Choctaw County Marriage License Records
Marriage licenses in Choctaw County are filed at the Probate Court in Butler. About 12,000 people live in this western Alabama county along the Tombigbee River. The recording fee is $70, tied for the lowest in the state. The Probate Judge in Choctaw County also chairs the County Commission, a dual role common in smaller Alabama counties.
Choctaw County Quick Facts
Choctaw County Probate Court Office
The Probate Court handles all marriage licenses in Choctaw County. The office is in the courthouse in Butler. This small town is the county seat. The courthouse is in the center of town.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The court closes for state holidays. No appointment is needed. Walk-ins are welcome for marriage filing. Arrive before 4:00 PM to allow processing time.
| Office | Choctaw County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 117 South Mulberry Street Butler, AL 36904 |
| Phone | (205) 459-2414 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Note: Choctaw County is a small office. Call ahead to make sure the staff you need is available.
Choctaw County Marriage License Fees
The recording fee in Choctaw County is $70. This is tied for the lowest in Alabama. You pay this when you file. The fee covers recording, state filing, and one certified copy.
The fee includes state-mandated charges. The base court fee is $10. The state adds $60 for the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Choctaw County adds no local fees. That is why the cost is lower.
The court accepts cash and checks. Ask about credit and debit cards when you arrive. For mail requests, send a check or money order to Choctaw County Probate Court.
Extra certified copies cost about $5 each. Get several when you file. You may need them for name changes or other legal purposes.
How to File in Choctaw County
Filing a marriage license in Choctaw County follows standard Alabama rules. The process is straightforward. Prepare in advance for a smooth visit.
First, get the form. Download it from dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage. The form must be typed. Do not handwrite. Both parties complete their sections. Print after filling in all details.
To file in Choctaw County, bring these items:
- Completed marriage license form (typed)
- Valid photo ID for both parties
- Notarized signatures from both parties
- $70 recording fee
- Social Security numbers
Both people must sign in front of an Alabama notary. The notary stamps and signs. Banks often offer free notary service. Complete this before visiting the courthouse.
Bring the notarized form to the Probate Court. The clerk reviews it. If complete, they file it right away. You get a certified copy. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
File within 30 days of the last signature. Your marriage is valid from that date.
Can You Search Choctaw County Records Online?
Choctaw County has limited online access for records. This is common in smaller rural counties. For specific marriage record searches, contact the Probate Court directly.
Call (205) 459-2414 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 request.
The state keeps records too. Alabama Center for Health Statistics has marriage records from 1936 forward. Order through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. The fee is $15 for search and first copy.
For genealogy research, try FamilySearch.org. They have digitized Alabama marriage records. Access is free with an account.
Choctaw County Government
Choctaw County has a unique government structure. The Probate Judge chairs the County Commission. This dual role is common in smaller Alabama counties. The judge handles both probate matters and county government.
What does this mean for marriage licenses? Not much in practice. The Probate Court staff handles day-to-day filings. But it does mean the judge has broad responsibilities. Office schedules may shift for commission meetings or other duties.
In larger counties, these roles are separate. The Probate Judge handles court matters. A separate commission chairman runs county government. In Choctaw County and similar small counties, one person does both.
This structure dates back to Alabama's early days. It works for small populations. The judge knows the community. County services stay consolidated. For marriage filing, the process is the same as any other county.
Marriage License Laws in Alabama
Alabama changed its marriage laws in 2019. Marriage licenses are gone. The state uses licenses now. No ceremony is required. No officiant is needed. It is a legal contract.
Alabama Code Section 30-1-9.1 set up the new system. Your marriage is valid when both sign and the form is recorded. File within 30 days.
Under Section 30-1-4, you must be 16 or older. Ages 16-17 need parental consent per Section 30-1-5.
Marriage records are public under Section 22-9A-21. Anyone can request copies.
After divorce, wait 60 days to remarry. Choctaw County follows this rule.
Search Choctaw County Records
Use our search tool to find marriage records and other public records in Choctaw County, Alabama.
Cities in Choctaw County
Choctaw County is rural with few incorporated towns. Butler is the county seat and largest community. Silas and Gilbertown are other small towns. All residents file marriage licenses at the Probate Court in Butler.
Butler has about 1,900 residents. No city in Choctaw County has a population over 50,000. For marriage services, everyone uses the courthouse in Butler.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Choctaw County. You can file your marriage license in any Alabama county. Consider nearby options based on convenience.