Montgomery Marriage License Records
Marriage licenses in Montgomery are filed at the Montgomery County Probate Court. Montgomery is the capital of Alabama and has about 195,000 residents. As the state capital, Montgomery is home to many state agencies including the Center for Health Statistics that maintains all marriage records. The Probate Court offers courthouse ceremonies for couples who want one. The recording fee is $78.50. This guide explains how to file and search marriage records in Montgomery.
Montgomery Quick Facts
Where to File in Montgomery
Montgomery residents file marriage licenses at the Montgomery County Probate Court. The courthouse is at 101 South Lawrence Street in downtown Montgomery. This is near the state capitol building.
Cities do not handle marriage records in Alabama. Only the county Probate Court can file your form. Montgomery County serves all residents of the city and surrounding areas.
| Office | Montgomery County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 South Lawrence Street Montgomery, AL 36104 |
| Phone | (334) 832-1235 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Fee | $78.50 |
The courthouse is in downtown Montgomery near Court Square. Metered street parking is available. There are also parking decks nearby. Security screening is required at the entrance. Bring a valid photo ID.
Montgomery Courthouse Ceremonies
Montgomery County is one of the few Alabama counties that offers marriage ceremonies at the courthouse. This is optional. Alabama does not require a ceremony to be legally married. But some couples want one.
Ceremonies are available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. You must make an appointment. The total cost is $88, which includes the $78.50 recording fee and $9.50 ceremony fee. Call (334) 832-1235 to schedule.
The Judge of Probate performs the ceremonies. You can bring guests to watch. The ceremony is brief and simple. You still need to complete the marriage license form and have it notarized before the ceremony.
If you do not want a ceremony, you can just file the form. Walk in during office hours. Pay the $78.50 fee. Your marriage is legal based on the signature date, not the ceremony or filing date.
How to Get a Marriage License in Montgomery
Alabama uses marriage licenses, not licenses. This changed in 2019. No ceremony is required by law. No officiant is needed. No witnesses are required. You just file a form.
Start by downloading 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 with all required information.
Next, get notarized signatures. Both parties must sign. Each signature needs an Alabama notary. Out-of-state notarization is not valid. Banks, UPS stores, and law offices often have notaries.
Finally, file at the Probate Court. You have 30 days from the last signature. Pay $78.50. The marriage is legal on the date of the last signature, not the filing date.
Bring these items when you file:
- Completed marriage license form (typed)
- Both signatures notarized by Alabama notary
- Valid photo ID
- $78.50 recording fee
Montgomery Marriage License Fees
Montgomery County charges $78.50 to record a marriage license. This is close to the state average. The fee includes the $60 Domestic Violence Trust Fund fee required by state law.
If you want a ceremony, add $9.50. The total is $88. The ceremony is optional. Many couples file without one.
The court accepts cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards. There may be a card processing fee. For mail requests, send a check or money order payable to Montgomery County Probate Court.
Getting copies later costs extra. Call (334) 832-1235 for current copy fees. You can also order from the state through VitalChek for $15 plus service fees.
Can You Search Montgomery Records Online?
Montgomery County has online records from about 1975 forward. The county has a custom portal for searching. Contact the Probate Court at (334) 832-1235 for details on online access.
Being the state capital, Montgomery also has access to state records. The Alabama Center for Health Statistics is located in Montgomery. They have all marriage records from August 1936 forward.
You can order copies through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. The state fee is $15 for the first certified copy. Extra copies are $6 each. VitalChek adds service fees.
For records before 1936, contact the Probate Court directly. Staff can search older records. Some may require an in-person visit to view.
Alabama Marriage License Laws
Alabama changed its marriage system in 2019. The law is Alabama Code Section 30-1-9.1. The state now uses marriage licenses instead of licenses.
Key requirements under Alabama 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 in Alabama. Under Alabama Code Section 22-9A-21, anyone can request copies. You do not need to be a spouse or family member.
If you were divorced, wait 60 days before filing a new marriage license. This is required by state law.
Montgomery County Marriage Records
Montgomery is in Montgomery County. All marriage licenses for the city are filed at the Montgomery County Probate Court. For full details on the court, fees, and ceremony options, see the county page.
Other Alabama Cities
Looking for marriage license information in another Alabama city? Here are the other major cities with populations over 50,000.
- Huntsville (Madison County)
- Mobile (Mobile County)
- Birmingham (Jefferson County)
- Tuscaloosa (Tuscaloosa County)
- Hoover (Jefferson/Shelby County)
- Auburn (Lee County)
- Dothan (Houston County)
- Madison (Madison County)
- Decatur (Morgan County)
Search Marriage Records
Use our search tool to find marriage records and other public records for Montgomery residents.