I'm a wedding photographer. So why on earth am I making a blog post about the legalities of getting married here in Alabama? Because at one of my first weddings after I moved to Huntsville, my couple wasn't legally married at the end of it. Usually a wedding planner, an already married friend or family member, or at least the officiant will check in and make sure the couple has done everything they need to do to be married at the end of the day, but somehow no one caught it that time. They were able to go the next day and make it happen, so it all turned out okay, but I am absolutely determined to make sure none of my couples ever have to go through that again, if I can help it! So, without further ado:
HOW TO GET LEGALLY MARRIED IN ALABAMA
one / Find the link to the state-provided marriage certificate.
(Yep, I linked it below for you!) If for some reason that link doesn't work (cuz external links aren't foolproof), a simple google search of "Alabama Public Health Marriage Certificates" should pull up their vital records page. From there, navigate to the marriage certificate subpage, and then choose the "adult" fillable form that should be towards the top of the page.
two / Fill out the marriage certificate.
Alabama requires everything on the certificate (except the signatures) to be typed to make sure it's legible when they try to file it, so they've made the form super easy to fill out online.
three / Print it out.
If you don't have your own printer (or if you, like me, have one but cannot seem to get it to cooperate) there are plenty of other places you can print it out, usually for just a few cents. My first recommendation is going to be the Huntsville-Madison County library system. If that doesn't work for you, office supply stores (like Staples or Office Depot) or your local post office or grocery store also might be able to get it printed for you.
four / Find an Alabama notary.
The FAQ on the Alabama Public Health website says that "Notaries are available at many locations, including banks, public libraries, UPS stores, AAA and some pharmacies. Your personal bank should provide notary services for free, but there may be a charge for notary services at some of the other listed locations. Under Alabama law, a Notary Public is able to charge $5 for each signature that is notarized and for each official act performed. Notaries who drive to meet with you can charge an additional fee or fees to compensate them for the expense of travel; Alabama does not set limits on what a notary can charge for travel." They also provide a link to a directory of commissioned Alabama notaries!
five / Sign your marriage certificate!
If you guys sign it on different days (which, fun fact, you are allowed to do) the day of the second signature is your official marriage date, according to the state!
six / Deliver the signed and notarized marriage certificate to any Alabama Probate Court.
Make sure you do this within 30 days! Otherwise you'll have to start over. There is a fee associated with this as well, which varies depending on what county you submit your marriage certificate to. As of January 2023 it costs $89.00 (plus $2.00 for each certified copy) to file your marriage certificate at the Madison County Probate Court. The fee can be paid by cash or credit card in person, or by either cashiers check or certified check if you're mailing it in. You're also supposed to make sure you send a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you opt to mail in your certificate. That way you can make sure things get back to you! Here's the address to send the certificate to (for Madison County!):
Probate Judge
1918 Memorial Parkway, NW
Huntsville, AL 35801
And that's it! Alabama's marriage requirements differ from other states; you won't need to apply for a marriage license, ceremonies are optional, and you'll need a notary rather than an officiant. (Although you can have an officiant too!) It's a little different, but luckily it isn't too complicated.
MORE ALABAMA-SPECIFIC WEDDING POSTS
MEET SARAH
Alabama & Southeastern Wedding Photographer
Inspired by genealogy and family legacy, I go into every wedding day with the knowledge that your wedding photos are some of the only photos that stick around generationally — they are a critical part of the story your family will learn about you! I consider it’s my responsibility and privilege to help tell that story honestly and elegantly.
You should probably know: I will cry during your dad's speech. I will be getting down on the dance floor with your guests. I'll help you plan intentional time with your partner and closest friends and family on your wedding day — and step back so that you can experience those core memories without interruption. I'll guide you though portraits and wedding planning, work closely with your other vendors to make the magic happen, and capture every moment of your wedding day in all it's glory.
If that's the kind of wedding photographer you're looking for...
You're in the right place.
INQUIRE
Whether you’re getting married in Huntsville, North Alabama, or elsewhere in the southeast, I would love to be part of your wedding day!
The best way to reach me is by either filling out this contact form, or sending an e-mail to sarahmismashphotography@gmail.com with your wedding date and location. If you’ve filled out the form and haven’t heard from me in 48 hours, please email me directly!