Clay County Marriage License Records

Marriage licenses in Clay County are filed at the Probate Court in Ashland. About 13,000 people live in this eastern Alabama county. Clay County offers a unique benefit: a $40 discount for couples who complete premarital counseling. The regular fee is $77. With a counseling certificate, it drops to $37. Important note: the office closes at 2:00 PM daily.

Clay County Probate Court Office

The Probate Court handles all marriage licenses in Clay County. The office is in the courthouse in Ashland. This small town is the county seat. The courthouse is in the center of town.

Here is the important detail: the office closes at 2:00 PM every day. This is earlier than most Alabama counties. Plan to arrive in the morning. Do not show up in the afternoon expecting service. The court opens at 8:00 AM. Get there early.

Note: The 2:00 PM closing is strict. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.

Clay County Marriage License Fees

The standard recording fee in Clay County is $77. This is close to the state average. But here is the good news: you can save $40 with premarital counseling.

If you complete premarital counseling and bring a certificate, the fee drops to $37. This is one of the lowest effective fees in Alabama. The counseling must be from a qualified provider. Ask the court what certificates they accept.

The fee includes recording, state filing, and one certified copy. Payment methods include cash and checks. Ask about cards when you arrive. For mail requests, send a check or money order.

Extra certified copies cost about $5 each. Get several when you file. You may need them for name changes and legal matters.

How to File in Clay County

Filing a marriage license in Clay County follows standard Alabama rules. Just remember the early closing time. Arrive before 1:30 PM to allow processing.

First, get the form. Download it from dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage. The form must be typed. Both parties fill out their sections. Print after completing.

To file in Clay County, bring these items:

• Completed marriage license form (typed)
• Valid photo ID for both parties
• Notarized signatures from both parties
• $77 recording fee (or $37 with counseling certificate)
• Premarital counseling certificate (if claiming discount)
• Social Security numbers

Both people sign in front of an Alabama notary. The notary stamps and signs. Complete this before visiting the courthouse.

Bring everything to the Probate Court. The clerk reviews your form. 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.

Clay County Premarital Discount

Clay County offers a $40 discount for premarital counseling. This is a significant savings. The regular fee is $77. With counseling, it is just $37. This is among the lowest effective fees in Alabama.

How does it work? Complete premarital counseling with a qualified provider. Get a license proving you finished the course. Bring the license when you file. The court reduces your fee.

What counts as premarital counseling? Ask the Probate Court for specifics. Generally, the counseling must cover relationship topics. It may be offered by churches, community organizations, or licensed counselors. The course length varies. Some are just a few hours.

Here is what you need to know about the discount:

• Discount amount: $40 off the regular fee
• Regular fee: $77
• Fee with counseling: $37
• Counseling must be completed before filing
• Bring a license from the counseling provider

Is the counseling worth it? That depends. If you were planning to do it anyway, the savings are a bonus. If cost is your main concern, compare the counseling cost to the $40 savings. Some free or low-cost options exist.

Call (256) 354-2198 to ask what counseling certificates they accept. Get details before spending time or money on a course.

Clay County Early Closing

Clay County Probate Court closes at 2:00 PM daily. This is earlier than most Alabama counties. Do not make the trip only to find closed doors. Plan carefully.

Why the early closing? Small county offices set their own hours. Staff availability and budget may be factors. Whatever the reason, the 2:00 PM closing is firm.

Tips for visiting Clay County:

• Arrive before 1:30 PM to allow processing time
• Morning visits are safest
• Call ahead to confirm hours
• Do not come on weekends or holidays

If the early closing does not work for you, remember you can file in any Alabama county. Nearby counties may have later hours. Check before driving.

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. Clay County follows this rule.

Search Clay County Records

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

Cities in Clay County

Clay County is rural with few incorporated areas. Ashland is the county seat and main town. Lineville is another small community. All residents file at the Probate Court in Ashland.

Ashland has about 2,000 residents. No city in Clay County has a population over 50,000. For marriage services, everyone uses the courthouse in Ashland.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Clay County. You can file in any Alabama county. If the early closing does not work for you, consider a nearby county.