Alabama Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in Alabama: $73 to $89, varies by county license fee, None waiting period, 30 days from the date of signing validity, minimum age 18, None witnesses required. Apply at the Probate Court.
Alabama Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in Alabama?
A marriage license in Alabama costs $73 to $89, varies by county. This is the standard fee charged by the Probate Court when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, Alabama's fee is slightly above the national average.
How to Get a Marriage License in Alabama
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. Alabama does not require proof of residency.
Visit the Probate Court
Both applicants must appear in person at the Probate Court in any Alabama county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $73 to $89, varies by county fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
No waiting period before signing
Alabama does not issue a license at all, so there is nothing to wait on. You can complete and notarize your marriage certificate as soon as you and your partner are ready.
Sign and notarize the certificate
Alabama no longer requires an officiant or ceremony. Since Act 2019-340 took effect on August 29, 2019, couples complete a standardized marriage certificate form, have both signatures notarized, and file the certificate with a county Probate Court. No ceremony, officiant, or witnesses are required. The date you and your partner sign and notarize the certificate is your legal marriage date - there is no separate ceremony window to schedule.
File the certificate for recording
The couple files the completed, notarized certificate with the Probate Court within the timeframe specified by Alabama law. There is no officiant to do this on your behalf - it is the couple's responsibility. The county then records the certificate and can issue certified copies.
Special Situations in Alabama
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some Alabama counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the Probate Court.
Out-of-state couples
Alabama has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the Probate Court with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Alabama following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in Alabama on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Self-uniting option
Alabama allows self-uniting marriages where no officiant is required. Alabama no longer requires an officiant or ceremony. Since Act 2019-340 took effect on August 29, 2019, couples complete a standardized marriage certificate form, have both signatures notarized, and file the certificate with a county Probate Court. No ceremony, officiant, or witnesses are required.
Important Alabama Notes
Who Can Officiate in Alabama
Alabama no longer requires an officiant or ceremony. Since Act 2019-340 took effect on August 29, 2019, couples complete a standardized marriage certificate form, have both signatures notarized, and file the certificate with a county Probate Court. No ceremony, officiant, or witnesses are required.
Good to Know
Alabama eliminated the marriage license and the requirement for a ceremony or officiant effective August 29, 2019 under Act 2019-340. Filing fees are set by each county Probate Office and vary; verified official county pages show $73 (Mobile County), $84.50 (Jefferson County), and $89 (Madison County). Common-law marriage is not recognized for relationships formed on or after January 1, 2017, though common-law marriages validly formed before that date remain recognized.
Alabama Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, Alabama drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the Probate Court
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $73 to $89, varies by county - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- No witnesses legally required (though many couples bring them anyway)
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Marriage License Requirements in Other States
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Alabama Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A Alabama marriage license costs $73 to $89, varies by county. The fee is paid at the Probate Court when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
No. Alabama has no mandatory waiting period - you can apply for and use your marriage license on the same day. Many couples still apply a few days in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
A Alabama marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of signing from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
Alabama accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the Probate Court.
No. Alabama does not legally require witnesses for the marriage ceremony, though many couples choose to have them anyway. If you do invite witnesses, anyone over 18 capable of signing is typically acceptable.
No. Alabama does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any Probate Court as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes Alabama a popular destination wedding state.
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