Atlanta Weddings
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Atlanta is the capital and the most populous city in the state of Georgia, and the core city of the ninth most populous metropolitan area in the United States. It is the county seat of Fulton County, although a small portion of the city extends into DeKalb County. As of July 2007, the city of Atlanta had a population of 519,145, and a combined statistical area population of 5,626,400. Residents of the city are known as Atlantans.
Despite its large metropolitan population, Atlanta ranks as the 33rd-largest city in the United States, and the sixth-largest city in the southeastern region – behind Jacksonville, Memphis, Charlotte, Louisville, and Nashville. The Atlanta Metropolitan Area is the ninth largest in the United States. The larger populations of the other southeastern cities reflect their city-government boundaries, which range from two to six times in size, and have lesser average population density.
Atlanta has in recent years undergone a transition from a city of regional commerce to a city of international influence. Between 2000 and 2006, the metropolitan area grew by 20.5%, making it the fastest growing metropolitan area in the nation. Atlanta is sometimes considered a poster child for cities worldwide experiencing rapid growth and urban sprawl, though the city has recently been commended by bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency for its eco-friendly policies.
The city has a population of just under 500,000, and it is the core of the ninth most populated metropolitan area in the United States with over 5 million people. This is a city that blends the Old South with the New South. Post-modern skyscrapers and old historical homes can coexist within blocks of each other. The idea of the New South is also reflected by its people. Many new residents from different regions of the United States and the world have come to make their new home in Atlanta, making it one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. At the same time, the city is still able to retain its Southern charm.
Located on the Piedmont Plateau in the Northern Georgia, Atlanta is located almost entirely in Fulton County, while a part of the city limits extends into Dekalb County. The area size of the city limits is only 132 sq mi (343 km²), but Metro Atlanta which includes 28 counties has an area of 8,376 sq mi (21,693.7 km²). The Chattahoochee River, which forms the Northwestern boundary of the city limits of Atlanta, is a major source of water throughout the metro area. Aside from the river, the topography of Atlanta is assorted with rolling hills, forests, lakes and ponds, and granite Stone Mountain to the east.
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Atlanta Weddings
Traditions
Why Atlanta?
Marriage License Requirements
If you've just set a date for your wedding, this can be an exciting time for the two of you! Don't let the marriage license laws of Georgia put a dent in your wedding plans.
Here's what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a Georgia marriage license. We recommend getting this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your wedding date.
Congratulations and much happiness as you begin your lifetime journey together!Requirements may vary as each county in Georgia can have their own requirements and regulations.
Residency Requirement:
Do not have to be a resident of Georgia. However, if not a resident, you must apply in the county where the marriage is to be performed.
Identification Requirement:
Two valid forms of id such as drivers license, birth certificate, U. S. passport, Armed Forces ID card, or Resident Alien ID card. Applicants will also be asked to fill out a brief form.
Premarital Education:
Cobb County offers a free Marital Workshop called FOCUS ON FOREVER. It is a skill-based non-religious workshop designed to address issues concerning communication and listening skills, anger management, and financial planning. Contact the Cobb County Superior Court for more information.
By state law, counties in Georgia now charge more for a marriage license if you do not show certification of a premarital education program.
Previous Marriage:
If divorced within six months, you will need to show a copy of your divorce decree.
Some counties require a final divorce decree no matter how long you have been divorced. You can obtain a copy of your final divorce decree from the Superior Court in the county in which you filed for divorce.
Waiting Period:
There is no waiting period for getting married in Georgia.
Fees:
It costs approximately $65.00 + to get married in Georgia. Some counties will only accept cash. The amount of the marriage license fee will be decreased by showing proof of receiving premarital counseling.
Other Tests:
As of July 1, 2003, blood tests are no longer required in Georgia.
Common-Law Marriages:
No. However, your common-law marriage will be recognized in Georgia if it was created before January 1, 1997.
Proxy Marriages:
No.
Under 18:
Georgia changed the laws in 2006 concerning the minimum age to get married.
Most Georgia county websites are stating that in order to apply for a marriage license, both of you have to be 18 years of age.
Some of the county websites are stating that if either of you are 16 or 17 years of age, both parents (either biological or adoptive) or legal guardians must give their consent to your marriage in person and provide a certifified copy of your birth certificate along with valid identification. In some counties, a probate judge also has to approve the marriage license application of individuals who are 16 or 17 years old.
Anyone under the age of 16 cannot obtain a marriage license in Georgia.
Cousin Marriages:
Yes.
Same Sex Marriages:
No. In November, 2004, voters passed a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage. More Information
Officiants:
Licensed or ordained ministers, clergymen, or pastors of recognized religious societies, and justices of the peace.
Copy of Certificate of Marriage:
Vital Records 2600 Skyland Drive NE Atlanta, GA 30319-3640 Phone: (404) 679-4701
PLEASE NOTE: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.
It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.
Please notify us of any oversights or errors.
