Marriage licenses in Georgia were issued by the clerk of the Inferior Court, a common law court established in each county by the Georgia Constitution of 1789. Beginning in 1805, the minister or justice performing the ceremony was required by law to certify that the marriage had taken place, either on a separate certificate or on the marriage license itself, and return the license to the clerk, who then recorded it in a marriage book. This series contains the books with the record copy of the marriage license and certifying information for marriages performed in Franklin County, GA. Included are the: (1) names of bride and groom (2) date the license was issued; (3) name of the official granting the license; (4) date marriage was performed, and (5) officiating minister or justice. Please see RGSGSERIES 159 - 2 - 3, Marriage Licenses, 1820 - 1905.