Search Decatur Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Decatur are filed at the Morgan County Probate Court. Decatur is the county seat of Morgan County and has about 58,000 residents. The city is in the Tennessee Valley region of north Alabama. An important notice: the courthouse is temporarily relocating in February 2026. Morgan County does not accept checks for payment. The recording fee is $78. This guide covers how to file your marriage license in Decatur.
Decatur Quick Facts
Where to File in Decatur
Decatur residents file marriage licenses at the Morgan County Probate Court. The regular location is at 302 Lee Street NE in downtown Decatur. However, the courthouse is temporarily relocating in February 2026. Call ahead to confirm the current address.
Cities do not handle marriage records in Alabama. Only the county Probate Court can file your form. Morgan County serves all residents of Decatur and surrounding areas.
| Office | Morgan County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 302 Lee Street NE Decatur, AL 35601 (Temporary relocation Feb 2026 - call to verify) |
| Phone | (256) 351-4675 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Fee | $78 |
Call (256) 351-4675 before visiting. The office is relocating in February 2026. Staff can give you the current address. They can also answer questions about the filing process.
Decatur and Morgan County
Morgan County is making changes to its courthouse. The Probate Court is temporarily relocating in February 2026. This is part of building improvements. The relocation is temporary, but the timeline is not clear.
Before you visit, call (256) 351-4675. Staff will tell you the current location. They can also confirm hours and services. Do not rely on old address information during this period.
Morgan County uses the Ingenuity online system for some records. They also use the ImagePro document management system. These systems continue to work during the relocation.
Note: Morgan County does not accept checks. Bring cash or a card. There is a $1.95 fee for card payments. Plan your payment method before you visit.
How to Get a Marriage License in Decatur
Alabama uses marriage licenses, not licenses. This changed in 2019. No ceremony is required. No officiant is needed. No witnesses are required. The process is simple.
First, download the official form. Go to dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage. The form must be typed. Handwritten forms are rejected. Both parties fill out their sections.
Second, get both signatures notarized. Each party signs in front of an Alabama notary. Out-of-state notarization is not valid. Banks and UPS stores in Decatur have notary services.
Third, file at the Probate Court. Call first to confirm the location. You have 30 days from the last signature. Pay $78 with cash or card (no checks). The marriage is legal on the date of the last signature.
Bring these items when you file:
- Completed marriage license form (typed)
- Both signatures notarized by Alabama notary
- Valid photo ID
- $78 recording fee (no checks accepted)
Decatur Marriage License Fees
Morgan County charges $78 to record a marriage license. This is close to the state average. The fee includes the $60 Domestic Violence Trust Fund fee required by law.
Payment rules are strict in Morgan County. Checks are not accepted. You must pay with cash or a card. Credit and debit cards have a $1.95 processing fee. Plan accordingly.
For mail requests, use a money order or cashier's check. Do not send personal checks. They will be returned. Include return postage if you want your receipt mailed.
Certified copies cost extra. Call (256) 351-4675 for copy fees. You can also get copies through VitalChek from the state for $15 plus service fees.
Can You Search Decatur Records Online?
Morgan County uses the Ingenuity online system for some services. They also use ImagePro for document management. Contact the Probate Court at (256) 351-4675 for details on online access.
For record searches, you can call the court. Staff can look up records by name or date. They can tell you if a record exists and how to get a copy.
For state records from August 1936 forward, use VitalChek at vitalchek.com. The state fee is $15 for the first certified copy. Extra copies cost $6 each.
Alacourt ACCESS at pa.alacourt.com has court records but focuses on court cases. Marriage licenses are probate records and may not appear there.
Alabama Marriage License Laws
Alabama changed its marriage system in 2019. The law is Alabama Code Section 30-1-9.1. It eliminated marriage licenses and created the new system.
Key requirements for marriage in Alabama:
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old
- Ages 16-17 need notarized parental consent
- Both signatures must be notarized in Alabama
- File within 30 days of the last signature
- No ceremony, officiant, or witnesses required
Marriage records are public under Alabama Code Section 22-9A-21. Anyone can request copies.
If you were divorced, wait 60 days before filing a new marriage license. This is required by state law.
Morgan County Marriage Records
Decatur is in Morgan County. All marriage licenses for Decatur residents are filed at the Morgan County Probate Court. For more details on the court, the relocation, and fees, see the county page.
Other Alabama Cities
Looking for marriage license info in another Alabama city? Here are the other major cities with populations over 50,000.
- Huntsville (Madison County)
- Mobile (Mobile County)
- Birmingham (Jefferson County)
- Montgomery (Montgomery County)
- Tuscaloosa (Tuscaloosa County)
- Hoover (Jefferson/Shelby County)
- Auburn (Lee County)
- Dothan (Houston County)
- Madison (Madison County)
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