{"id":21246,"name":"Columbus","state_id":16,"county_id":863,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:37:59.994-07:00","updated_at":"2023-10-13T10:11:31.496-07:00","meta_description":null,"head_tag":null,"tagline":null,"intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eSo, you\u0026rsquo;re getting married in the Peach State! Or perhaps you\u0026rsquo;ve been asked to perform a ceremony for a friend of yours. Either way, you\u0026rsquo;ve come to the right place. Here in our guide, we have everything you need to know about how to make sure your southern soir\u0026eacute;e in Fountain City goes off without a hitch, from getting your officiant-of-choice legally ordained, to obtaining your marriage license from the Muscogee County probate court\u0026rsquo;s office. Plus, later on, we have some wedding planning tips to help you get the ball rolling.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSo without further ado, let\u0026rsquo;s jump into the guide.\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\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s start with the ordainment process. Georgia marriage law stipulates that licensed or ordained ministers, clergymen, or pastors of recognized religious societies and justices of the peace may legally perform weddings in the state.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you do not fall into any of these categories, no sweat. You can \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eget ordained with AMM\u003c/a\u003e to fall within the priest or minister category. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Georgia state government does not license, register, or certify ministers or wedding officiants, so once you\u0026rsquo;re signed up with us, you\u0026rsquo;re ready to start performing wedding ceremonies!\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 Muscogee County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that the easy part is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but can feel like a lot of pressure. You will appreciate our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to \u0026nbsp;brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nStep\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\u003eWhen it comes to the marriage license, it\u0026rsquo;s the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibility to obtain it from the probate court\u0026rsquo;s office, but just be sure to double check that they have a valid marriage license before you perform the ceremony. Afterwards, be sure to help them complete it and notarize it correctly.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nIn Columbus, either the couple or the officiant may return the marriage license to the probate court\u0026rsquo;s office to be filed after the wedding. But if you want to score extra kudos points, offer to take care of this task for the couple so that they can enjoy their honeymoon without having to worry about making another trip to the probate court\u0026rsquo;s office.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003cp\u003eNow let\u0026rsquo;s turn our attention to the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibilities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMarriage license applications are processed on a walk in basis only. The process can, however, be started \u003ca href=\"https://columbusconsgovtga-web.tylerhost.net/web/user/disclaimer\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThen, to obtain your actual marriage license, both members of the couple will have to visit the probate court\u0026rsquo;s office at 100 10th St.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you go, just remember to bring:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you go to your appointment at the county clerk\u0026#39;s office, don\u0026#39;t forget to bring:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eValid, state-issued ID (driver\u0026rsquo;s license or passport)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eFinal divorce or death decrees from previous marriages\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e$56 for marriage license fee ($16 if you\u0026#39;ve completed the 6 hours of pre-marital counseling). \u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn the day of the wedding, your officiant will help you notarize and complete your marriage license correctly.\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\u003eNow that we have the legal to-do\u0026rsquo;s out of the way, let\u0026rsquo;s get into the wedding planning tips, starting with how to choose your wedding date. It\u0026rsquo;s always a good idea to avoid picking a day of a major festival or game day if you want to avoid traffic and parking problems on the day of your wedding. So check some local calendars to be sure your venue of choice isn\u0026rsquo;t located across the street from a major event in Columbus.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd speaking of venues, we have some recommendations in the area!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor a perfect blend of urban flare and natural scenery, check out the \u003ca href=\"https://rankin.columbusstate.edu/index.php\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eRankin Garden and Atrium\u003c/a\u003e. Its enclosed brick courtyard provides an intimate outdoor space with a touch of green, the perfect spot to say your \u0026ldquo;I do\u0026rsquo;s.\u0026rdquo; Then, you can take the party to either the beautiful open-ceiling atrium or indoors to its livery space, depending on your preference.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eColumbus\u0026rsquo; most regal option is likely the \u003ca href=\"https://www.thewynnhouse.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWynn House\u003c/a\u003e, a 180-year-old mansion located in the heart of Midtown. Its 19th century architecture makes the perfect backdrop for an outdoor ceremony on the property\u0026rsquo;s expansive green acreage.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOr, for something a little bit off the beaten path, check out the \u003ca href=\"https://columbusbotanicalgarden.org/private-events/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eColumbus Botanical Garden.\u003c/a\u003e You can have your ceremony among its beautifully landscaped gardens, then hold reception inside the historic Adams Farmhouse, which was built in the 1890\u0026rsquo;s. Or, have the party just outside the back door in the lovely brick courtyard, covered by the romantic light canopy.\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\u003eColumbus isn\u0026rsquo;t known for having the best public transportation, so if you\u0026rsquo;re coming in from out of town and you are trying to avoid renting a car, your best bet is to utilize ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber during your stay.\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\u003eWhen choosing your wedding date and venue, it\u0026rsquo;s also a good idea to keep Georgia\u0026rsquo;s seasons in mind. The Peach State has beautiful spring and fall seasons, perfect for outdoor weddings. Winters are fairly mild, while summers are hazy, hot and humid. By June, things really start to heat up and temperatures can climb into the 90s and sometimes the low 100s. In addition to the summer heat waves, there are also evening thunderstorms nearly every night in July and August. So, if you\u0026rsquo;re planning a summer wedding, you may want to consider an indoor venue in case of extreme heat or rain.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Internet ministers legal in Georgia?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nYes, ministers that have been ordained through online ministries are perfectly legal in the state of Georgia.\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the minister need to register his or her credentials with the state?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nNo, the state does not certify ministers\u0026rsquo; credentials. So, once you have become ordained with us, you can start performing marriage ceremonies.\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan we apply for our marriage license online?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nPart of the procedure to obtain your marriage license includes completing an online application. However, both members of the couple still need to appear in person at the probate court\u0026rsquo;s office in order to pick up the actual marriage license.\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat payment methods are accepted for the marriage license fee?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nCash, debit and credit cards, and money orders. No personal checks.\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho should return the marriage license after the ceremony?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nEither the officiant or one of the members of the couple should return the marriage license to be filed either by mail or in person.\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e 100 10th St.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $56 (reduced to $16 with proof of 6 hours of pre-marital counseling)\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 couple or officiant\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":""}