Jackson County Marriage Licenses

Jackson County marriage licenses are filed at the Probate Court in Scottsboro. This northeast Alabama county has about 53,000 residents. The county borders Tennessee and Georgia. A notable feature is the extended Monday hours. The Probate Court stays open until 6 PM on Mondays. This helps people who work during regular hours.

Jackson County Probate Court

The Probate Court handles all marriage filings in Jackson County. The office is in the county courthouse in Scottsboro. Staff manage marriages, estates, wills, and other probate matters. They can answer questions about forms and fees.

The office offers extended hours on Mondays. It stays open until 6 PM. This is helpful for working people who cannot visit during normal business hours. Tuesday through Friday, the office closes at 4:30 PM. Plan your visit based on your schedule.

Note: Take advantage of Monday extended hours if you work during the day.

Jackson County Marriage License Fees

The recording fee is $78 in Jackson County. This covers filing and recording your marriage license. The fee includes state and county portions. Part goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund by state law.

Payment is due when you file. Cash is usually accepted. Ask about checks or cards when you call. Knowing the payment options helps you prepare. The staff can confirm what methods they take.

Need extra copies? Get them from the Probate Court. Certified copies cost a few dollars each. The state has records from 1936 forward. Order through VitalChek for $15 plus service charges.

How to File in Jackson County

Start by downloading the form. Get it from the Alabama Department of Public Health website. Type all information. Do not handwrite. Print the form but do not sign until you have a notary present.

Both parties complete their sections. Include names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and addresses. List any prior marriages and how they ended. Both must sign. Both signatures need notarization by an Alabama notary.

To file in Jackson County, bring these items:

• Completed marriage license form (typed)
• Both signatures notarized by an Alabama notary
• Valid photo ID for the person filing
• $78 recording fee

The deadline is 30 days from the second signature. The marriage is legal on that date. Miss the deadline and the form becomes void. You would have to start over with a new form.

Only one person needs to go. Bring ID. The clerk reviews your documents and records the license. You leave with a copy.

Can You Search Jackson Records Online?

Jackson County has limited online records access. Some documents may be available through county systems. For marriage licenses, you may need to contact the Probate Court directly. Call or visit to ask about specific records.

The state has records from August 1936 to present. The Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery manages them. Order copies through VitalChek online. The fee is $15 for search and first copy. Additional copies cost $6.

Marriage records are public in Alabama. Anyone can request a copy. You do not have to be named on the license. Provide names and an approximate date to help find the record.

Extended Monday Hours in Jackson County

Jackson County offers extended hours on Mondays. The Probate Court stays open until 6 PM. This is unusual for Alabama counties. Most close between 4 and 5 PM. The late hours help working people access services.

If you work a 9-to-5 job, Monday evening is ideal. You can file your marriage license after work. No need to take time off. The courthouse is less crowded in the late afternoon. You may get faster service.

The extended hours show the county cares about accessibility. Not everyone can visit during traditional business hours. This policy makes the Probate Court more convenient for residents. Other counties could learn from this approach.

Marriage License Laws in Alabama

Alabama does not issue marriage licenses. The state uses a new system since 2019. Alabama Code Section 30-1-9.1 created this change. It took effect August 29, 2019.

No ceremony is required. No officiant is needed. No witnesses must be present. The marriage is a contract. Both parties sign, get it notarized, and file. The marriage is legal on the date of the second signature.

You must be 18 to marry without consent. Ages 16 and 17 need parental consent through a notarized affidavit. No one under 16 can marry. See Section 30-1-4 for age requirements.

If you divorced recently, wait 60 days. The period starts from your final divorce decree. File too early and the court will reject your form.

Cities in Jackson County

Jackson County includes Scottsboro, Stevenson, Bridgeport, Hollywood, and several smaller communities. Scottsboro is the county seat and largest city. None have populations over 50,000. All residents file marriage licenses at the Jackson County Probate Court.

The county sits in the Tennessee Valley. It borders both Tennessee and Georgia. The area offers mountain scenery and outdoor recreation. The Probate Court serves all residents from across the county.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Jackson County. Each has a Probate Court that records marriage licenses.

Search Jackson County Records

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