The process for entering into a legal marriage in Alabama changed pursuant to Ala. Act 2019-340.  Beginning August 29, 2019, couples in Alabama will need to comply with a new process to become legally married.  

Under the new law, persons wishing to become married are no longer required to  file an application for a marriage license with the county probate court, and the courts will no longer issue marriage licenses. Furthermore, all Alabama probate courts will now be required to record marriage certificates.

The Alabama Marriage Certificate form represents a contractual agreement between the parties to the marriage, completed by both parties and delivered to the probate court for recording. Once properly completed and recorded, the marriage is valid. A wedding ceremony may be performed for the parties, but solemnization is no longer required for a recognized marriage in Alabama.

As of August 29, 2019, a couple desiring to marry must do the following:

1. Fully complete the standardized Marriage Certificate Form provided by the state
   The fillable form will be available on the Alabama Department of Health Website via Alabama Department of Public Health
   The completed form must be typewritten. The Madison County Probate Office will not accept handwritten forms to ensure that all information is legible, and the document is properly recorded
   
   

2. Take the Marriage Certificate Form to a notary to witness signatures. The notary must be authorized under the laws of the State of Alabama. A notary from another state is not permitted. Notary services are not provided by the Probate Office.

    

3. Deliver the original, fully completed, and notarized Marriage Certificate Form to the Probate Office for recording - along with the filing fee of $89.00 - within 30 days of the latter of the dates of the signatures of the spouses.
   The filing fee must be paid via cash or credit card only
   Delivery by mail accepted; however, payments received via mail must be in the form of certified check or cashier’s check only.

   If mailing the Marriage Certificate Form, please mail to Probate Judge, 1918 Memorial Parkway, NW Huntsville, AL 35801 – when mailing please ensure a self-addressed stamped envelope is included to ensure proper return.

   4. The effective date of the marriage is the latter of the dates of the signatures of the spouses.

Other requirements surrounding marriage, such as being of minimum age and not presently married, have not changed. The information requested on the marriage form is essentially the same as what couples previously had to provide, which includes basic information about each spouse.

 Hours for Recording Marriage Certificate Forms:

• Recording hours are 8:30 until 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday

 Fees:

• Filing Fee for Marriage Certificate Form, $89.00 per certificate
• Certified copies, $2.00 per copy

 Additional Information, Forms and Instructions:

• Helpful Tips on Obtaining an Alabama Marriage Certificate

• Alabama Department of Public Health

 Information and Answers to Commonly Asked Questions: 

• Frequently Asked Questions

Due to the complexity of laws and procedures of the Probate Court, we strongly suggest that you seek the advice of a licensed attorney.  The Probate Judge, Chief Clerk and Staff of the Probate Court are prohibited by law to offer any legal advice.