How To Get There
Get in
By Car
Atlanta is linked to the rest of the US by the interstate highway network. The principal interstates serving the city are I-75 (serving traffic from Detroit to Florida), I-85 (connecting the Mid-Atlantic to New Orleans) and I-20 (connecting California and Texas to South Carolina), all of which cross through Downtown.
I-285 (commonly called the Perimeter by Atlantans, and the Atlanta Bypass on overhead signs) circles the city at a distance of about 10 miles out, crossing and connecting with all the above freeways as well as the airport.
By Bus
Greyhound Bus Lines, 1-800-229-9424, provides bus service to Atlanta from many locations throughout the United States. Buses arrive at and depart from the Greyhound terminal at 232 Forsyth Street, located in a less affluent neighborhood on the southern edge of the downtown area and directly beneath MARTA's Garnett Station.
By Train
Atlanta is served by Amtrak 1-800-872-7245. Amtrak's Crescent train runs daily and serves New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham and New Orleans (and vice-versa). Southbound, the train leaves New York just before 3PM, calls at Atlanta at around 9AM and reaches New Orleans by 8PM. Northbound, the train leaves New Orleans at around 7AM, calls at Atlanta at around 8PM and reaches New York by 2PM.
In Atlanta, the Amtrak station is located at 1688 Peachtree St. N.W., which is several miles north of the airport and downtown. MARTA Bus route 23 stops in front of the station. However, because much of the city is not accessible by MARTA, a taxi may be required to complete the journey.
By Plane
Atlanta's principal airport is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, situated approximately 8 miles south of downtown Atlanta.
Hartsfield is largely set up as a hub airport for Delta Air Lines, with much of its traffic being transfer rather than arrival or departure traffic. The airport has a single groundside terminal, connected to 5 mid-airport concourses by underground walkways and rail transit. The concourse furthest from the terminal (concourse E) is dedicated to international flights and all immigration and customs formalities are conducted there. Passengers arriving from overseas will need to clear immigration controls, reclaim hold baggage from a baggage carousel, clear customs, check hold baggage back in, ride the underground transit to the main terminal, reclaim hold baggage again from another carousel, and finally exit the airport.
The airport offers a full range of ground transportation services, including taxicabs, airport shuttle vans, and car rental offices.
Hartsfield airport is also the terminus of the southern branch of the MARTA rail system (see 'Get Around' below), and for travellers going to locations in downtown, midtown or northern Atlanta this forms a convenient, and at $1.75 per one-way ticket, economic way of getting there. Most MARTA stations have taxi stations to aid completion of the journey, and some hotels have free shuttles which will collect from either the airport or nearest MARTA station on telephone request.
The Parking Spot provides covered and uncovered parking near Hartsfield Airport with two separate lots, The Parking Spot and The Parking Spot 2.
Get around
By Foot
Walking is a reasonable way to get around within pedestrian-friendly areas of Midtown, Downtown, Decatur and the Virginia Highlands. If travelling outside of those areas, renting a car is recommended.
By Transit
Atlanta is served by MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), +1 404-848-4711, which operates both rapid rail and bus networks in the city of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton and Dekalb.
For out-of-town visitors, MARTA is a convenient way to travel from the airport to downtown or midtown, or to travel between downtown and midtown. Those who want to travel out of those areas or at night, however, may be better served by taking taxis or renting a car, as the city often becomes empty at nighttime or in other areas, and travel may feel unsafe to those who do not know the city.
The rail network is comprised of two principal lines making up a cross. One line runs north-south across the city, while the other runs east-west. The north-south line runs from a southern terminus at Hartsfield-Jackson airport through downtown and midtown Atlanta, before splitting into two branches running north, one which terminates in north metro Atlanta at the North Springs station and the other which terminates at the Doraville station. The east-west line runs from an western terminal at Hamilton E. Holmes to an eastern terminal at Indian Creek. The Five Points station in downtown Atlanta is the only station where passengers may change trains between the north-south and east-west lines. Trains run from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. Monday-Friday, and from 5 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays. Trains run on all lines every 10 minutes during peak periods, reducing to every 20 minutes on Sundays.
The bus network comprises over one hundred different bus routes, with many routes operating approximately every 20 minutes. Buses run from 5 a.m. until 1:30 a.m. Monday-Friday and from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. on the weekends and holidays. One feature of MARTA is the close integration of rail and bus services. Many rail stations have integral bus stations, and in some cases the buses enter the station's 'paid area' thus avoiding the need to use transfers.
A single ride on MARTA costs $1.75. The fare includes transfers. Single use Breeze Cards are sold in vending machines at all rail stations or at RideStores at Airport and Five Points stations. When starting the journey by bus, swipe the card at the fare post next to the driver. When starting the journey by train, swipe the car at the fare gate, your now cash depleted card will act as your transfer. When transferring to a bus, give the operator your breeze card. When transferring to a train, swipe the transfer ticket through the reader on the turnstile.
