Getting an Alabama Marriage License
Planning your wedding in the beautiful state of Alabama? Congratulations! One of the crucial steps before you say “I do” is to secure your marriage license. Understanding the legal requirements and application process for an Alabama marriage license is essential to ensure your union is both meaningful and legally recognized.
Residency Requirements for Marriage in Alabama
The good news is that you don’t have to be an Alabama resident to get married in the state. Whether you’re a resident or non-resident, Alabama welcomes you to celebrate your love within its borders.
Who Can Get Married in Alabama?
Before delving into the application process, it’s important to know who is eligible to marry in Alabama:
Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If either party is 16 or 17 years old, they can marry with parental consent, but individuals under 16 cannot marry in Alabama.
Blood Relationship: Alabama law prohibits marriage between certain blood relatives, such as siblings, half-siblings, and first cousins, unless both parties are 65 years of age or older.
Marital Status: If either party is currently married, they cannot marry another person until their prior marriage is legally dissolved through divorce or annulment.
Mental Capacity: Both parties must have the mental capacity to understand the nature of the marriage contract.
Alabama Marriage License Application Process
Let’s dive into the practical steps to obtain your Alabama marriage license:
Visit the County Probate Office: Both parties must appear together at any county probate office in Alabama to apply for the marriage license. This can be the probate office in the county where either party resides.
Complete the Application: You’ll need to fill out a marriage license application, providing essential details such as your name, address, and social security number.
Present Required Documents: Bring valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to prove your age and identity.
Pay the License Fee: There is a fee associated with obtaining an Alabama marriage license, so be prepared to pay at the time of application.
Waiting Period: Alabama has a waiting period of 60 days after the marriage license is issued. You can get married immediately after receiving the license, but it becomes invalid if not used within 60 days.
Receive Your Marriage License: Once you’ve completed the application process and met all requirements, you will receive your Alabama marriage license.
Documents You’ll Need
To apply for an Alabama marriage license, you’ll need to provide certain documents to prove your eligibility and identity. These documents include:
Valid photo identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
Social security numbers for both parties
If either party was previously married, documents related to the termination of the previous marriage (e.g., divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse)
Marriage License Fees in Alabama
The cost of obtaining a marriage license in Alabama may vary by county. It’s advisable to check with the specific probate office where you plan to apply for the most accurate fee information.
Waiting Period and Expiration
Alabama imposes a waiting period of 60 days from the date the marriage license is issued. This means you can marry immediately after obtaining the license, but it becomes invalid if not used within 60 days. Therefore, plan your wedding date accordingly.
Ceremony Officiants in Alabama
In Alabama, various individuals are authorized to officiate marriage ceremonies, including:
- Ministers, preachers, pastors, priests, and rabbis ordained by a recognized religious organization.
- Judges and justices of the peace.
- Other individuals designated by the state.
- Recording Your Alabama Marriage License
After your wedding ceremony, it’s essential to ensure that your marriage license is properly recorded. The officiant who performs your wedding will typically take care of this step, but it’s a good practice to confirm that the license is recorded with the probate office where you obtained it.
FAQ’s
Do I need to be an Alabama resident to get married in the state?
No, you do not need to be a resident of Alabama to get married in the state. Alabama welcomes couples from all over, making it a popular destination for weddings. Whether you’re an Alabama resident or coming from another state, you can obtain your marriage license here.
Is there a waiting period after obtaining the marriage license?
Yes, there is a waiting period of 60 days after the marriage license is issued. While you can marry immediately after receiving the license, keep in mind that it becomes invalid if not used within 60 days. So, plan your wedding date accordingly to make the most of your Alabama marriage license.
Can I get married in Alabama if I’m under 18 years old?
In most cases, individuals must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. However, if you are 16 or 17 years old, you can still marry in Alabama, but it requires parental consent. It’s important to note that Alabama law prohibits marriage for individuals under 16.
What documents do I need to bring when applying for a marriage license?
When you’re ready to apply for your Alabama marriage license, make sure to bring the following documents:
Valid photo identification for both parties (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
Social security numbers for both individuals.
If either party was previously married, be prepared to present documents related to the termination of the previous marriage, such as a divorce decree or the death certificate of the former spouse.
Can I have a friend or family member officiate my wedding in Alabama?
Yes, Alabama allows various individuals to officiate marriage ceremonies, which can include:
Ministers, preachers, pastors, priests, and rabbis ordained by a recognized religious organization.
Judges and justices of the peace.
Other individuals designated by the state. This means you can have a friend or family member ordained or designated by the state to perform your wedding ceremony, adding a personal touch to your special day.
