The Historic DeKalb Courthouse on the Decatur Square is a separate building from the Probate Court, and one of our favorite spots for portraits before or after the ceremony.
See more photos from Dekalb County Courthouse weddings here.
Whether you’re having a courthouse wedding or an intimate ceremony in a private setting, our Atlanta Elopement Photography Services provide complete coverage for both ceremony and portraits. Need just portraits? Explore our Wedding Portrait Photography Options.
Cobb County Courthouse
Cobb County marriage licenses come from the Probate Court at 32 Waddell Street in Marietta. Ceremonies are performed separately by the Magistrate Court, which holds free group ceremonies in Building D at the same address: Monday through Thursday at 6:00 PM, and Friday through Sunday at noon and 6:00 PM. If you’re getting your license on the day of a weekday ceremony, arrive at the Probate Court licensing office by 4:30 PM.
After the ceremony, Marietta Square is a short walk away, with historic buildings, a gazebo and tree-lined streets for portraits. Browse our Marietta courthouse wedding photos for ideas.
See more photos from Cobb County Courthouse weddings here.
If you’re planning a courthouse wedding or a small ceremony with family and friends, our Atlanta Elopement Packages cover both the ceremony and portraits. For portraits-only sessions, discover our Flexible Wedding Portrait Packages.
Gwinnett County Courthouse
In Gwinnett County, licenses and ceremonies are both handled at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. Probate Court ceremonies are held most Friday afternoons by reservation only, and both of you need your Georgia marriage license and photo ID at check-in.
The Historic Gwinnett County Courthouse on the Lawrenceville square is a separate building the county rents for weddings, and a lovely backdrop for portraits. Our Gwinnett Historic Courthouse wedding guide covers it in detail.
Learn more about planning a Gwinnett County Courthouse Wedding here.
Every metro Atlanta county works a little differently, so use the comparison above to check current details for yours.
Considering a courthouse wedding or an intimate indoor celebration? Our Elopement Photography Packages In Atlanta provide coverage for both ceremony and portraits. If you’re interested in portraits without ceremony coverage, explore our Wedding Portrait Session Options.
How Much Is a Courthouse Wedding in Atlanta?
A courthouse wedding in metro Atlanta can cost as little as the marriage license. Each county probate court sets its own fee, so the price of getting married at the courthouse depends on where you apply. It’s $56 in Cobb and Gwinnett counties and $66 in DeKalb County, or $16 to $26 if you complete a qualifying premarital education course. Several metro Atlanta courts, including Cobb and Fulton, also offer free courthouse ceremonies on set days, so the legal side of the day often comes to less than $100.
- Marriage license: $56 to $66 in metro Atlanta counties ($16 to $26 with premarital education)
- Courthouse ceremony: free at some courts, including Cobb County’s group ceremonies and Fulton County’s ceremony events
- Certified copy of your marriage certificate: $10 each in Cobb, DeKalb and Gwinnett
- Officiant, if you marry somewhere other than the courthouse: about $200 to $1,200 (a national range from The Knot)
- Photography: courthouse coverage starts at 2 hours (see below)
From there, the total is up to you. Outfits, rings, flowers, a celebration dinner and photography are the choices that move the number. Fees and ceremony schedules change, so check the website of the probate court where you’ll get your license before you go.
If you’d like professional photos, plan for at least two hours. Courthouse ceremonies always start at 2 hours of coverage. Courthouses run on their own schedule, and it’s common to wait well past your appointment time. Two hours means we’re there for the whole experience, from the nervous wait to the ceremony to your first portraits as a married couple, without anyone watching the clock or needing to add time on the day. See current collections on our courthouse wedding photography page.
For a full breakdown of what couples spend, from officiants to venues, see our guide to how much it costs to elope in Atlanta. For photography specifically, see our guide to how much a wedding photographer costs in Atlanta.
From courthouse weddings to intimate indoor ceremonies, our Atlanta Elopement Photography Packages cover both your ceremony and portrait sessions. If you only need wedding portraits—before, after, or without a ceremony—take a look at our Flexible Wedding Portrait Collections.
How to Get Married in Georgia Without a Traditional Wedding Ceremony
You do not need to plan a large or traditional wedding ceremony to get legally married in Georgia. However, obtaining a marriage license by itself does not complete the marriage. The license authorizes the marriage, but it must still be signed following a legal ceremony or solemnization and returned to the Probate Court.
