Planning to get married in Alabama? Well, there’s just a bit of paperwork to handle first. But don’t worry—it’s much simpler than you may think. From understanding what documents you’ll need to figuring out where to apply, we’ve covered all the bases. So, let’s dive into the details and get you on your way to say, “I do!”
Is a marriage license the same thing as a marriage certificate in Alabama?
Typically, the answer to this question would be no. But Alabama does things a little differently nowadays. In Alabama, couples looking to get married must complete the Alabama Marriage Certificate form. Once it has been properly completed and filed, your marriage is considered legal in Alabama.
Where do you get a marriage license in Alabama?
You’ll need to visit the website of the Alabama Department of Public Health to complete the Alabama Marriage Certificate form. There are two different forms: one for adults (i.e., anyone 18 years of age and older) and one for minors (i.e., 16 or 17 years of age with parental consent). Instructions are included with the forms. Alabama probate courts may also include links to the form on their official websites. Once you and your fiancé complete the appropriate form, you’ll need to take it to any Alabama county probate court to be recorded.
What do you need to get a marriage license in Alabama?
Alabama has really streamlined the process for its brides and grooms to be. Both spouses should be prepared to provide personal information on the marriage certificate form (including full names, your parents’ full names, your date of birth, address, and number of previous marriages).
Minor applicants (anyone under 18 years of age but at least 16 years of age) will also need to provide the consent of a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian will need to complete a form called “Affidavit of Consent for Marriage of a Minor.” The marriage certificate form and the Affidavit of Consent must be filed together when it is presented to a county probate court to be recorded.
What’s the application process like to get a marriage license in Alabama?
In Alabama, the marriage license process is simple. You can complete the application process in just four easy steps. We’ve outlined them for you here:
- Step 1: Complete the Marriage Certificate Form. Fill out the form together and be sure to fill in each required field. Once you’ve finished, you can print out the form.
- Step 2: Sign in Front of a Notary. Each spouse’s signature must be notarized by an Alabama notary public. The form must be notarized before it is recorded with a county probate court. The court cannot notarize this document, so you’ll need to secure a notary beforehand. Check with your local bank, UPS store, or even the public library for notary services. You can also find a list of Alabama-commissioned notaries here. Once the form is signed and notarized, you have 30 days to record it with an Alabama county probate court.
- Step 3: Record the Form With the Probate Court. You can deliver the marriage certificate form to any Alabama county probate court in person or via mail. Be sure to bring a valid form of ID (including a driver’s license, state ID, or passport) if you go to the probate court in person. If you decide to go the mail route, be sure you mail it within the 30 days required under Alabama law so that your marriage is valid.
- Step 4: Request a Copy. Some probate courts provide you with a certified copy once the form is recorded, but it varies from county to county. Check with the county probate court that you plan to visit beforehand to confirm. Once the marriage certificate has been recorded with the probate court, you can also request a certified copy through the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Center for Health Statistics.
How much does it cost to get a marriage license in Alabama?
Each county probate court in Alabama establishes its own fees for recording marriage certificate forms. To find out the current fees, you can either call the probate court office directly or visit their website for a fee schedule.
Can you get married same day in Alabama?
Yes, you can! According to AL Code § 30-1-9.1(g), wedding ceremonies are actually optional in Alabama. Of course, you can still have a ceremony, but it’s not a requirement for a legal marriage in Alabama.
Your marriage is considered valid or “legal” once the Alabama Marriage Certificate form is correctly filled out, signed, notarized, and recorded by an Alabama probate court. To ensure the marriage is valid, you must submit the completed form to the probate court within 30 days of the most recent date on the spouses’ signatures. This means that if you and your spouse sign the form on different dates, the latest date between the two will be used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Alabama marriage licenses
Still have some lingering questions or concerns? Check out the responses to some commonly asked questions about the Alabama marriage license process:
Q: Can I electronically sign the marriage certificate form?
A. No. The court will not accept an electronic signature for the purposes of recording and filing your marriage certificate.
Q: What happens if we don’t record the marriage certificate form with the probate court within 30 days?
A. Your marriage will be considered invalid, and you’ll need to complete a new marriage certificate form.
Q: Can I email the marriage certificate form to the probate court instead of mailing it?
A. No. Alabama probate courts will not accept emailed forms.
Q: What if we made a mistake on the marriage certificate form, and it has already been filed and recorded with the probate court?
A: You can make corrections by filing a form called “Amendment to Alabama Marriage Certificate and Decree of Correction.” You’ll need to file this with an Alabama probate court as well and pay another recording fee.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, getting a marriage license in Alabama is easy peasy! With a bit of prep and some basic paperwork, you’ll be all set to say “I do” in the Heart of Dixie. Whether you’re planning to have a wedding ceremony or not, following these guidelines will help ensure your marriage is legally recognized and officially recorded in Alabama. Here’s to smooth sailing and a fantastic marriage journey in Alabama!
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