Wondering about the ins and outs of getting married in the Yellowhammer State? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Getting married in the Heart of Dixie is a pretty straightforward process. However, Alabama does things a little differently from other states, so it’s important to know what steps you’ll need to take. Read on for information on how to get legally married in Alabama.
What is a marriage license?
Let’s start with the basics. A marriage license is a legal document that authorizes you to get married. In most states, you would obtain this document from your local county clerk’s office before you get married. After your wedding ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license. Your signed marriage license is then returned to the county clerk’s office to be recorded. Once your marriage license has been recorded, the clerk issues a marriage certificate. The marriage certificate is the legal document that proves you are officially married.
Do I need a marriage license in Alabama?
This is where Alabama is unique from other states. In most other U.S. states, a marriage license is required to legally enter into a marriage. However, as of 2019, Alabama couples looking to tie the knot must now complete the Alabama Marriage Certificate form. Once you complete and file this form, your marriage is officially legal in Alabama. In other words, you don’t need a marriage license in Alabama, but instead need to fill out a marriage certificate form.
How do I get married legally in Alabama?
So, you and your partner are ready to take the next step and get married. Congratulations! Lucky for you, Alabama has really streamlined the process. As previously mentioned, you and your fiancé will need to complete the Alabama Marriage Certificate form. (No marriage license needed!). You should both be prepared to provide the following information:
- Each person’s full legal name
- Your parents’ full legal names
- Your date of birth
- Your address
- Number of previous marriages
- Each person’s signature (which will need to be notarized)
Minor applicants (i.e., anyone under 18 years old but at least 16 years old) must also have consent from a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian also has to complete the “Affidavit of Consent for Marriage of a Minor.” Both the Marriage Certificate form and the Affidavit of Consent will need to be filed together at a county probate court.
Can you get married on the same day you get your marriage “license” in Alabama?
You sure can! According to AL Code § 30-1-9.1(g), there is no requirement to have a marriage ceremony to be considered legally married. Even though a wedding ceremony is optional in Alabama, you can still choose to have one if you’re a hopeless romantic like us.
And remember, there’s no marriage license necessary in Alabama. To be legally married in Alabama, all you have to do is fill out the Marriage Certificate form and submit it to any Alabama probate court no later than 30 days after the last recorded signature on the document. Basically, this means that if you and your spouse sign the document on different dates, the most recent date between both signatures will be used.
Do I need a blood test to get married in Alabama?
Nope! A blood test isn’t necessary to get married in Alabama. In some states, blood tests used to be required from both parties before a marriage license was granted. However, this is no longer the case. Phew!
How to get married in Alabama, a step-by-step guide
You can navigate the entire application process in just four simple steps. Check them out below:
Step 1: Fill out the Marriage Certificate form. This step may seem obvious, but you will both need to fill out and print the completed form. However, be careful not to sign it before completing the next step (you have to sign it in front of a Notary Public).
Step 2: Sign the form in front of a notary public. A notary public is someone who validates the signing of important documents. You can find a notary public online simply by looking up “Notary public near me.” Bring the filled-out (but not signed!) Marriage Certificate form to your appointment with the notary public. Then, sign the form in front of the notary public.
Step 3: File the form with the Probate court. You can file or record the form with any Alabama probate court. Within 30 days of the most recent signature on the Marriage Certificate form, bring the completed and signed Marriage Certificate form to the Probate Court Office to be recorded. Usually, you can also send the Marriage Certificate form by mail. Depending on the county you are filing in, you may also need to pay a fee. Please make sure to check the .gov website of the specific county you are filing in to make sure that you are complying with that county’s requirements.
Step 4: Secure a copy for your records. Once your Marriage Certificate form has been recorded by the Probate court, you can acquire a copy of the Marriage Certificate for $15.00 by sending in a mail-in application, by going in-person to any Alabama county health department, or by requesting it online through this link.
The bottom line on marriage licenses in Alabama
Getting married in Alabama is easy! All you need is the signed and notarized Marriage Certificate form to become official! As long as this document is submitted to the probate court within 30 days after the most recent signature, the marriage is considered legally valid under Alabama state law. However, just because getting married in Alabama is as easy as pecan pie doesn’t mean that you should dive into a marriage without thinking seriously about it. A prenup is useful to make sure that each person is on the same page when it comes to each person’s assets, debt, and wealth.
Nicole Sheehey is the Head of Legal Content at HelloPrenup, and an Illinois licensed attorney. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to prenuptial agreements. Nicole has Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. She has a deep understanding of the legal and financial implications of prenuptial agreements, and enjoys writing and collaborating with other attorneys on the nuances of the law. Nicole is passionate about helping couples locate the information they need when it comes to prenuptial agreements. You can reach Nicole here: Nicole@Helloprenup.com
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