What Are Alabama Marriage Records?

Alabama marriage records are official documents that provide detailed information about marriage events, including the names of the individuals involved, the marriage date, and the location. Maintained by various authorities, these records have been officially documented since August 1936.

The primary types of marriage records include:

• Marriage Licenses: Issued before the ceremony, these documents grant legal permission to marry.
• Marriage Certificates: Issued after the ceremony, these confirm that the marriage has occurred.

Marriage records are important for legal, historical, and personal purposes. They establish proof of marriage, assist in name changes, and help with inheritance claims. Authorities use them for demographic research, while individuals can rely on them for genealogical studies, verifying marital status, and accessing benefits such as insurance or Social Security.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

In Alabama, marriage certificates are considered public records and are fully accessible under Section 36-12-40, Code of Alabama 1975, or the Alabama Open Records Law. This law grants citizens the right to inspect and obtain copies of public writings unless otherwise restricted by statute.

Per Alabama law, marriage certificates are unrestricted and can be requested by anyone who provides sufficient information to locate the record and pays the appropriate fee.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Alabama?

The state of Alabama began keeping official records of marriages in August 1936, with the Alabama Department of Public Health responsible for maintaining these records through the Center for Health Statistics. For marriages that took place before August 1936, records must be obtained from the probate office in the county where the marriage license was issued.

The process for looking up or obtaining these records may differ based on the type of record requested and the source. When looking up marriage records in Alabama, make sure to have the following essential details to streamline the process:

• Names of the Couple
  • Full legal names of both parties involved in the marriage.
  • Include maiden names if applicable.
• Date of Marriage
  • Provide the exact date or an estimated time frame to help narrow the search.
• Location of Marriage
  • Specify the county where the marriage license was issued or where the ceremony occurred.
• Government-Issued Identification
  • A valid photo ID is required to verify the requester's identity to obtain certified copies.
• Reason for Request
  • Clarify whether the record is needed for legal purposes (certified copy) or informational purposes.
• Fee Payment
  • Be prepared to pay the applicable fee.
• Additional Details
  • Include any other relevant information, such as the officiant's name or witnesses, if known.

The more accurate and detailed the information provided, the easier it is for the custodian agency (e.g., the Center for Health Statistics or the county probate court) to locate the record.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Marriage certificates in Alabama can be obtained in two forms: certified copies and information copies. A certified copy is an official document used for legal purposes such as name changes or government applications. In contrast, an informational copy contains the same details but cannot be used for legal matters.

In Alabama, certified copies of marriage certificates from August 1936 can be searched and obtained through the following methods:

Online

Certified copies can be ordered through VitalChek using a major credit or debit card. Additional fees apply for this service and for upgrading to UPS (United Parcel Service) shipping.

In-Person

To request a certified marriage certificate, visit any county health department in Alabama. The Alabama Public Health website provides a list of department locations.

By Mail

To request certified copies of marriage certificates in Alabama by mail, follow these steps:

• Download and complete the marriage certificate request form (available in English or Spanish).
• Attach a $15 check or money order payable to the State Board of Health ($6 for each additional copy).
• Include a copy of a government-issued photo ID.

• Mail the documents to:

  Center for Health Statistics

  P.O. Box 5625

  Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625

Note that search fees are non-refundable. For inquiries about expediting requests, contact (334) 206-5418.

For marriages that occurred before August 1936, marriage certificates must be obtained from the probate court in the county where the marriage license was issued. To request a certificate, contact the relevant probate office by phone or email to inquire about the available methods for obtaining it.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Marriage licenses in Alabama are maintained at the county level. Each county probate court keeps records of the marriage licenses issued in its jurisdiction. These documents are essential for legalizing a marriage and proving its occurrence.

To obtain a copy of a marriage license, individuals can visit or contact the probate court in the county where the license was issued. The steps generally include:

• Provide Required Information
  • Full names of both parties.
  • The date and location of the marriage.
• Submit Identification
  • A valid government-issued photo ID may be required.
• Pay the Fee
  • Settle all the applicable fees.

Requests can typically be made in person or by mail, though some probate offices offer online options. For instance, the Jefferson County Probate Court website allows for marriage license searches. It's recommended to check the specific requirements of each county, as procedures and fees may differ between probate courts in Alabama.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to VitalChek, endorsed vendor of the Alabama Department of Public Health's Center for Health Statistics, and websites of Alabama probate offices, which may have searchable records or marriage indexes, individuals can explore other resources for searching Alabama marriage records online.

Some third-party genealogy societies, such as the Alabama Genealogical Society, or commercial record retrieval services, such as RecordsFinder, offer databases and resources that include marriage records from Alabama.

