County Requirements

Instead of filing an application for a marriage license with the county probate court, probate judges will accept notarized forms completed by couples as official records of marriage. Courts will no longer issue marriage licenses to couples.

Once the probate court records the completed marriage certificate form, the marriage is legal. Wedding ceremonies can still be performed, but will no longer be required for a recognized marriage in Alabama.

The elimination of marriage licenses will not affect any other aspects of marriage in Alabama, including divorce, spousal support, child support and child custody.

Couples may access the new marriage certificate form on the Alabama Department of Public Health’s website. The website also includes instructions for completing and filing the new form, as well as answers to some frequently asked questions about the marriage law.