Morgan County Marriage License Search

Morgan County marriage licenses are filed at the Probate Court in Decatur. This county serves a large area in north Alabama. The recording fee is $78. Important: The Probate Court will temporarily relocate in February 2026 due to courthouse renovations. The office does not accept checks for marriage recordings. This guide covers the full process for filing in Morgan County.

Morgan County Probate Court Office

The Morgan County Probate Court is normally at 302 Lee Street NE in Decatur. However, the office will temporarily relocate in February 2026. Call ahead to confirm the current location before you visit.

The office serves a large population. Decatur is one of the bigger cities in north Alabama. The Probate Court handles marriage licenses, wills, and other matters. Staff are experienced with the filing process.

Morgan County uses the ImagePro system for records management. The county also connects to the Ingenuity platform for some online services. These systems help track and store records.

Note: The office will be at a temporary location in February 2026. Call ahead to confirm where to go.

Morgan County Marriage License Fees

Morgan County charges $78 to record a marriage license. This is at the state average. The fee includes recording and one certified copy. You pay when you file.

Important: Morgan County does not accept checks for marriage recording. You must pay with cash or card. Credit and debit cards have a $1.95 processing fee. Plan your payment accordingly.

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

Fee details:

• Marriage license recording: $78
• Additional certified copies: Around $5 each
• Payment: Cash or card only (no checks)
• Card processing fee: $1.95

How to File in Morgan County

Filing in Morgan 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. Do not handwrite it. Fill in all required fields for both parties.

Both parties sign the form. Each signature needs notarization by an Alabama notary. Out-of-state notarization is not valid since June 2022. Check with banks or shipping stores for notary services.

Bring the form to the Probate Court. Remember to call first to confirm the location. Pay the $78 fee in cash or card. No checks. Staff will process your filing. You get a certified copy right away.

Your marriage is legal on the date of the second signature. You have 30 days from that date to file.

What to bring:

• Typed marriage license form
• Both signatures notarized
• Photo ID for both parties
• $78 in cash or card (no checks)

Can You Search Morgan County Records Online?

Morgan County uses the Ingenuity system for some online services. You may be able to access certain Probate Court records through this platform. The county also uses ImagePro for internal records management.

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

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.

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

Morgan County Temporary Relocation

The Morgan County Probate Court will temporarily move in February 2026. The main courthouse is undergoing renovations. This affects the Probate Court location. Services will continue during the move.

Before you visit, call (256) 351-4675. Staff will tell you the current address. Do not go to 302 Lee Street NE without checking first. The temporary location may be different.

The relocation is temporary. Once renovations are complete, the office will return to the courthouse. The timeline depends on construction progress. Staff can provide updates when you call.

This affects all Probate Court services. Marriage filings, will recordings, and other matters move to the temporary site. The process remains the same. Only the location changes.

If you are planning a wedding, account for this change. Confirm the location a few days before your visit. This helps avoid confusion on your filing day. Staff are ready to help during the transition.

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 Morgan County

Morgan County has one qualifying city with over 50,000 residents. Decatur is the county seat and main city.

Other communities in Morgan County include Hartselle, Falkville, and Priceville. All residents file marriage licenses at the Morgan County Probate Court. Call to confirm the current location.

Nearby Counties

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

Search Morgan County Marriage Records

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