Clarke County Marriage Licenses

Marriage licenses in Clarke County are filed at the Probate Court in Grove Hill. About 23,000 people live in this southwestern Alabama county. Clarke County stands out for two reasons: low fees and free online access. The recording fee starts at around $43, one of the lowest in the state. The county also offers a free online records portal through CountyGovServices.

Clarke County Probate Court Office

The Probate Court handles all marriage licenses in Clarke County. The office is in the courthouse in Grove Hill. This small town is the county seat. The courthouse is in the center of town, easy to find.

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: Clarke County uses CountyGovServices for free online record access. Check their portal before visiting.

Clarke County Marriage License Fees

The recording fee in Clarke County starts at around $43. This is one of the lowest in Alabama. The exact amount may vary. Call the court to confirm the current fee before visiting.

Why is Clarke County's fee so low? The county may structure fees differently than others. Some base charges may not apply the same way. This is a significant savings compared to the state average of $75.

The court accepts multiple payment methods. Cash is accepted. Checks work too. Ask about credit and debit cards when you arrive. For mail requests, send a check or money order to Clarke County Probate Court.

Extra certified copies cost a small additional fee. Get several when you file. They are useful for name changes and legal documents.

Note: Fee structures can change. Call (251) 275-3251 to verify the current recording fee before making the trip.

How to File in Clarke County

Filing a marriage license in Clarke County follows standard Alabama rules. The process is the same as other counties. The main difference is the lower cost.

First, get the form. Download it from dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage. The form must be typed. Do not handwrite. Both parties fill out their sections. Print after completing.

To file in Clarke County, bring these items:

• Completed marriage license form (typed)
• Valid photo ID for both parties
• Notarized signatures from both parties
• Recording fee (call to confirm amount)
• Social Security numbers

Both people sign in front of an Alabama notary. The notary stamps and signs. Banks often have free notary services. 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.

Clarke County's Low Fee

Clarke County offers some of the lowest marriage license fees in Alabama. At around $43, it is well below the state average. This makes Clarke County an attractive option for budget-conscious couples.

Why is the fee lower? The exact reason is not always clear. Fee structures vary by county. Clarke County may not charge certain local add-ons. Whatever the reason, the savings are real.

Here is how Clarke County compares:

• Clarke County: around $43 (among lowest)
• Lowest counties: $70
• State average: about $75
• Highest county (Calhoun): $104

Remember, you can file in any Alabama county. You do not have to live in Clarke County. If savings matter, consider making the trip to Grove Hill. Call ahead to confirm the current fee.

Free Online Records Portal

Clarke County offers free online access to probate records. The county uses CountyGovServices for their portal. This is a major advantage for record searches.

The portal lets you search from home. Look up marriage records, property documents, and other probate filings. The search is free. Enter a name or date to find records. Results show what is available.

Here is what you can do through the online portal:

• Search marriage records by name or date
• View document indexes
• Check recording dates and details
• See available records before visiting

For certified copies, you still need to contact the Probate Court. The online search just shows what exists. But this saves time. You know exactly what to request.

Visit the Clarke County website to access the portal. Or call (251) 275-3251 for help finding records.

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.

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. Clarke County follows this rule.

Search Clarke County Records

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

Cities in Clarke County

Clarke County has several small towns. Grove Hill is the county seat. Jackson, Thomasville, and Coffeeville are other communities. All residents file marriage licenses at the Probate Court in Grove Hill.

Jackson is actually the largest city in Clarke County with about 5,000 residents. Grove Hill has about 1,500. No city in Clarke County has a population over 50,000. For marriage services, everyone uses the courthouse in Grove Hill.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Clarke County. You can file your marriage license in any Alabama county. Consider these nearby options.