Section 19-3-30.1. Premarital education

   (a) In applying for a marriage license, a man and woman who certify on the application for a marriage license that they have successfully completed a qualifying premarital education program shall not be charged a fee for a marriage license. The premarital education shall include at least six hours of instruction involving marital issues, which may include but not be limited to conflict management, communication skills, financial responsibilities, child and parenting responsibilities, and extended family roles. The premarital education shall be completed within 12 months prior to the application for a marriage license and the couple shall undergo the premarital education together. The premarital education shall be performed by:

   (1) A professional counselor, social worker, or marriage and family therapist who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 10A of Title 43;

   (2) A psychiatrist who is licensed as a physician pursuant to Chapter 34 of Title 43;

   (3) A psychologist who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 39 of Title 43; or

   (4) An active member of the clergy when in the course of his or her service as clergy or his or her designee, including retired clergy, provided that a designee is trained and skilled in premarital education.

(b) Each premarital education provider shall furnish each participant who completes the premarital education required by this Code section a certificate of completion.

Code 1981, § 19-3-30.1, enacted by Ga. L. 2005, p. 1485, § 2/HB 378.