State guide
Alabama
Alabama no longer issues marriage licenses. Instead, both spouses complete the state marriage certificate form, have it notarized, and file it with any county probate court for recording within 30 days of the last signature.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- Judge of probate records the marriage certificate; Alabama does not issue marriage licenses.
- Waiting period
- none
- License valid for
- certificate must be recorded within 30 days of the last spouse signature
- Witnesses
- not required for validity
- License fee
- varies by county; examples found: $73.00 (Baldwin), $84.50 (Jefferson), $89.00 (Madison)
- Friend or one-day officiant
- No temporary designation is needed for validity because Alabama does not require an officiant or ceremony.
Official resources in Alabama
Alabama Department of Public Health - Marriage FAQ
State FAQ covering filing, timing, corrections, and county-fee variation.
Alabama Legislature - Ala. Code 30-1-9.1
Current statute explaining Alabama’s certificate-based marriage system and optional ceremony language.
Probate Court of Jefferson County - Marriage Certificates
Large-county example showing filing process and current local recording fee.
Baldwin County Probate - Marriage Certificate
Large-county example with current filing fee and a statement that the judge does not perform ceremonies.
Key facts for Alabama
- Any Alabama probate court records the notarized marriage certificate; probate courts no longer issue marriage licenses.
- The marriage is valid on the date both parties execute it if recorded within 30 days of the last signature.
- A ceremony is optional and has no legal effect on validity under Alabama’s current statute.
- No witness ceremony requirement appears in the current marriage-certificate process; the spouses sign and a notary notarizes.
- County probate courts set their own recording fees; examples found were $73.00 in Baldwin, $84.50 in Jefferson, and $89.00 in Madison.
- Baldwin County’s official page says the Judge of Probate does not perform ceremonies.
Courthouse ceremonies in Alabama
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Shelby County | Official page says a wedding ceremony is no longer required, but the courthouse gazebo is offered at no charge for those who want a ceremony. |
What to do next
- Download the current ADPH marriage certificate form first; some probate offices do not provide blank forms on site.
- Use an Alabama notary and make sure the probate court receives the original within 30 days of the last notarized signature.
- Check your chosen probate court’s current recording fee and payment method before filing.
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?
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