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:

• The Legal date of the marriage is determined by the date the parties sign and notarize their signatures on the Certificate, not the date the certificate is recorded. If the parties sign on different dates, then the later of the two signature dates (the date the second spouse signs) determines the Legal Date of the Marriage.
  For example, if Spouse A signs on June 1 and Spouse B signs on June 10th and it is recorded on June 20th, the official marriage is June 10th.
• If the form is not filed within 30 days, you will not have a legal marriage in Alabama. The Notarized Form must be received (not postmarked) within 30 days of the last notarized signature.
• 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.
• 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. 

Obtaining a Certified Copy

If recorded in Baldwin County, you may order certified copies of your Marriage License (if married prior to 8/29/19) or Marriage Certificate (if married on/after 8/29/19) from the Baldwin County Probate Office in Bay Minette. The fee is $3.00 per copy and you may request a copy through the mail if you send the fee (money order or cashier’s check). Please include a return address. If you make an in-office request, there are additional payment options of cash or credit card (service fee applies). Make payment payable to Judge of Probate. Complete the online request form (see below) and mail to the following address: Judge of Probate Marriage Section PO Box 459 Bay Minette, AL 36507

                             REQUEST FORM FOR CERTIFIED COPIES

Copies can also be obtained from the Alabama Department of Public Health for a fee.

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Alabama Marriage Certificate Corrections

If corrections are required to an Alabama Marriage Certificate that has already been recorded, please refer to the instructions and correction form below:
Guidelines for Amending an Alabama Marriage Certificate
Amendment to Alabama Marriage Certificate and Decree of Correction

Below are some additional links regarding marriage certificates

Ala. Act 2019-340

Request for Attorney General Opinion from Mobile County Probate Judge, Don Davis

Attorney General's response to Judge Davis

Attorney General's response to notary requirement

For Adults (effective August 2023) – Aug 2023 Marriage Cert and Instructions - Adults
For Minors (effective August 2023) – Aug 2023 MarriageCert and Instructions - Minors [16-17 years of age]