Montgomery County Marriage Licenses

Montgomery County marriage licenses are filed at the Probate Court in downtown Montgomery. This is Alabama's state capital and a city rich with history. The Probate Court offers courthouse ceremonies on select days. The recording fee is $78.50. Montgomery County serves a large metropolitan area. This guide covers everything about filing your marriage license in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County Probate Court Office

The Montgomery County Probate Court is at 101 South Lawrence Street. The office is in the heart of downtown Montgomery. This is one of the busiest Probate Courts in the state. Staff handle many filings each week.

The courthouse is near the Alabama State Capitol. Many state offices are nearby. Parking is available in the area. The office serves a large population. Wait times can vary by day and time.

Montgomery County has a custom online portal for records. This sets it apart from many counties. You can access some records going back to about 1975. This makes research easier.

Note: Arrive early if you want a ceremony. Afternoon slots on ceremony days fill up.

Montgomery County Marriage License Fees

Montgomery County charges $78.50 to record a marriage license. This is slightly above the state average. The fee includes recording and one certified copy. You pay when you file.

If you want a ceremony, the total is $88. That is $78.50 for recording plus $9.50 for the ceremony. Ceremonies are available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. Call ahead to schedule.

Cash and cards are accepted. Cards may have a small processing fee. Checks may be accepted from local banks. Ask the clerk about current payment methods.

Fee breakdown for Montgomery County:

• Marriage license recording: $78.50
• Recording plus ceremony: $88
• Additional certified copies: Around $5 each
• Ceremony days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday PM

How to File in Montgomery County

Filing in Montgomery 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.

Download the form from dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage. The form must be typed. Handwritten forms are rejected. Fill in all fields for both parties.

Both parties must sign. Each signature needs notarization by an Alabama notary. Out-of-state notarization is not valid since June 2022. Many banks and UPS stores have notaries.

Bring the form to the Probate Court. Pay the $78.50 fee. Staff will process your filing. You get a certified copy right away. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Your marriage is legal on the date of the second signature. You have 30 days from that date to file. Do not miss the deadline.

Items to bring:

• Typed marriage license form
• Both signatures notarized
• Photo ID for both parties
• $78.50 payment (or $88 with ceremony)

Montgomery Courthouse Ceremonies

Montgomery County offers marriage ceremonies at the Probate Court. This is not common in Alabama. Most counties stopped offering ceremonies. Montgomery kept the service.

Ceremonies are available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. You must schedule in advance. Call (334) 832-1235 to book a time. Slots can fill up, so plan ahead.

The ceremony cost is $9.50 on top of the $78.50 recording fee. The total is $88. The ceremony is simple and legal. It does not take long. Many couples appreciate this option.

You do not need a ceremony in Alabama. The marriage is legal when you sign, notarize, and file the form. But if you want an official ceremony, Montgomery County provides one. This makes it special for many couples.

Bring witnesses if you want them. Witnesses are not required by law. But many couples bring family or friends. The courthouse setting offers a traditional feel.

Can You Search Montgomery County Records Online?

Montgomery County has a custom online records portal. This is better than many Alabama counties. You can search records going back to about 1975. The system is free to search.

The portal lets you look up records by name or date. Some documents are viewable online. Others may require an in-person visit. The system covers various Probate Court records, including marriage records.

For older records, contact the Probate Court directly. Staff can search archives. Records before 1975 may be on paper or microfilm. Staff can help you find what you need.

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

Alabama Marriage License Laws

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

No ceremony is required in Alabama. But Montgomery County offers one if you want it. No officiant or witnesses are required by law. The marriage is legal once you sign, notarize, and file.

Age rules apply. You must be 18 to marry without consent. Those 16 or 17 need a parent's 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.

Wait 60 days after a divorce before remarrying. This is state law. The Probate Court may verify your divorce date.

Cities in Montgomery County

Montgomery County has one qualifying city with over 50,000 residents. The city of Montgomery is the county seat and state capital.

Other communities in Montgomery County include Prattville (partly in Autauga County), Pike Road, and Millbrook. All residents file marriage licenses at the Montgomery County Probate Court.

Nearby Counties

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

Search Montgomery County Marriage Records

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