How to get married in Alabama is a question many couples ask when planning their wedding in the southern United States. Alabama offers a straightforward marriage process with unique legal requirements that differ from many other states. Whether you're a resident or traveling from out of state, understanding the legal framework, documentation, and marriage ceremony options is essential. From courthouse filings to private ceremonies, Alabama provides several avenues for couples to officially tie the knot. In this guide, we break down all the general requirements, explore the different ways to get married in Alabama, and highlight key considerations to ensure your wedding process goes smoothly.
General Requirements to Get Married in Alabama
If you are planning on getting married in Alabama, you need to meet the following general requirements:
1. Age Requirement - Individuals must be at least 18 years old to legally marry in Alabama without parental consent. Minors aged 16 and 17 may marry with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. However, anyone under the age of 16 is not permitted to marry in the state under any circumstances. All age requirements must be supported by government-issued identification. For minors, the consent form must be notarized and submitted along with the marriage certificate.
2. No Marriage License Application - Unlike many other states, Alabama does not require couples to apply for a marriage license through a courthouse. Instead, couples must complete a Marriage Certificate Form and have it notarized. Once notarized, it must be delivered to the probate court in the county where at least one party resides (or where the couple chooses to file) within 30 days of signing. The form is available online and at most probate courts throughout the state.
3. No Waiting Period or Blood Test - Alabama does not require a waiting period for most couples, which means you can marry as soon as the notarized marriage certificate is filed. However, for individuals who have recently divorced (within the last 60 days), they must wait until 60 days after the divorce decree before remarrying. Blood tests are not required to get married in Alabama.
4. Filing Fee - Filing the marriage certificate with the probate court requires a filing fee, which typically ranges from \$70 to \$100 depending on the county. This fee must be paid when submitting your notarized certificate. Most counties accept cash, credit cards, and money orders.
5. Notarization - The completed marriage certificate must be notarized by a licensed notary public. Both parties must sign the form in the presence of the notary, who will then affix their seal and signature. Notarization confirms the identity and consent of both individuals entering into marriage.
All Ways to Get Married in Alabama
There are several recognized ways to get married in Alabama, each with its own process and requirements:
1. Marriage by Filing a Notarized Marriage Certificate
This is the most common and legally required method in Alabama. The couple must download the Alabama Marriage Certificate form from the Alabama Department of Public Health or pick it up from a local probate court. Each party fills out their information, signs the form in front of a notary, and then submits the notarized certificate to the probate court within 30 days. There is no requirement for a wedding ceremony to legally marry in Alabama.
2. Religious or Civil Wedding Ceremonies (Optional)
Although not legally necessary, couples may choose to hold a religious or civil ceremony for personal, spiritual, or social reasons. These ceremonies can be conducted by a minister, priest, judge, or ordained officiant of any faith or belief. It's important to remember that the ceremony itself does not make the marriage legal—only the notarized certificate and its filing with the court do. Couples often combine this option with the legal filing for a full wedding experience.
3. Courthouse Weddings (Ceremonial Only)
In some Alabama counties, the probate court may still offer courthouse wedding ceremonies for a small additional fee. These brief civil ceremonies are conducted by a judge or magistrate and usually last 10–15 minutes. However, even with a courthouse ceremony, the couple must still submit the notarized marriage certificate separately for the marriage to be legally recognized.
4. Common-Law Marriage (No Longer Recognized for New Unions)
As of January 1, 2017, Alabama no longer recognizes new common-law marriages. However, any common-law marriages established before this date may still be recognized under specific conditions. New couples must follow the formal notarized certificate process.
Things to Consider When Deciding to Get Married in Alabama
1. Legal Simplicity
One of the main advantages of getting married in Alabama is the simplicity of the process. You don’t need to visit the courthouse before the wedding or go through interviews. The form-based process minimizes bureaucracy and allows couples to marry more independently. This is ideal for elopements, destination weddings, or couples who want a no-fuss approach. Still, understanding the legal responsibility of submitting the form properly is critical to ensure your marriage is valid.
2. Ceremonial Freedom
Since the legal marriage occurs via paperwork, you have complete freedom to design any type of ceremony—or none at all. Whether you're planning a lavish southern wedding or an intimate backyard celebration, the flexibility Alabama offers is unmatched. You can even hold your ceremony in another state or country and still file your certificate in Alabama. This provides versatility for multicultural, interfaith, or destination weddings. However, always ensure the paperwork is filed on time regardless of the ceremony's location.
3. Residency Is Not Required
You do not need to be a resident of Alabama to get married there. This makes it an attractive option for out-of-state couples looking for a quick and simple process. Tourists or destination wedding couples can marry legally in Alabama and then return home with a valid U.S. marriage certificate. The marriage is recognized nationwide and internationally, provided the laws of the other jurisdiction also recognize Alabama marriages. This allows couples flexibility when planning their big day.
4. Military and Incarcerated Individuals
Alabama’s marriage laws are uniquely accommodating for individuals in the military or those who are incarcerated. Because the certificate can be completed separately and notarized, each party doesn’t need to be physically present in the same location. This can be especially helpful in long-distance, military deployment, or correctional situations. Both individuals still need to sign the same form and have it notarized properly. Once submitted, the marriage is considered valid and binding.
5. Time Constraints and Expiration
The Alabama Marriage Certificate does not expire once filed, but it must be submitted within 30 days of notarization. Failure to submit the form within this timeframe means the certificate will be invalid, and you will need to start over. This tight timeframe makes it crucial to plan accordingly, especially for destination weddings or if one party travels frequently. Ensure you have access to a notary and a method to deliver the certificate (in person or by mail) within the window. Missing the deadline may delay your official marriage date.
6. Name Changes and Documentation After Marriage
Filing your marriage certificate in Alabama is only the first step—changing your name or updating personal records requires additional steps. Once you receive the certified marriage certificate from the probate court, you can use it to update your Social Security record, driver’s license, passport, and other legal documents. It’s important to request multiple certified copies for various agencies. Be aware that fees may apply for each copy. Proper documentation ensures your new marital status is recognized across all systems.
Conclusion
Getting married in Alabama is a simple, flexible, and efficient process that appeals to many modern couples. With the unique marriage certificate filing system and lack of license requirements, Alabama allows you to marry with minimal bureaucracy. Whether you want a grand ceremony or a private vow exchange, you can create your perfect wedding experience. Just be sure to follow the legal steps carefully—especially notarization and timely submission of the certificate—to make your union official. By understanding the ways to get married in Alabama, you can plan your special day with confidence and clarity.
.webp)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)