Find Marengo County Marriage Records

Marengo County marriage licenses are filed at the Probate Court in Linden. This county sits in Alabama's Black Belt region. It is known for rich soil and historic antebellum architecture. The Probate Court handles all marriage license filings for county residents and anyone who chooses to file here. No license is needed under Alabama's current system. This guide covers everything about getting married in Marengo County.

Marengo County Probate Court Office

The Marengo County Probate Court is in Linden. This small town serves as the county seat. The courthouse is in the center of town. The Probate Court handles marriage licenses, wills, and other legal matters.

Staff are helpful and patient. The office sees fewer filings than big city courts. This means less waiting for you. Walk-ins are welcome. You do not need an appointment to file your marriage license in Marengo County.

The office keeps regular hours Monday through Friday. Call ahead if you plan to visit during lunch. Staff may be limited at that time. The phone number is the best way to confirm hours and ask questions.

Note: Marengo County has limited online services. Plan to visit in person or call for mail-in options.

Marengo County Marriage License Fees

The recording fee in Marengo County is $75. This is right at the state average. The fee covers recording your license and one certified copy. You pay when you file.

Cash is the safest payment option. The office accepts checks from local banks. Credit cards may be accepted with a fee. Ask the clerk about current payment methods when you call or visit.

Extra copies cost less. If you need more certified copies later, plan to pay a few dollars each. Many couples get multiple copies. You may need them for name changes, insurance, or bank accounts.

The fee structure is straightforward:

• Marriage license recording: $75
• Additional certified copies: $5 to $10 each
• Payment methods: Cash, local checks, possibly cards

How to File in Marengo County

Filing in Marengo County follows the same process as all Alabama counties. The state uses a new system. There is no license to apply for. You complete a form and file it.

Get the form first. Download it from dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage. The form must be typed. Do not write by hand. Fill in all fields for both parties.

Sign the form. Both parties must sign. Each signature needs notarization by an Alabama notary. This rule has been strict since June 2022. Out-of-state notarization is not valid. Banks often provide free notary services.

Bring the form to the Probate Court. Pay the $75 fee. The clerk records your license. You get a certified copy. The whole process takes about 15 minutes if your form is complete.

Remember the 30-day rule. Your marriage date is the date of the second signature. You have 30 days from that date to file. Do not wait too long.

Bring these items when you file:

• Typed marriage license form
• Notarized signatures from both parties
• Valid photo ID for both people
• Payment of $75

Can You Search Marengo County Records Online?

Marengo County has limited online access. The county does not operate a full public records portal. You cannot search marriage records online through the county website.

For records searches, call the Probate Court. Staff can look up records by name or date. They can tell you if a record exists. They can make copies for you to pick up or receive by mail.

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

Older records are at the county level only. Marengo County has records going back many decades. For historical research, contact the Probate Court directly. Staff can help you find what you need.

Marengo County and the Black Belt

Marengo County is in Alabama's Black Belt region. This area gets its name from the dark, rich soil. The soil made this region perfect for cotton farming before the Civil War. Many historic plantations dot the landscape.

Antebellum architecture is common here. Old homes and buildings still stand. Some date back to the 1800s. The Linden Historic District has several notable structures. Couples sometimes choose this area for its historic charm.

Demopolis is the largest city in Marengo County. It sits on the Tombigbee River. The town hosts the annual Christmas on the River celebration. While Demopolis is larger, the county seat remains Linden.

The population is around 18,500. This is a rural county. The pace is slower than in urban areas. The Probate Court reflects this. Staff take time with each person who visits. There is less rush and more personal service.

Filing your marriage license here connects you to this historic region. The courthouse has served the community for generations. Many families have filed their marriage records in this same building over the years.

Alabama Marriage License Laws

Alabama changed its marriage system in 2019. The state no longer issues licenses. Now couples use a marriage license form. The law is Code of Alabama Section 30-1-9.1.

No ceremony is required. No minister or judge needs to sign. No witnesses are needed. Your marriage is legal once both parties sign, get it notarized, and file within 30 days. This system is unique to Alabama.

Age rules still apply. You must be 18 to marry on your own. Those 16 or 17 need parental consent through a notarized affidavit. No one under 16 can marry in Alabama.

Records are public. Under Code of Alabama Section 22-9A-21, anyone can request marriage records. You just need ID and payment. There is no restriction on who can access these records.

If you were married before, wait 60 days after your divorce is final. This is Alabama law. The Probate Court may ask for proof of your divorce date.

Cities in Marengo County

Marengo County has several towns. None have populations over 50,000. All residents file marriage licenses at the Linden Probate Court.

The main communities include Demopolis, Linden, Thomaston, and Sweet Water. Demopolis is the largest with about 7,000 people. Linden is smaller but serves as the county seat. All towns are served by the same Probate Court.

You can file in any Alabama county. If another county is more convenient, you can go there instead. But the Marengo County Probate Court is ready to help all who come.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Marengo County. You can file your marriage license in any Alabama county, not just your home county.

Search Marengo County Marriage Records

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