Georgia law, plain English

O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1 Explained

Georgia's premarital education law, one subsection at a time: what counts, who may teach it, and how it waives your marriage license fee.

Reviewed by Kristen Franzen, LMHC. Facts checked against the text of O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1 and the Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia. Last updated .

The law in one paragraph

O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1 defines premarital education as at least 6 hours of instruction on marital issues, taken by the couple together and completed within 12 months before the license application. It must come from a licensed counselor, social worker, marriage and family therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist, or from active clergy (or a trained designee). The provider gives each participant a certificate of completion. When both applicants are 18 or older and certify they finished a qualifying program, they are not charged a marriage license fee.

Subsection by subsection

(a) What counts as premarital education

At least 6 hours on marital issues, which may include conflict management, communication skills, financial responsibilities, child and parenting responsibilities, and extended family roles. The couple takes it together, within 12 months before applying. Four kinds of providers qualify:

  1. A professional counselor, social worker or marriage and family therapist licensed under Georgia's licensing chapter (Title 43, Chapter 10A).
  2. A psychiatrist licensed as a physician.
  3. A licensed psychologist.
  4. An active member of the clergy, in the course of their service as clergy, or their designee, including retired clergy. A designee must be trained and skilled in premarital education.

Our course is taught by Kristen Franzen, an ordained minister who teaches under the clergy provision (number 4). She is also a licensed counselor in Florida, Texas and other states. Her credentials.

(b) Certificate of completion

Each provider must give every participant who completes the program a certificate of completion. We prepare one for each partner, signed and notarized, and mail the originals to you.

(c) The license fee waiver

If both applicants are 18 or older and certify on the marriage license application that they completed a qualifying premarital education program, they are not charged a fee for the license. Probate courts note that other charges may still apply, so most couples save up to $40, depending on the county.

(d) Applicants who are 17

A 17-year-old may marry only under strict conditions, and premarital education is one of them. It cannot be waived, the certificate goes to the probate judge, and the 17-year-old takes the education separately. If the provider is clergy or a designee, they must also be a licensed counselor, social worker or marriage and family therapist. Nobody under 17 can marry in Georgia.

Read the full text: O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1. Probate court summary: Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia. This page explains the law; it is not legal advice.

Ready to skip the license fee?

The course pays for itself: Georgia waives the marriage license fee for couples who finish premarital education, which saves up to $40 in most counties.

Start the course – $17.49 per couple

One price covers both of you. Signed, notarized certificate mailed to your door. Standard, Faith-Friendly or Inclusive version.

O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1 FAQ

What does O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1 do?

It sets the rules for premarital education in Georgia: how long it must be, who may provide it, and what couples get for finishing it. Couples 18 and older who complete a qualifying program are not charged the marriage license fee.

How many hours of premarital education does Georgia require?

At least 6 hours of instruction on marital issues. The law lists conflict management, communication skills, financial responsibilities, child and parenting responsibilities, and extended family roles as topics it may include.

Who can teach Georgia premarital education?

A licensed professional counselor, social worker or marriage and family therapist; a licensed psychiatrist; a licensed psychologist; or an active member of the clergy in the course of their service as clergy (including retired clergy), or a designee trained and skilled in premarital education.

Is premarital education required to get married in Georgia?

No, not for adults. It is optional and earns the fee waiver. It is required for a 17-year-old applicant, who must also meet other conditions.

Do we have to take it together?

Yes. The law says the couple undergoes premarital education together. The exception is a 17-year-old applicant, who takes it separately.

How recent does the course have to be?

You must complete it within 12 months before you apply for the marriage license.

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