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Columbus, Georgia Wedding Guide

Become a Wedding Officiant in Columbus as an AMM Ordained Minister. Learn more about getting ordained in Georgia, officiant training, wedding ceremony planning, and more.

How to Officiate a Wedding in Columbus, Georgia

So, you’re getting married in the Peach State! Or perhaps you’ve been asked to perform a ceremony for a friend of yours. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. Here in our guide, we have everything you need to know about how to make sure your southern soirée 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’s office. Plus, later on, we have some wedding planning tips to help you get the ball rolling.

So without further ado, let’s jump into the guide.




Georgia Wedding Tips and Tricks

Become a Wedding Officiant

For The
Wedding Officiant

Step 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries

 

Let’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.

 

If you do not fall into any of these categories, no sweat. You can get ordained with AMM to fall within the priest or minister category. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.

 

The Georgia state government does not license, register, or certify ministers or wedding officiants, so once you’re signed up with us, you’re ready to start performing wedding ceremonies!

 

Step 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Muscogee County

 

Now 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. 

 

Here you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to  brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.


Step 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

 

When it comes to the marriage license, it’s the couple’s responsibility to obtain it from the probate court’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.
 
In Columbus, either the couple or the officiant may return the marriage license to the probate court’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’s office.



Georgia Wedding

How To Get Married in Columbus

For The
Couple

Now let’s turn our attention to the couple’s responsibilities.

 

Marriage license applications are processed on a walk in basis only. The process can, however, be started online.

 

Then, to obtain your actual marriage license, both members of the couple will have to visit the probate court’s office at 100 10th St.

When you go, just remember to bring:

 

When you go to your appointment at the county clerk's office, don't forget to bring:

  • Valid, state-issued ID (driver’s license or passport)
  • Final divorce or death decrees from previous marriages
  • $56 for marriage license fee ($16 if you've completed the 6 hours of pre-marital counseling).  

                                                

On the day of the wedding, your officiant will help you notarize and complete your marriage license correctly.

Muscogee County Marriage License Info

Important Facts to know before filing for a marriage license in Columbus, Georgia.

Issuance Office: 100 10th St.

Fee: $56 (reduced to $16 with proof of 6 hours of pre-marital counseling)

Waiting Period: None

Expiration: None

Return: By couple or officiant

Columbus Wedding Tips and Tricks

Wedding Venue and Planning Tips

For The Couple
& Officiant

The Basics

 

Now that we have the legal to-do’s out of the way, let’s get into the wedding planning tips, starting with how to choose your wedding date. It’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’t located across the street from a major event in Columbus.

 

And speaking of venues, we have some recommendations in the area!

 

For a perfect blend of urban flare and natural scenery, check out the Rankin Garden and Atrium. Its enclosed brick courtyard provides an intimate outdoor space with a touch of green, the perfect spot to say your “I do’s.” Then, you can take the party to either the beautiful open-ceiling atrium or indoors to its livery space, depending on your preference. 

 

Columbus’ most regal option is likely the Wynn House, 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’s expansive green acreage.

 

Or, for something a little bit off the beaten path, check out the Columbus Botanical Garden. You can have your ceremony among its beautifully landscaped gardens, then hold reception inside the historic Adams Farmhouse, which was built in the 1890’s. Or, have the party just outside the back door in the lovely brick courtyard, covered by the romantic light canopy.

 

Transportation

 

Columbus isn’t known for having the best public transportation, so if you’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.

 

Weather

 

When choosing your wedding date and venue, it’s also a good idea to keep Georgia’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’re planning a summer wedding, you may want to consider an indoor venue in case of extreme heat or rain.
 




Columbus Officiant FAQ

Columbus Officiant & Couples FAQ

For The Couple
& Officiant


Are Internet ministers legal in Georgia?
Yes, ministers that have been ordained through online ministries are perfectly legal in the state of Georgia.

 

Does the minister need to register his or her credentials with the state?
No, the state does not certify ministers’ credentials. So, once you have become ordained with us, you can start performing marriage ceremonies.

 

Can we apply for our marriage license online?
Part 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’s office in order to pick up the actual marriage license.

 

What payment methods are accepted for the marriage license fee?
Cash, debit and credit cards, and money orders. No personal checks.

 

Who should return the marriage license after the ceremony?
Either the officiant or one of the members of the couple should return the marriage license to be filed either by mail or in person.

OFFICIANT CEREMONY
PREPARATION IN

Professional Wedding Officiant Certification Course

Learn from the Pros to Officiate with Confidence!

Will You Marry Us? Gift Package

Who Will Officiate Your Wedding?

Choose Your Officiant with our "Will You Marry Us?" Gift Package.

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Our premiere package contains everyting you need to officiate like a pro.

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

It's finally here! Timeless scripts and heartfelt vow inspiration to bring life to your ceremony.

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Checkout the AMM Blog

Stay up-to-date with the latest wedding industry trends.

Read our sample wedding ceremony scripts online

Sample Wedding Ceremony Scripts

Need inspiration? Check out our free ceremony scripts!

Wedding Officiant Training

Wedding Officiant Training

Everything you need to know to officiate.

Take Our Quiz

Test your understanding of Georgia Marriage Laws.

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WITH AMM

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