Marriage license · U.S.

Alabama marriage license: cost and requirements

Alabama does not require a license: you fill out the state marriage form, sign it before an Alabama notary and submit it to the probate court within 30 days. The ceremony is optional.

Alabama summary

Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Official source, with details that may vary.

Cost: Varies by county: each probate court sets its own recording fee.
Waiting period: Not applicable: there is no license. The marriage is valid when the probate court records the form.
Validity: The signed, notarized form must reach the probate court within 30 days after the spouses' last signature; if it arrives late, the marriage is not valid and a new form must be filled out.
Witnesses: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.

How much is a marriage license in Alabama?

Varies by county: each probate court sets its own recording fee.

What do you need to get the license?

ID: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
Minimum age: 18. At 16 to 17, with the consent of a parent or guardian (page 2 of the form, the "Affidavit of Consent"), which must be submitted with page 1. Under 16: no.
Other requirements: Signatures in ink (not electronic) before a notary authorized in Alabama; a notary from another state or from the U.S. Department of State is not valid. If there was a recent divorce, check the divorce decree for possible waiting periods before remarrying.

Where do you get it, and who issues it?

No office has issued a license since August 29, 2019. The couple fills out the state form, the "Alabama Marriage Certificate," signs it before an Alabama notary and submits it for recording at the probate court of any Alabama county.

Where it is valid: It can be recorded at the probate court of any Alabama county. Forms sent by email are not accepted.

Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?

Waiting period: Not applicable: there is no license. The marriage is valid when the probate court records the form.
Validity: The signed, notarized form must reach the probate court within 30 days after the spouses' last signature; if it arrives late, the marriage is not valid and a new form must be filled out.

How many witnesses, and who can marry you?

Witnesses: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
Who can officiate: No ceremony or officiant is required; the ceremony is optional.

Alabama counties with an AltarPlan guide

We haven't published Alabama county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.

How to get a marriage license in Alabama

Confirm where to apply: No office has issued a license since August 29, 2019. The couple fills out the state form, the "Alabama Marriage Certificate," signs it before an Alabama notary and submits it for recording at the probate court of any Alabama county.
Get your payment ready: Varies by county: each probate court sets its own recording fee.
Count the waiting period: Not applicable: there is no license. The marriage is valid when the probate court records the form.
Marry within the validity period: The signed, notarized form must reach the probate court within 30 days after the spouses' last signature; if it arrives late, the marriage is not valid and a new form must be filled out.
Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Alabama marriage license valid anywhere in the state?

It can be recorded at the probate court of any Alabama county. Forms sent by email are not accepted.

What is the minimum age to marry in Alabama?

18. At 16 to 17, with the consent of a parent or guardian (page 2 of the form, the "Affidavit of Consent"), which must be submitted with page 1. Under 16: no.

Who can officiate a wedding in Alabama?

No ceremony or officiant is required; the ceremony is optional.

Does AltarPlan issue the license?

No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.

Sources and review date

Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics (Alabama Marriage Certificate FAQ) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.

Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.

AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.