Cullman County Marriage License Records
Marriage licenses in Cullman County are filed at the Probate Court in Cullman. About 89,000 people live in this north-central Alabama county. The recording fee is $71, below the state average. Cullman County has German heritage and offers three office locations for county services, though you should confirm which locations handle marriage licenses.
Cullman County Quick Facts
Cullman County Probate Court Office
The Probate Court handles all marriage licenses in Cullman County. The main office is in the Cullman County Courthouse. Cullman is the county seat and largest city. The courthouse is downtown.
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.
| Office | Cullman County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 2nd Avenue SW Cullman, AL 35055 |
| Phone | (256) 775-4652 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Note: Cullman County uses the Ingenuity platform for some online services.
Cullman County Marriage License Fees
The recording fee in Cullman County is $71. This is slightly below the state average. You pay 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. Small local fees make up the remaining $1.
Payment methods include cash and checks. Credit and debit cards may be accepted with a service fee. Ask at the counter. For mail requests, send a check or money order to Cullman County Probate Court.
Extra certified copies cost about $5 each. Get several when you file. They are useful for name changes and legal documents.
How to File in Cullman County
Filing a marriage license in Cullman County follows standard Alabama rules. The process is straightforward.
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 Cullman County, bring these items:
- Completed marriage license form (typed)
- Valid photo ID for both parties
- Notarized signatures from both parties
- $71 recording fee
- 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.
Cullman County's German Heritage
Cullman County has deep German roots. Colonel John Cullman founded the city in 1873. He brought German immigrants to settle the area. The German influence remains visible today.
The county has the Ave Maria Grotto, a collection of miniature religious structures. St. Bernard Abbey has been here since 1891. German restaurants and festivals celebrate the heritage. The Oktoberfest draws visitors each fall.
For marriage records, this heritage means good record keeping. German settlers valued documentation. Historical records are well preserved. The Probate Court maintains organized files going back many decades.
Cullman County operates three office locations for various services. Call ahead to confirm which location handles marriage licenses. The main courthouse in Cullman is your safest choice for marriage filing.
Can You Search Cullman County Records Online?
Cullman County uses the Ingenuity platform for some online services. Online access to marriage records may be available. Check the county website for their portal.
Call (256) 775-4652 to search for specific 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 also keeps records. 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, try FamilySearch.org. They have digitized Alabama marriage records. Access is free with an account.
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. Cullman County follows this rule.
Search Cullman County Records
Use our search tool to find marriage records and other public records in Cullman County, Alabama.
Cities in Cullman County
Cullman County has several communities. Cullman is the largest city and county seat. Good Hope, Hanceville, and Holly Pond are other towns. All residents file at the Probate Court in Cullman.
Cullman has about 17,000 residents. No city in Cullman County has a population over 50,000. For marriage services, everyone uses the main courthouse.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Cullman County. You can file in any Alabama county. Consider nearby options based on convenience.