Rockdale Chief Magistrate Judge Aten continues courthouse weddings during COVID-19

Couples who had planned to get hitched don’t have to put their wedding plans on hold. They can head to the courthouse in Rockdale County.

Rockdale County Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten says she will continue to officiate courthouse weddings during Georgia’s state of emergency.

Six couples, from Rockdale, Gwinnett and Walton counties, tied the knot on March 17 at Magistrate Court.

The Rockdale County Magistrate Court will perform individual weddings, by appointment, on this Friday, March 20, starting at 2 p.m., in the Magistrate Courtroom, 948 Bank Street, Conyers. The court requests that the wedding couple enter the courtroom with no more than two attendants in observance of the latest COVID-19 social distancing measures.

“Marriage is an open enrollment opportunity that may instantly broaden healthcare coverage for our uninsured and underinsured families and provide additional legal protections and intangible benefits to couples ready to say ‘I do,’” said Judge Aten. “As many places of worship have shuttered their doors and the courthouse remains open, my duty to perform weddings has become essential.”

Nine wedding requests are currently pending. The wedding ceremonies are scheduled in 10-minute time increments. The couple must present a valid marriage license, issued by a probate court, and government-issued photo identification upon check-in.

To schedule a wedding, contact the Rockdale County Magistrate Court at 770-278-7800 or magcourt@rockdalecountyga.gov.