Search Macon County Marriage Records

Macon County marriage licenses are filed at the Probate Court in Tuskegee. This county has deep roots in American history. It is home to Tuskegee University and the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. The Probate Court handles all marriage license filings for the county. No license is needed in Alabama. Couples complete a form, get it notarized, and file it here. This guide covers the full process for getting married in Macon County.

Macon County Probate Court Office

The Macon County Probate Court is in Tuskegee. This office records all marriage licenses for the county. Staff can help you with forms and answer questions. The office is in the Macon County Courthouse on Main Street. You do not need an appointment to file.

Walk-ins are welcome during regular hours. The staff is used to helping couples through the process. Bring your completed form and valid ID. Processing takes just a few minutes once you arrive. The Probate Judge oversees all marriage records in Macon County.

Note: Call ahead if you plan to visit during lunch hours as staff may be limited.

Macon County Marriage License Fees

The recording fee in Macon County is $77. This is close to the state average. You pay this when you file your marriage license. The fee covers the recording and one certified copy.

Macon County accepts several payment methods. Cash works best. Checks are accepted from local banks. Credit and debit cards may have a small service fee added. Ask the clerk about payment options when you arrive.

If you need extra certified copies later, they cost less. The Probate Court charges a small fee for each additional copy. Many couples get two or three copies for their records. You may need copies for name changes, insurance, or legal matters.

The fee breakdown is as follows:

• Marriage license recording: $77
• Additional certified copies: $5 to $10 each
• Card processing fee: Around 2.5% if applicable

How to File in Macon County

Filing a marriage license in Macon County is straightforward. Alabama changed its marriage system in 2019. There are no licenses now. You just complete a form and file it.

First, download the marriage license form. Get it from the Alabama Department of Public Health website at dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage. The form must be typed. Handwritten forms are not accepted. Fill in all the required fields for both spouses.

Next, both parties must sign the form. Each signature must be notarized. You need an Alabama notary. Out-of-state notarization does not work since June 2022. The Macon County Probate Court may have a notary on staff. Call ahead to check.

Then bring the form to the Probate Court. Pay the $77 fee. The clerk will record your license. Your marriage is legal on the date of the second signature, not the filing date. You have 30 days from that date to file.

To complete your filing, bring these items:

• Completed marriage license form (typed)
• Valid photo ID for both parties
• Payment of $77
• Social Security numbers (for the form)

Note: If either party was married before, you may need to show proof of divorce. The 60-day waiting period after divorce must pass before you can file.

Can You Search Macon County Records Online?

Macon County uses the Ingenuity system for some online services. This platform lets you access certain Probate Court records. Marriage record search options may be limited online.

For the most complete search, contact the Probate Court directly. Staff can look up records by name or date. They can tell you what records exist and how to get copies. Phone requests are a good first step.

The state also keeps marriage records. The Alabama Center for Health Statistics has records from August 1936 forward. You can order copies through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. The state search fee is $15 for the first copy.

For older Macon County marriage records, you must contact the Probate Court. Records before 1936 exist only at the county level. Macon County has records going back many decades. Staff can help you find historical records.

Macon County and Tuskegee History

Macon County holds a special place in American history. Tuskegee is known worldwide. The Tuskegee Airmen trained here during World War II. These Black pilots broke barriers and served with honor. The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site draws visitors from across the country.

Tuskegee University is another landmark. Booker T. Washington founded it in 1881. George Washington Carver did his famous research here. The university remains a vital part of the community. Many couples with ties to the school file their marriage licenses in Macon County.

The courthouse in Tuskegee has seen much history. Civil rights events took place here. The building still serves the community today. Filing your marriage license here connects you to this rich heritage.

Macon County is mostly rural. The population is around 18,000. Tuskegee is the largest town and the county seat. The pace is slower here than in big cities. Staff at the Probate Court take time to help each couple.

Alabama Marriage License Laws

Alabama law governs marriage licenses. The main statute is Code of Alabama Section 30-1-9.1. This law ended the old license system in 2019. Now couples use a license form instead.

No ceremony is required. No officiant is needed. No witnesses must sign. The marriage is legal once both parties sign, get notarized, and file the form. This makes Alabama unique among states.

Age rules still apply. You must be at least 18 to marry without consent. Those aged 16 or 17 need parental consent. A parent must sign a notarized affidavit. No one under 16 can marry in Alabama.

Under Code of Alabama Section 22-9A-21, marriage records are public. Anyone can request copies with proper ID and payment. There is no restriction on who can access these records.

The 60-day rule applies to divorced persons. You must wait 60 days after a divorce is final before you can marry again. This is set by state law. The Probate Court will check if needed.

Cities in Macon County

Macon County has several communities. All residents file marriage licenses at the Tuskegee Probate Court. There are no qualifying cities over 50,000 in Macon County.

The main communities in Macon County include Tuskegee, Notasulga, Franklin, and Shorter. Tuskegee is the county seat and the largest town. It has about 8,000 residents. The other towns are smaller and more rural.

No matter where you live in Macon County, you file at the same office. The Probate Court in Tuskegee serves everyone. You can also file in any other Alabama county if that is more convenient.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Macon County. You can file your marriage license in any Alabama county, not just where you live.

Search Macon County Marriage Records

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