Where do I get a marriage license in Alabama?
Marriage licenses are issued at the county level but are valid throughout the state. Each county can have their own requirements for the license, but the overall process is pretty standardized. Generally, you will need to apply at the County Probate Office by filing an application and paying the required fee.
 CLICK THE LINK TO YOUR CITY BELOW TO APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE
The links below will take you to the county website where the city is located. Not all counties have forms on their site and might only list a contact and phone number.
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What requirements must I meet to get a marriage license?
Both the bride and groom must file the application together at the County Probate Office. While each county sets its own requirements, generally both parties will need to provide:
• Full name
• Full Address
• Date of Birth
• Race
• Social security number
• Number of previous marriages and when they were dissolved, if applicable
• Full names of the bride and groom’s parents
• County or city and state of residence
You will also need to present a driver’s license or birth certificate when applying. Some counties will also ask for an address where the license can be mailed and the education level of both parties. Many counties in Alabama have the license application available on their website to download in order to speed up the process.
After I get the license, do I have to wait to get married?
Most counties in Alabama do not have a waiting requirement for after you receive the license until you can actually marry, but some do under certain circumstances. For example, Mobile County requires nonresidents to wait three days after receiving the license before being married by a Mobile County Marriage Official. In addition, people must wait 60 days after their divorce is final and present a copy of their Divorce Decree before being able to receive a marriage license from any county in Alabama.
How long is the license good for?
Marriage licenses issued in Alabama are good for 30 days from the date of issuance. If you do not solemnize the marriage within 30 days, then you must reapply for a new license before you can officially marry. How much does a marriage license cost? Because the individual counties have their own licensing regulations, the fees for marriage licenses vary. It is generally between $40 to $80 and must be paid when you file your license application.
Who can marry us?
Once you have obtained a marriage license from the County Probate Office, your marriage must be solemnized. This can be done in a civil ceremony by an active or retired Alabama judge. In the case of religious ceremonies, the marriage can be solemnized by any licensed minister in regular communion with the Christian church that he belongs to, a pastor of any religious society through a ceremony that abides by the customs of that faith, or through the consent of the parties and publication to the congregation in a religious ceremony that follows the rules and traditions of that faith.