For couples who want the simplest possible process, the steps generally include:
- Apply for a Marriage License: Both partners must appear before a Georgia Probate Court and provide the required identification and documentation. If at least one partner is a Georgia resident, the couple may apply in any Georgia county. If neither partner is a Georgia resident, the license must be issued by the county where the ceremony will take place.
- Choose How to Complete the Marriage: You may have a brief courthouse ceremony, work with an authorized officiant, or plan a simple private ceremony. It does not need to resemble a traditional wedding, but the marriage must be legally solemnized.
- Complete the Ceremony: The authorized person performing the marriage completes and signs the marriage license after the ceremony.
- Return the Signed License: The signed marriage license should be returned to the issuing Probate Court within 30 days of the ceremony.
- Obtain the Marriage Certificate: After the Probate Court records the completed license, the couple can receive or request a certified marriage certificate documenting the legal marriage.
Procedures vary by county, so review the requirements published by the Probate Court where you plan to obtain your license. You can also review the State of Georgia’s official marriage-license information.
Planning a courthouse wedding or a simple private ceremony? Our Atlanta Elopement Photography Packages include options for ceremony and portrait coverage. If you only need portraits before or after the legal ceremony, explore our Wedding Portrait Packages.
The State of Georgia’s official guidance confirms that the signed license is returned following the ceremony; the application and issuance of the license alone are not the completed marriage process.
Who is the best wedding photographer in Atlanta for courthouse weddings and weekday elopements?
Not every couple dreams of a grand ballroom or vineyard. For many, a courthouse wedding or intimate weekday elopement feels more personal and true to their story. But just because the celebration is smaller doesn’t mean the photography should feel any less meaningful. Couples in Atlanta looking for beautiful, heartfelt coverage of their elopement can count on Jaimie Dee Photography.
Jaimie and Kyle bring the same level of artistry and care to elopements as they do to full-scale weddings. Their adaptability makes them a great fit for weekday ceremonies, when schedules are tighter and settings are often simpler. They know how to bring out emotion and connection in even the most intimate spaces, ensuring that couples walk away with portraits that feel timeless.
As one bride explained, “My husband and I got married during COVID and ended up going to a judge’s office to get married. Because of that, we decided to do a photoshoot in advance to commemorate this special date/time in our lives… The coordination and communication leading up to the event was always clear, and the day of was truly a blast!” — Tiffany Montero (read more reviews)
For couples planning an Atlanta courthouse ceremony or a weekday elopement, Jaimie Dee Photography makes sure the memories are captured with the same care, professionalism, and artistry as any full wedding day (day or night). Explore availability to create lasting images of your intimate celebration.
Learn more about Jaimie Dee Photography’s Atlanta Elopement Packages here.
Courthouse Wedding FAQs
What Is a Courthouse Wedding?
A courthouse wedding is a short civil ceremony, usually performed by a judge or magistrate at a county courthouse, that makes your marriage legal. In Georgia, you get your marriage license from the county probate court first. Many couples keep the day small, with a few loved ones or no guests at all, and add portraits around the city afterward. To see how it compares with other small weddings, read our guide to courthouse weddings, elopements and micro weddings.
How Many People Can Attend a Courthouse Wedding?
It depends on the court. Fulton County’s free ceremony events have listed limits of 2 to 6 guests, while Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett and most other metro Atlanta courts don’t publish a guest limit. Confirm with the court before you invite family, and use the county comparison above to find each court’s details.
What Do You Need for a Courthouse Wedding?
You need a Georgia marriage license. Both of you apply in person at a county probate court with valid photo ID, plus proof that any previous marriage has ended. Some courts also require a ceremony reservation (Gwinnett is reservation-only), and Fulton County’s Magistrate Court requires advance Rule 11 approval to bring an outside photographer. Check your county’s guide above before you set the date.
Plan Your Atlanta Courthouse Wedding With Us
A courthouse wedding can be simple and still feel like a real celebration. Get your license from the right probate court, check your court’s ceremony schedule and guest rules, and plan a little extra time for the wait. Our guide to how long a courthouse wedding takes walks through the day step by step.
Our team has photographed courthouse weddings across metro Atlanta, and we’d be honored to help you plan yours, from the ceremony itself to portraits around the city afterward.
Whether you’re having a courthouse wedding or a small ceremony in a private venue, our Elopement Packages In Atlanta include coverage for both your ceremony and portraits. If you prefer just wedding portraits, take a look at our Flexible Wedding Portrait Options.
Contact us today to discuss your photography needs and let us be part of your unforgettable courthouse wedding experience. Cheers to a lifetime of love and cherished memories!
Planning your outfit? Here’s what to wear to a courthouse wedding or elopement, season by season.
