{"id":20719,"name":"Augusta","state_id":16,"county_id":878,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:37:51.054-07:00","updated_at":"2024-09-20T12:08:31.115-07:00","meta_description":null,"head_tag":null,"tagline":null,"intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eIf you are looking for a perfect blend of authentic Southern hospitality, big city fun, and old-school Americana, Augusta is the place for your wedding. Though smaller in size than Atlanta or Savannah, Augusta makes up for it in charm. Augusta has been the destination for Northerners like John Rockefeller and William Howard Taft, who wanted to escape the cold, northern winters and experience a taste of southern kindness, bask in the temperate weather, and live it up in resort hotels. With no snow to hamper outdoor festivities, Augusta is an ideal location for an elegant and luxurious retreat.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis old-time tradition has never stopped, and today, Augusta is one of the best places in all of the south to host a wedding. Year-round mild temperatures mean you can always swing by The \u003ca href=\"https://www.masters.com/index.html/\"\u003eAugusta National Golf Course\u003c/a\u003e for a game of golf or take a dip in the Savannah River. Stroll through downtown on Broad Street and enjoy restaurants that offer everything from southern cuisine to New American food. There are endless possibilities in Augusta, but the first step to enjoying your wedding here is to get the legal to-do\u0026rsquo;s out of the way.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe ordainment process is fast, free, and simple. Georgia marriage law states:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;A marriage which is valid in other respects and supposed by the parties to be valid \u003ci\u003eshall not be affected by want of authority in the minister\u003c/i\u003e\u0026hellip;\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSo, what this means for you is that the simplest and easiest way to perform a marriage in the state of Georgia is to become a minister. And for that, AMM has got you covered!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe are the only \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/about/government-certifications\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIRS Certified 501c3 Non-Profit\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/a\u003e that offers free online ordination. The process just takes a couple minutes and is valid for life.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you are \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\"\u003eordained by AMM\u003c/a\u003e, you are ready to marry the future newlyweds and rock the night away with them. There isn\u0026rsquo;t any additional paperwork to file in Georgia, so you are ready as soon as you get ordained with us.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;2: Prepare for the ceremony in Augusta-Richmond County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith the ordination out of your way, next up on your list is preparing for the ceremony. We are sure you are filled with excitement and also a bit of nerves. That\u0026rsquo;s ok and to be expected. Officiating your first wedding is a big deal and can be a little intimidating. But take a breath - AMM is here to help. We recommend heading over to our \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training\"\u003ewedding training pages\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for both newcomers and old-time officiants, everything you will need is here. You will find all sorts of useful info from sample wedding ceremony scripts and brainstorming ideas, to preparation and planning tips, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe most important responsibilities you have will already have been done in your preparation steps for the wedding, but on the big day, there will be a couple things left to do. Although it is the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibility to apply for and obtain the marriage license, you will want to make sure it is valid. Ask them if they have it on the day of the ceremony and check the names and dates.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter checking to make sure the names and dates are accurate, your only responsibility is to sign the license after officiating the ceremony. Make sure to read the instructions and that all the fields are filled in. As soon as you have completed the ceremony and signed the marriage license, you have performed all of your duties as the wedding officiant. The license will need to be returned within 30 days of the date of the ceremony.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003cp\u003eThe other half of performing a successful ceremony falls upon the couple. If either party is a resident of Georgia, you can apply for a marriage license in any county in the State of Georgia. If neither party is a resident of Georgia, you will have to apply in the county you are going to get married in. The application process takes about 20-30 minutes and you receive the license the day you apply. After you have it, you will give it to your officiant.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you go to the Probate Court to pick up your license, ensure that both parties are present and 18 years of age (16 with parental consent). If either party has been divorced, applicants must bring in a signed copy of the divorce decree. You can also partially start the application process online to save some time and then head to the Probate Court to finish.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you go, remember to have:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eLicense Fee of $76 ($36 if you have done premarital counseling). CASH ONLY\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eOne form of valid, government issued photo ID (driver\u0026#39;s License, state ID, passport, military ID, etc.).\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eYour social security number on hand.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eA signed copy of the divorce decree if you have been married in the past.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter that, you are finished! Just have the officiant return the completed and signed license within 30 days of the completion of your ceremony.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Basics\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAugusta is rich in its history and modern in its amenities. You will feel its old-American spirit mixed with its new and fresh charm. There is always something to do outside due to its fair weather, and there is a constant influx of arts, culture, music, and fun!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhile you\u0026rsquo;re checking out the town, make sure to look at a couple of our favorite wedding venues:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.augustalegendsclub.com/weddings/\"\u003eThe Legends Club\u003c/a\u003e - Known as one of Augusta\u0026rsquo;s most luxurious and modern wedding venues, you will have the ability to customize your wedding to your specific tastes - from linens to layout. With access to their regal grand ballroom (400 person capacity), beautiful mezzanine space (150 person capacity), luxurious covered outdoor patios, and state-of-the-art sound system, you will be able to have the wedding of your dreams.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://enterprisemillevents.com/\"\u003eEnterprise Mill Events Center\u003c/a\u003e - For a more rustic and cozy vibe, this venue is right next to the historic Enterprise Mill in Augusta\u0026rsquo;s wonderful downtown district. Here you will also find access to a large grand ballroom and covered outdoor courtyards (500 person capacity), but with a mid-century flavor. The brick walls and wooden tables can give your wedding a stylized touch that will leave your guests remembering the night forever.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTransportation\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhile it isn\u0026rsquo;t a drive you would want to make every morning, Augusta is located only 140 miles east of Atlanta. Augusta is an extremely walkable city, so if your wedding is in a downtown area, you will be able to explore many attractions on foot with no need for driving. For those coming from out of state, the Augusta Regional Airport offers flights through Delta and American Airlines, making Augusta extremely accessible to both in-state and out-of-state guests.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWeather\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAugusta is known for its year-round great weather. It has charming summers and mellow winters. Because it is nice for most of the year, your main concern should be to avoid busy times such as annual festivals and events. The Masters tournament occurs in the spring, and in the summer, you\u0026rsquo;ll want to keep an eye out for things like the annual pride festival or Augusta Southern Nationals boat races. The earlier you can research and book your venue, the better.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo we have to take a premarital preparation course to get married?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, but it does reduce the fee from $76 to $36.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the officiant have to register with the state of Georgia to perform the ceremony?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, as long as the officiant is licensed by a qualified religious organization like AMM, there is no further registration required in Georgia.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is our marriage license valid?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou can use your marriage license all throughout the state of Georgia.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf we\u0026rsquo;re from out-of-state, can we get married in Georgia?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYep! But something to note: If neither applicant is a resident of Georgia, the marriage license must be obtained in the county in which the marriage ceremony will be performed.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere do we return our marriage license after the ceremony?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe license must be returned to the issuing county after the ceremony occurs within 30 days.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e 735 James Brown Blvd. Suite 1000, Augusta, GA\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $36 - $76 CASH ONLY\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/strong\u003e None\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e None\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReturn: \u003c/strong\u003eBy officiant within 30 days of ceremony.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","meta_description_esp":null,"head_tag_esp":null,"tagline_esp":null,"intro_section_esp":"","officiant_section_esp":"","couple_section_esp":"","wedding_tips_esp":"","faq_esp":"","content_live_esp":false,"marriage_licensing_info_esp":""}