Monroe County Marriage Records Guide

Monroe County marriage licenses are filed at the Probate Court in Monroeville. This is the hometown of Harper Lee, author of "To Kill a Mockingbird." The historic courthouse inspired the book and film. The Probate Court handles all marriage filings for the county. Recording fees range from $70 to $77. This guide covers everything about getting married in Monroe County.

Monroe County Probate Court Office

The Monroe County Probate Court is in Monroeville. The courthouse is a famous landmark. It served as the model for the courthouse in "To Kill a Mockingbird." The building draws visitors from around the world.

The Probate Court handles marriage licenses, wills, and other legal matters. Staff are friendly and helpful. The office serves a smaller population, so wait times are usually short. Walk-ins are welcome.

Take note of the hours. The office closes at noon on Thursdays. Plan your visit around this. Call ahead if you are traveling from far away.

Note: Thursday hours are shorter. The office closes at noon that day.

Monroe County Marriage License Fees

Monroe County charges between $70 and $77 to record a marriage license. The exact fee may vary. Call ahead to confirm the current amount. The fee includes recording and one certified copy.

Cash is accepted. Checks from local banks may be accepted. Credit cards may have a processing fee. Ask the clerk about payment options when you call or visit.

If you need extra copies, plan ahead. Additional certified copies cost a few dollars each. Many couples get multiple copies for name changes and other legal needs.

Fee summary:

• Marriage license recording: $70 to $77
• Additional certified copies: Around $5 each
• Call to confirm current fees: (251) 743-4107

How to File in Monroe County

Filing in Monroe County follows the state process. Alabama uses a new system. There is no license. You complete a form and file it with the Probate Court.

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 handwrite it. Fill in all required fields.

Both parties must sign the form. Each signature needs notarization. Use an Alabama notary. Out-of-state notarization does not work since June 2022. Check with local banks for notary services.

Bring the form to the Probate Court. Pay the fee. The clerk will record 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 to file. Do not wait until Thursday afternoon since the office closes early.

What to bring:

• Typed marriage license form
• Both signatures notarized
• Photo ID for both parties
• Payment ($70 to $77)

Can You Search Monroe County Records Online?

Monroe 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 online.

For a complete search, contact the Probate Court directly. Call (251) 743-4107 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. Order through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. The fee is $15 for the first copy.

Monroe County has records going back many years. For historical research, the Probate Court is your best source. Staff can help you find older records.

Monroe County Literary Heritage

Monroe County has a special place in American literature. Monroeville is the hometown of Harper Lee. Her novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" is one of the most famous books ever written. The story is set in a town inspired by Monroeville.

The courthouse is a major landmark. It inspired the courthouse in the book and movie. The courtroom scene is one of the most memorable in film history. Visitors come from around the world to see it.

Truman Capote also grew up in Monroeville. He and Harper Lee were childhood friends. Both became famous writers. The town celebrates its literary heritage with museums and events.

Some couples choose Monroe County for its special meaning. Filing your marriage license in this historic courthouse connects you to literary history. The building has served the community for generations.

The town hosts a stage play of "To Kill a Mockingbird" each spring. It is performed in the actual courthouse. This draws visitors from across the country. The tradition shows how much the story means to the community.

Monroe County is proud of its heritage. The Probate Court staff serve in a building that matters to people everywhere. Filing here is more than a legal act. It is a connection to history.

Alabama Marriage License Laws

Alabama law changed 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 must sign. No witnesses are needed. The marriage is legal once both parties sign, notarize, and file within 30 days.

Age rules apply. You must be 18 to marry on your own. Those 16 or 17 need a parent's notarized affidavit. No one under 16 can marry in Alabama.

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

Wait 60 days after a divorce before remarrying. This is state law.

Cities in Monroe County

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

Main communities include Monroeville, Frisco City, and Excel. Monroeville is the county seat with about 6,000 people. The other towns are smaller. All are served by the same Probate Court.

You can file in any Alabama county. Monroe County welcomes anyone who wants to file here, including visitors who want to marry in this historic location.

Nearby Counties

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

Search Monroe County Marriage Records

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