Marriage Certificates

Bay Minette Location ONLY

Effective August 29, 2019:

• Alabama no longer requires a marriage license application. Probate courts will not issue marriage licenses.
• Baldwin County Probate (Bay Minette location only) records the marriage certificate.

Steps to Obtain, Complete, and Submit Your Marriage Certificate Form:

Step 1: Obtain the Form

• Download the Marriage Certificate Form from the Alabama Department of Public Health website:
  alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-certificate
  Note: Blank forms are NOT AVAILABLE at the Probate Office.

Step 2: Complete and Notarize the Form

• Fill out the form legibly and ensure all requested information is provided.
• No white-out or corrective marks allowed.
• The form must be printed on 8.5" x 11" white paper, front side only, as actual size, not “fit to page” or another modified size.
• Have the form notarized prior to submission by an Alabama Notary Public.
  (Notary services are not available at the Judge of Probate office.

Step 3: Submit the Form and Fee

• Submit the completed Notarized Form within 30 days of the last notarized signature.
• The fee is $73.00. No personal or business checks are accepted.
• Accepted Payment Method depends on how form is submitted.
• By Mail: Send to Judge of Probate, Attn: Marriage Section, PO Box 459, Bay Minette, AL 36507. Include a Money Order or Cashier’s Check, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
• In Person: Visit the Bay Minette location. No appointment is needed. Payment must be Cash or Credit Card. (processing fees apply)

Important Notes:

• Forms must be notarized prior to submission by an Alabama Notary The notary must be authorized under the laws of the State of Alabama. A Notary from another state is not permitted. Probate staff are not allowed to notarize Marriage Certificates.
• Both parties are not required to be present if submitted in person. It can also be brought in by a 3rd party.
• If properly recorded, the effective legal date of the marriage is the latter of the dates of the spouses' signatures. You can celebrate any day you want, have a ceremony any day you want, or not have a ceremony at all.
• If the form is not filed within 30 days, you will not have a legal marriagein Alabama.Notarized Form must be received (not postmarked) within 30 days of the last notarized signature.
• Ceremonies are not required:  You may hold a ceremony any time—or not have one at all.
• There are no requirements for officiants to register nor are there any credentials required to perform a ceremony.
• The Judge of Probate does NOT perform ceremonies.