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Georgia Premarital Education Certificate of Completion: Save $40 on Your Marriage License with a Notarized Form (O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30.1)

September 15, 2026

Planning a wedding involves many decisions, both big and small. One decision that can save you real money is completing a qualifying premarital education program. Under Georgia law, couples who complete this program can receive a substantial discount on their marriage license — but only if they present a signed and notarized Certificate of Completion of Qualifying Premarital Education to the Probate Court.

What Is the Premarital Education Certificate?

The Certificate of Completion of Qualifying Premarital Education (often referred to as Probate Court Form PR22) is the official document that proves you and your fianc\u00e9 have completed a state-approved premarital education program. The form must be completed and notarized to be valid. In Gwinnett County and across Georgia, presenting this notarized certificate at the time you apply for your marriage license reduces the license fee from $56.00 to just $16.00 \u2014 a savings of $40.

Who Can Provide the Premarital Education?

Under O.C.G.A. \u00a7 19-3-30.1, the premarital education must be at least six hours long and cover topics such as conflict management, communication skills, and financial responsibilities. The course must be taught by one of the following qualified professionals:

  • A licensed professional counselor, social worker, or marriage and family therapist (Licensed under Chapter 10A of Title 43)
  • A licensed psychiatrist (Chapter 34 of Title 43)
  • A licensed psychologist (Chapter 39 of Title 43)
  • An active member of the clergy, or their trained designee, in the course of their service

The couple must complete the program together within 12 months before applying for the marriage license.

Why Does Georgia Require Notarization?

The notarization requirement serves an important legal purpose: it verifies the identity of the instructor or counselor who certified the couple's completion. By having the certificate notarized, the Probate Court can rely on the document as an official sworn statement that the premarital education was genuinely completed. Georgia law treats the certificate as a sworn affidavit \u2014 the notary's seal confirms that the instructor appeared personally, presented valid identification, and signed the document voluntarily. This helps prevent fraud and ensures the integrity of the fee reduction program.

How to Get Your Certificate Notarized

Here\u2019s the process step by step:

  1. Complete a qualifying 6-hour premarital education program with your fianc\u00e9.
  2. Have the instructor fill out the Certificate of Completion form with your names, the date, and the course details.
  3. The instructor must sign the form in the presence of a notary public.
  4. The notary will verify the instructor\u2019s identity, witness the signature, and affix their official seal and signature.
  5. Bring the notarized original certificate (not a photocopy) to the Probate Court when you apply for your marriage license.

Official Resources

Planning a wedding is expensive enough. Save $40 on your marriage license by completing a qualifying premarital education program and having your Certificate of Completion notarized before you visit the Probate Court.

Need this document notarized? Find a trusted notary in your area on Notary of Gwinnett.