Premarital Education or Counseling (Optional)

If you and your spouse-to-be have had premarital education or counseling, you are eligible to purchase a Marriage License at a reduced fee.  To receive the reduced fee, you must complete the State Certification Form (see forms) regarding your premarital counseling or education and present it to the clerk when you apply for your Marriage License.  Please note the clerk cannot provide the discount without a properly completed State Certification Form.

In order to qualify for the reduced fee, the premarital education or counseling program must have included not less than 6 hours of "instruction involving marital issues, which may include but not be limited to conflict management, communication skills, financial responsibilities, child and parenting responsibilities, and extended family roles;" and must have been provided by: 

1. a professional counselor, social worker, or marriage and family therapist licensed in the State of Georgia,
2. a psychiatrist licensed in the State of Georgia,
3. a psychologist licensed in the State of Georgia,
4. an active member of the clergy when the court of his or her service as clergy or his or her designee, provided designee is trained and skilled in premarital counseling or education.
5. Must be completed within the 12 months prior to marriage application.