Wedding guide · Georgia

The Georgia premarital education discount on your marriage license

Last verified October 22, 2026 · v2026-10-22

If you're both 18 or older and finish a qualifying premarital education course, you can pay less for your marriage license in Henry County. There, the license costs $36 with the course instead of $76, a saving of $40. The course must last at least six hours, be taken together, be finished within the 12 months before you apply, and be taught by a qualifying provider. To get the lower fee in Henry County, bring the court's State Certification Form: the original, with original "wet" signatures.

How much you save in Henry County

Without the course, a Henry County marriage license costs $76. With a properly completed certification form, it costs $36. That's $40 less. You still pay the $36 at the court, so budget for it. If you apply in a different Georgia county, check that court's fees.

What counts as a qualifying course

At least six hours

The course must include at least six hours of instruction.

Taken together

The two of you take the course together, as a couple.

Within 12 months before you apply

You must finish the course within the 12 months before you apply for your license. Plan the timing so the course still falls inside that window on the day you apply.

Who can teach it

The course must be taught by a professional counselor, social worker, marriage and family therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist licensed in Georgia, or by an active or retired member of the clergy or their trained designee. Thinking about an online or virtual course? Ask the court whether it will accept one before you sign up.

The form Henry County needs

Henry County uses its State Certification Form, and you give it to the clerk when you apply. It must be the original form, with original ink ("wet") signatures, because the court can't accept copies or electronic signatures. Without a properly completed form, the clerk can't give you the lower fee.

Download the State Certification Form (PDF)

Is the course right for you?

The course is optional. You can marry without it and pay the standard $76. The lower fee applies when both of you are 18 or older. If either of you is younger, call the court at 770-288-7600.

If you won't have the signed original form by the day you apply, nothing else changes: apply the usual way and pay the standard fee. Our Henry County marriage license guide walks through every step. If neither of you lives in Georgia, start with our guide for out-of-state couples, which explains where your license must come from.

Then apply as usual

With the signed form in hand, the rest is the same as any Henry County license: fill in the application online, then go to the court together, in person, to sign it. Hand the form to the clerk when you apply. The Henry County marriage license guide has the hours, the documents to bring and how to pay.

Planning your ceremony?

Once your license is sorted, Say Yes Wedding Chapel in McDonough hosts small, personal ceremonies, with an officiant included in every package. See our packages, check dates and reserve, or send us a question.