Marriage Certificates

NOTICE: Marriage Certificate Process

Effective August 29, 2019, the process for entering into a legal marriage in Alabama changes, pursuant to Ala. Act 2019-340.  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.

Information, forms and instructions are available on the Alabama Department of Public Health’s website at http://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-certificates.html.

The Bill Ala.Act 2019-340 can be viewed in the Legislative Acts index of the Secretary of State website.

After the form is completed and notarized, the parties will submit the form and filing fee ($84.50) within 30 days to the Probate Office for recording.

Payment

*If the certificate is returned in person to Probate Court, the Court will accept cash, money orders and debit cards for payment. If the marriage certificates are submitted by mail, the only authorized form of payment by mail is a money order.

Obtaining a Marriage Certificate

You may obtain a copy of Marriage Certificates issued in Jefferson County from June 1985 forward at either division of Probate Court.  Records issued prior to this date may only be obtained from the office where the license was issued.  The fee is $3.00.  You may request a copy through the mail if you send the fee along with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Locations