Hoover Marriage License Records
Marriage licenses in Hoover can be filed at two different Probate Courts. Hoover is a unique Alabama city because it spans two counties: Jefferson and Shelby. This means Hoover residents can choose where to file. About 93,000 people live in Hoover, making it the sixth largest city in Alabama. Jefferson County charges $84.50 and Shelby County charges $75. This guide explains both options for Hoover residents.
Hoover Quick Facts
Hoover Spans Two Counties
Hoover is one of the few Alabama cities that crosses county lines. Part of Hoover is in Jefferson County. The rest is in Shelby County. Your home address determines which county you are in. But for marriage licenses, it does not matter.
You can file in either county. Alabama has no residency requirement for marriage. You do not have to file in the county where you live. You can pick whichever Probate Court is more convenient or has a lower fee.
Jefferson County charges $84.50. Shelby County charges $75. That is a $9.50 difference. Shelby County also has a free wedding gazebo if you want a ceremony. Both counties accept the same form and process it the same way.
Think about these factors when choosing:
- Fee: Shelby County is $9.50 cheaper
- Location: Which courthouse is closer to you?
- Ceremony: Shelby has a free gazebo for weddings
- Hours: Check which office fits your schedule
Filing in Jefferson County
If you choose Jefferson County, you have two Probate Court divisions. The Birmingham Division is the main office. The Bessemer Division serves the western part of the county.
Most Hoover residents are closer to the Birmingham Division. It is in downtown Birmingham at 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North. The fee is $84.50.
| Office | Jefferson County Probate Court, Birmingham Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Room 120 Birmingham, AL 35203 |
| Phone | (205) 325-5420 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Fee | $84.50 |
Jefferson County has a good online system called Landmark WEB. You can search marriage records at landmarkweb.jccal.org. Records go back to 1987 for Birmingham Division.
Filing in Shelby County
Shelby County Probate Court is in Columbiana. This is the county seat, about 25 miles south of Hoover. The drive takes about 30 minutes. The fee is $75.
Shelby County has a unique feature. There is a free wedding gazebo near the courthouse. If you want a ceremony, you can use it on a first-come basis. Call ahead to check availability.
| Office | Shelby County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 112 N. Main Street Columbiana, AL 35051 |
| Phone | (205) 670-5220 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Fee | $75 |
Shelby County uses the Ingenuity online system for some records. Contact the Probate Court for details on online access.
How to Get a Marriage License in Hoover
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 the same in both counties.
First, get the official form. Download it from dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage. You must type the form. Handwritten forms are rejected. Both parties fill out their sections.
Second, get notarized signatures. Both parties sign the form. Each signature needs an Alabama notary. Out-of-state notarization is not valid. Banks and shipping stores have notaries.
Third, file at the Probate Court. Pick Jefferson or Shelby. You have 30 days from the last signature. The marriage is legal on the signature date, not the filing date.
Bring these items when you file:
- Completed marriage license form (typed)
- Both signatures notarized by Alabama notary
- Valid photo ID
- $84.50 (Jefferson) or $75 (Shelby)
Free Wedding Gazebo in Shelby County
Shelby County has a free wedding gazebo near the courthouse in Columbiana. This is a nice option for couples who want a simple ceremony. There is no extra fee to use it.
The gazebo is available on a first-come basis. It is not reserved. Call the Probate Court at (205) 670-5220 to ask about availability. The Judge of Probate can perform ceremonies if you schedule one.
Remember that ceremonies are optional in Alabama. You do not need one to be legally married. The marriage is valid when you file the notarized form. But if you want a ceremony, Shelby County makes it affordable.
Alabama Marriage License Laws
Alabama changed its marriage system in 2019. The law is Alabama Code Section 30-1-9.1. It created the new system and eliminated licenses.
Key requirements under the law:
- Both parties must be at least 18 (or 16-17 with parental consent)
- Both signatures must be notarized in Alabama
- File within 30 days of the last signature
- No ceremony, officiant, or witnesses required
- No blood test or waiting period
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.
County Marriage Records
Hoover is in both Jefferson and Shelby counties. For more details on each county's Probate Court, fees, and services, see their pages.
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)
- Auburn (Lee County)
- Dothan (Houston County)
- Madison (Madison County)
- Decatur (Morgan County)
Search Marriage Records
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