Calhoun County Marriage License Records

Marriage licenses in Calhoun County are filed at the Probate Court in Anniston. About 113,000 people live in this northeastern Alabama county. Calhoun County has the highest marriage recording fee in the state at $104. The extra $30 above the standard fee goes to support the local Children's Center. The court accepts cash and checks only, so plan accordingly.

Calhoun County Probate Court Office

The Probate Court handles all marriage licenses in Calhoun County. The office is in the Calhoun County Administration Building in Anniston. Anniston is the county seat and largest city. The building is in the downtown area.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The court closes for state holidays. No appointment is needed for marriage filing. Walk-ins are welcome. Arrive before 4:00 PM to allow processing time.

Note: Credit and debit cards are not accepted for marriage licenses. Bring cash or a check.

Calhoun County Marriage License Fees

The recording fee in Calhoun County is $104. This is the highest in Alabama. The fee covers recording, state filing, and one certified copy. There is a reason for the higher cost.

The fee breaks down like this. The base court fee is $10. The state adds $60 for the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Then Calhoun County adds $30 for the Children's Center. This extra fee supports child advocacy services. That is why Calhoun charges more than other counties.

Payment is limited here. The court accepts cash and checks only. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for marriage licenses. This is a key detail. Come prepared with the right payment method.

For mail requests, send a check or money order. Make it payable to Calhoun County Probate Court. Include the full $104 amount.

Extra certified copies cost about $5 each. Order a few when you file. You may need them for name changes and legal updates.

How to File in Calhoun County

Filing a marriage license in Calhoun County follows standard Alabama rules. The process is the same as other counties. Only the fee and payment method differ.

First, download the form. Go to dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage to get it. The form must be typed. Do not handwrite it. Both parties complete their sections. Print after filling in all details.

To file in Calhoun County, bring these items:

• Completed marriage license form (typed)
• Valid photo ID for both parties
• Notarized signatures from both parties
• $104 in cash or a check
• Social Security numbers

Both people must sign in front of an Alabama notary. The notary stamps and signs. Banks often have free notary services. UPS stores also offer notary services for a small fee. Complete this step before going to the courthouse.

Take the notarized form to the Probate Court. Hand it to the clerk with your IDs and payment. They check everything. If complete, they file it on the spot. You get a certified copy right away. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Remember: cash or check only. No cards. File within 30 days of the last signature.

Can You Search Calhoun County Records Online?

Calhoun County has limited online access for marriage records. Some county records may be available through their website. For specific marriage record searches, contact the Probate Court directly.

Call (256) 241-2825 to search for records. Staff can look up names and dates. They can tell you if a record exists. For certified copies, you may need to visit or mail a written request.

The state also keeps marriage records. Alabama Center for Health Statistics has records from 1936 forward. Order through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. The fee is $15 for search and first copy. Extra copies are $6.

For genealogy research, try FamilySearch.org. They have digitized many Alabama marriage records. Access is free with an account.

Why Calhoun Has the Highest Fee

Calhoun County's $104 fee is the highest in Alabama. This is not a mistake. It is a deliberate policy. The extra money supports a good cause.

In addition to the standard state fees, Calhoun County adds $30 for the Children's Center. This is the Calhoun County Children's Center, a child advocacy organization. They help abused and neglected children. The fee supports their programs.

Here is how Calhoun County compares to others:

• Calhoun County: $104 (highest in Alabama)
• Madison County: $89 (second highest)
• State average: about $75
• Lowest counties: $70

The extra $30 or so compared to the average may matter to some. But it goes to help children. Many couples view it as a small contribution to a worthy cause. If you prefer a lower fee, you can file in any Alabama county. Etowah County is nearby and charges $70.

Remember, you do not have to live in a county to file there. Choose based on cost, convenience, or any other factor that matters to you.

Cash and Check Only Policy

Calhoun County does not accept credit or debit cards for marriage licenses. This policy is strict. Do not arrive expecting to pay with a card. You will be turned away.

Your options are cash or check. Bring exact change if paying cash. The clerk may have limited ability to make change. A check is easier. Make it payable to Calhoun County Probate Court for $104.

If you are mailing your form, use a check or money order. Do not mail cash. The check should include your name and contact information. Allow extra time for mail processing.

Why no cards? Small county offices sometimes avoid card processing fees. The fee structure might also complicate card payments. Whatever the reason, plan ahead. Stop at an ATM or bring a checkbook.

Marriage License Laws in Alabama

Alabama changed its marriage laws in 2019. Marriage licenses no longer exist. The state uses marriage licenses now. No ceremony is required. No officiant is needed. Alabama is unique in this system.

The main law is Alabama Code Section 30-1-9.1. It set up the new system. Your marriage is valid when both sign and the form is recorded. File within 30 days.

Age rules come from Section 30-1-4. You must be 16 or older. Ages 16-17 need parental consent under Section 30-1-5.

Marriage records are public under Section 22-9A-21. Anyone can request copies.

After divorce, wait 60 days to remarry. Calhoun County follows this rule.

Search Calhoun County Records

Use our search tool to find marriage records and other public records in Calhoun County, Alabama.

Cities in Calhoun County

Calhoun County has several cities. Anniston is the largest and county seat. Oxford is also a significant city. Other communities include Jacksonville, Piedmont, and Weaver. All residents file marriage licenses at the Probate Court in Anniston.

Anniston has about 21,000 residents. Oxford has about 22,000. No city in Calhoun County has a population over 50,000. Jacksonville is home to Jacksonville State University. For marriage services, everyone uses the courthouse in Anniston.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Calhoun County. You can file in any Alabama county. If the $104 fee is a concern, consider nearby counties with lower fees.