While these websites may not provide certified copies of marriage records, they offer convenience, easy access to a wide range of records, and user-friendly search tools. They also provide additional context and related data, making research more efficient.

To search for marriage records on third-party platforms, individuals typically need the full names of both parties, the marriage date, and the location (city or county). Some platforms may also ask for additional details like the couple's ages or birthplaces. Fees often apply for accessing detailed reports or records, and the cost varies by platform.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

In Alabama, there is no legal provision for confidential marriages under Alabama's Marriage Act. All marriage records in the state are considered public, meaning that the details of a marriage, such as the names of the parties, the marriage date, and the location, are accessible to the public.

However, couples who wish to maintain a level of privacy may consider the following options:

• Restricting Access: While the record itself is public, couples may limit access to their marriage certificate by not disclosing the details publicly. For example, they can be selective in whom they share the information with.
• Using a Proxy: In certain circumstances, individuals can use a proxy or legal representative to handle their marriage documentation, although this may not keep the marriage itself confidential. It simply keeps the paperwork handling discrete.
• Changing Legal Names: After marriage, individuals may choose to change their names legally, which might offer some privacy from public records, though marriage certificates remain available.

Again, in Alabama, there's no formal state legal process to make a marriage confidential. Anyone can access marriage records as long as they have sufficient information, such as names and the date of the marriage.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

In Alabama, the marriage application process was restructured under a law passed by the legislature in 2019. As of August 29, 2019, couples wishing to marry no longer apply for a marriage license with the probate court.

Instead, they complete an Alabama Marriage Certificate form, which must be signed by both parties and notarized. This form is then delivered to the probate court for recording.

Here's what couples need to know:

• Age Requirements: To marry in Alabama, individuals must be at least 18 years old. Minors aged 16 or 17 can marry with the consent of a parent or guardian, but the process requires additional paperwork, including an Affidavit of Consent for Marriage of a Minor.
• Residency Requirement: There is no residency requirement to marry in Alabama. Non-residents may also marry in the state.
• Marriage Legality: A marriage is legally recognized once the Alabama Marriage Certificate is signed, notarized, and recorded by the probate court. The form must be submitted within 30 days of the last signature date. If the spouses sign on different dates, the marriage date is based on the later signature date.
• Waiting Periods: There is no waiting period in Alabama for a marriage to be valid once the marriage certificate form is recorded.
• Marriage Certificate Form: Couples can access the form online through the Alabama Department of Public Health's website. Separate forms are provided for individuals aged 18 and over and minors aged 16-17 with parental consent.
• Identification Required: Couples must provide proof of identity when submitting the marriage certificate form. Acceptable forms of identification may include government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
• Notary Requirements: The form must be notarized, and notary services are available at various locations, including banks and libraries.
• Officiants and Witnesses: A wedding ceremony is optional. If performed, it may be officiated by an authorized individual, such as a minister or judge. However, a ceremony is no longer a requirement for the marriage to be legally recognized.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

If a mistake is discovered on a marriage certificate in Alabama, it is possible to correct the error. Errors may occur on a marriage certificate in various ways, such as:

• Incorrect names
• Incorrect dates of birth
• Misspelled names
• Incorrect address or residence information

To correct a mistake on a marriage certificate, couples must complete the "Amendment to Alabama Marriage Certificate and Decree of Correction" form. This form can be obtained from the county probate court that either issued the marriage license or recorded the marriage certificate.

The steps to correct the error include:

• Completing the form with the correct information
• Signing and notarizing the form by both spouses
• Submitting the form to the probate court for filing
• Paying a recording fee to the court

Once the amendment is recorded, the court will forward it to the Alabama Department of Public Health's Center for Health Statistics. The amendment will be permanently attached to the original marriage certificate and issued with certified copies when requested.

For more information and guidance, contact the appropriate probate office.

Are Marriage Records Under the Alabama Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

Alabama does not have an Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)for marriage records. In states with ACPs, victims of domestic violence or other crimes can protect their address from public records, but Alabama does not offer this service. As a result, marriage records in Alabama are accessible to the public once filed with the probate court.

If someone wants to protect themselves from public threats by keeping their marriage confidential, they should consult legal professionals for guidance. These experts can help explore other legal options for privacy, as Alabama does not have a specific program for confidential marriage records.

Alabama Marriage Statistics and Trends

Marriage trends in the U.S. show a mix of changes in the institution of marriage and cohabitation. Nationally, 53% of adults are married, with marriage rates decreasing since 1995. Cohabitation has risen, with 59% of adults aged 18-44 having cohabited at some point.

Across racial groups, marriage rates are highest among Asian adults at 63%, followed by white adults at 57%. Black adults have the lowest marriage rate at 33%.

For Alabama, the state's marriage statistics and trends show the following:

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