Note for Weekend Travel: MARTA has a tendency to run slower on the weekends. Typical wait times are 30 minutes for trains and up to an hour for buses. Be sure to accommodate for this.
By Taxi
It is usually possible to flag taxicabs down near tourist attractions and in Midtown and Downtown. However, calling ahead is recommended.
24-Hour Taxicab Services:
- Checker Cab, +1 404-351-1111
- Atlanta Lenox Taxi, +1 404-872-2600
- Atlanta Yellow Cab, +1 404-521-0200
- Buckhead Safety Cab, +1 404-233-1152
- Decatur Best Taxi Services, +1 404-289-6603
Flat rates to and from the airport are listed on Hartfield-Jackson International Airport's website.
By Car
Cars are the most popular form of transport in and around Atlanta, and in order to get around the sprawling city and to experience Atlanta's various unique neighborhoods, renting a car is recommended. Rush hour runs from around 7-10am and 4-7pm on weekdays and often results in congestion when travelling intown in the mornings and outbound in the afternoons. Major shopping districts such as Buckhead can also get crowded on weekends. Most restaurants and shops in the area offer complimentary or low-cost valet services ($1-2 tip expected) and on the rare occasion where parking is scarce, public lots are usually nearby for a reasonable fee. Free road maps are available at.
Car Rental Companies:
- Alamo Rent A Car, Toll free: 1-800-462-5266.
- Avis Rent A Car, Toll free: 1-800-331-1212.
- Budget Rent A Car, Toll free: 1-800-527-0700.
- Dollar Rent A Car, Toll free: 1-800-800-3665.
- E-Z Rent-A-Car, Toll free: 1-800-277-5171.
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Toll free: 1-800-261-7331.
- Hertz Car Rental, Toll free: 1-800-654-3131.
- Thrifty, Toll free: 1-800-847-4389.
Stay safe
- Despite Atlanta's reputation, the city is not as dangerous as many perceive it to be. The crime rate has dropped during the late 1990s and 2000s, and has reached a near 40 year low in 2005. In the past, Atlanta was ranked in the top three for U.S. cities with the highest crime rates repeatedly for many consecutive years, but since 2005 the city's ranking has been off the top 10. Still, precautions should still be taken as in any other major city, such as not traveling alone at night, and being aware of which neighborhoods and areas are more prone to crime. In Atlanta, the Southwest and Southeast area have reported the most incidents of crime. Also to note, statistics indicate that 2006 and 2007 were two consecutive years of an increase in overall crime citywide, but the current rate is still lower than in the not-too-distant past. It should be noted that much of the crime is drug-related and out of sight so long as you are not in low-income areas. Outside of the perimeter, the crime rates are significantly lower (except perhaps in Dekalb County. Muggings are rare, even at night, and as a tourist/visitor to the city, you should be very safe.
Get out
- Stone Mountain, The world's largest exposed piece of granite. A hike or cable car ride up to the top of the mountain offers a spectacular view of Atlanta. A free laser light show is open to the public every Saturday after sunset in the summer.
- Chateau Elan Resort and Winery. A spa, winery, and recreation resort located in the Georgia foothills approximately 40 minutes away from the city. Offers luxurious spa accommodations and treatments, as well as tennis, golf and winery tours.
- Punchline Comedy Club. Casual comedy club that showcases both big names and up-and-coming comics.
- Vinings, A charming town with a historical town center.
- Six Flags Over Georgia. Classic theme park located just west of Atlanta.
- The Big Chicken. For those who like roadside photo opportunities, visit this 56-ft. chicken that has become a Marietta landmark.
For those more interested in scenic beauty and outdoor activities, the Appalachian mountain chain begins about sixty miles north of Atlanta. The southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail is on Springer Mountain in north-east Georgia, an easy drive from metro Atlanta.
Insider Tips
VAT & Taxes
Sales tax in Atlanta is 8%. The tax on hotel rooms is 13%.
Best Time to Go
Climate
Atlanta, GA Weather
Atlanta, GA climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 89.40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 33.50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be fairly limited during summer with a difference that can reach 18 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 19 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Atlanta is 52.22 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is March with an average rainfall of 5.80 Inches.
Normal Climate
Normal Temperatures
(ATLANTA HARTSFIELD AP Weather station, 8.57 miles from Atlanta) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual Max °F 51.9 56.8 65.0 72.9 80.0 86.5 89.4 87.9 82.3 72.9 63.3 54.6 72.0 Mean °F 42.7 46.7 54.3 61.6 69.8 76.8 80.0 78.9 73.3 62.8 53.4 45.4 62.1 Min °F 33.5 36.5 43.6 50.4 59.5 67.1 70.6 69.9 64.3 52.8 43.5 36.2 52.3
Normal Precipitation
(ATLANTA BOLTON Weather station, 8.53 miles from Atlanta) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual Inch 5.49 4.97 5.80 4.04 4.07 3.92 4.91 4.14 3.75 3.16 3.98 3.99 52.22