N
InsightHorizon Digest

Are marriage records public in Alabama

Author

Joseph Russell

Updated on April 18, 2026

Vital records and statistics for Alabama are handled by the Center for Health Statistics. They collect, archive and issue certified copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates. … By Alabama law, marriage and divorce records are not private and can be obtained freely by the public.

Can you look up marriage records Alabama?

Yes. Marriage records in Alabama are public records. Thus, any requestor who can provide adequate information for a record search and pay all applicable fees can request and obtain a marriage record in Alabama.

How do I find out if someone is divorced in Alabama?

Send a mail application to the state office of the ADPH or visit any county health department in the state to request these records in person. The ADPH charges $15 to search for a divorce certificate and provide a certified copy of the record.

How can I check to see if someone is married?

Go to the courthouse of the city where the marriage was likely to occur. Public records can be useful for finding out whether someone is married now, or what their marriage history has been in the past. Marriage records are public; you can usually see a copy for free or for a small fee.

How do I get married in Alabama 2021?

  1. Legal Age With Parental Consent: 16.
  2. Legal Age Without Parental Consent: 18.
  3. Same Sex Marriage: Yes.
  4. Waiting Period: None.
  5. License Validity: 30 Days.
  6. Blood Test: Not Required.
  7. Residency: Not Required.
  8. Witnesses: In Alabama witnesses are not required.

What if there is no record of my marriage?

You will probably still be considered married even without the certificate. California law, for instance, needs the officiate to return the license to the recorder or county clerk within a 10-day period after the wedding. Should they not do this for whatever reason, you are still married in the eyes of the law.

How can you find out how many times someone has been married?

Birth, death, marriage and divorce records are typically managed and made available at the local county clerk’s office where the event took place. States will also often have a department of health that can provide access to older vital records.

Can a notary marry someone in Alabama?

There’s no license in the state of Alabama that’s issued for that,” Ragland said of performing weddings. “Notaries can do oaths, so I would think a notary could perform the ceremony. I think, the main thing is, if you don’t know them they should have to show an ID showing they are able to perform weddings.

Are divorce records public in Alabama?

By Alabama law, marriage and divorce records are not private and can be obtained freely by the public. Certificate costs are $15 dollars and $6 dollars for each additional copy.

Is it legal to marry your sister in Alabama?

No, Alabama does not allow legal marriage between siblings. Based on the wording of the law, it would seem that “siblings” applies to both those related by birth/blood and adopted children as well.

Article first time published on

What paperwork do you need to get married in Alabama?

Alabama Resident: Bride and Groom must have a valid photo identification such as a driver’s license, state identification card, government or military identification card, or a passport. A social security number is required to obtain a marriage license.

How can I find out a marriage date for free?

Go to the county records office. Marriage licenses, which show the date of marriage, are given by the county clerk and a search can be conducted at the County Recorder’s office. You need to go with as much information as you have about the marriage in question.

Are divorce records public?

In short, yes. Court proceedings, including divorce records, are generally matters of public record. This means that various documents are out there for the taking. Divorce certificates and divorce decrees are among those available.

Is marriage valid if not registered?

The absence of registration of marriage does not render the marriage illegal. A marriage without registration is perfectly legal. … Since you are married for all legal and practical purposes you can dissolve the marriage only through a decree of divorce passed by the competent court.

Who can marry a couple in Alabama?

Current law requires a minister, judge, retired judge or person otherwise authorized to perform a ceremony to sign the marriage license before it is recorded. Under the new law, the affidavit and forms constitute a legal marriage, as long as they are submitted within 30 days of being signed by the two parties.

What are the marriage laws in Alabama?

What is Required For a Marriage in Alabama? You will have to be of legal age to be married for those who want to get married. You need to have consent from the parents to allow the marriage, most especially you are under 18. You will also need a legal Driver’s License or Birth Certificate and a social security number.

How do you legally get married in Alabama?

The process for obtaining a marriage license in the state requires fewer steps than in other places. You simply have to print a form, get it notarized, and send it to the probate court. Fun fact: Alabama doesn’t even require couples to say vows in front of an officiant or have any sort of ceremony to get married.

Can you marry yourself legally?

Welcome to the world of self-marriage or “sologamy”, which has attracted increasing attention over the last few years. While it is not legal to marry yourself anywhere in the world, reports of people holding mock ceremonies go for several decades and can be found everywhere from Japan to Italy, to Australia and the UK.

Can I marry my cousin in Alabama?

According to the NCSL, cousin marriage is legal in: Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina (in North Carolina, first-cousin marriage is legal, but double-cousin marriage is prohibited), …

How much does it cost to get married at the courthouse in Alabama?

If you’re getting married in Alabama, you must first apply for a marriage license. It’ll cost you $70.00 to $104.00, and you’ll have to register it within 30 days.

Can you get married by proxy?

Proxy weddings are only legal in a handful of states – California, Montana, Colorado, and Texas. Double proxy weddings – in which both members of a marriage party use a proxy – are only legal in Montana. … This special type of marriage ceremony occurs in only select situations.

How do I find a date for a wedding?

  1. Check out your friend circle. …
  2. Consider exes you’re civil with. …
  3. Leave it up to the online dating gods. …
  4. Ask the bride and groom. …
  5. Invite your work boyfriend. …
  6. Team up with another single.