Access Marshall County Marriage Records

Marshall County marriage licenses are filed at the Probate Court in Guntersville. This county is known for Lake Guntersville, one of Alabama's top outdoor destinations. The recording fee is $73. The Probate Court handles all marriage filings for the county. Many couples come here from across the region. This guide covers the full process for getting married in Marshall County.

Marshall County Probate Court Office

The Marshall County Probate Court is in Guntersville. The courthouse sits in the downtown area near the lake. The office handles marriage licenses, wills, estates, and other legal matters. Staff are experienced with the filing process.

Guntersville is a popular destination. Visitors come for fishing, boating, and outdoor activities. Some couples choose to marry here because of the scenic location. The Probate Court serves both residents and visitors.

The office is open regular hours. Walk-ins are welcome. You do not need an appointment to file your marriage license. Staff can answer questions about the process.

Note: The office may be busy during lunch hours. Plan accordingly.

Marshall County Marriage License Fees

Marshall County charges $73 to record a marriage license. This is close to the state average. The fee includes recording and one certified copy. Payment is due when you file.

Cash is accepted. Checks are accepted from local banks. Credit and debit cards may work with a small processing fee. Ask the clerk about current payment options when you arrive.

Extra copies cost less. If you need more certified copies for name changes or legal matters, plan on a few dollars each. Many couples get two or three copies at filing time.

Fee summary:

• Marriage license recording: $73
• Additional certified copies: $5 to $10 each
• Card processing fee if applicable: Around 2.5%

How to File in Marshall County

Filing in Marshall County follows the state process. Alabama uses a new system. There is no license to get. You complete a form and file it.

Get the form from the Alabama Department of Public Health. The website is dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage. The form must be typed. Do not fill it out by hand. Complete all fields for both parties.

Both parties must sign the form. Each signature needs notarization by an Alabama notary. Out-of-state notarization is not valid since June 2022. Banks and shipping stores often have notaries.

Bring the form to the Probate Court. Pay the $73 fee. The clerk records your license. You get a certified copy right away. The process takes about 15 minutes.

Your marriage is legal on the date of the second signature. You have 30 days from that date to file. Do not wait until the last day.

Bring these items:

• Typed marriage license form
• Both signatures notarized
• Valid photo ID for both parties
• $73 payment

Can You Search Marshall County Records Online?

Marshall County uses the Ingenuity system for some online services. You may be able to access certain Probate Court records through this platform. Marriage record search options may be limited.

For a full records search, contact the Probate Court. Call (256) 571-7764 to ask about specific records. Staff can search by name or date. They can tell you what exists and how to get copies.

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

Older Marshall County records are at the Probate Court. For historical research, contact the office directly. Staff can help you find records going back many years.

Marshall County and Lake Guntersville

Marshall County is a destination county. Lake Guntersville draws people from across the Southeast. The lake covers over 69,000 acres. It is one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country.

Many couples choose Marshall County for their marriage. The scenic setting makes it popular. Some have weddings near the lake. Others simply file their licenses here while visiting. The Probate Court sees couples from many states.

Guntersville sits on a peninsula in the lake. The town has shops, restaurants, and lodging. The state park offers cabins and a resort lodge. Eagles nest along the lake in winter months.

Boating and fishing are year-round activities. Tournaments bring thousands of anglers to the area. The outdoor lifestyle attracts people looking to settle down. The county population has grown steadily.

The Probate Court staff are used to helping visitors. They understand that some couples are new to Alabama. They can explain the process clearly and answer questions.

Alabama Marriage License Laws

Alabama changed its marriage law in 2019. The state ended the license system. Now couples use a marriage license form. The main law is Code of Alabama Section 30-1-9.1.

No ceremony is required. No officiant needs to sign. No witnesses are needed. The marriage is legal once both parties sign, notarize, and file within 30 days. Alabama is unique among states.

Age rules still apply. You must be 18 to marry without consent. Those 16 or 17 need parental consent through a notarized affidavit. No one under 16 can marry.

Marriage records are public. Under Code of Alabama Section 22-9A-21, anyone can request copies with ID and payment.

If divorced, wait 60 days before remarrying. This is state law. The Probate Court may verify your divorce date.

Cities in Marshall County

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

Main communities include Guntersville, Albertville, Arab, and Boaz. Albertville is the largest with about 22,000 people. Guntersville is smaller but serves as the county seat. All are served by the same Probate Court.

You can file in any Alabama county. Marshall County welcomes anyone who wants to file here.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Marshall County. You can file your marriage license in any Alabama county.

Search Marshall County Marriage Records

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