Pickens County Marriage Licenses

Pickens County marriage licenses are filed at the Probate Court in Carrollton. This small county is known for a famous ghost legend at the courthouse. The "Face in the Window" story draws visitors from across the country. The recording fee is $78. The Probate Court handles all marriage filings for the county. This guide covers the full process for getting married in Pickens County.

Pickens County Probate Court Office

The Pickens County Probate Court is in Carrollton. The courthouse is a historic building with a famous legend. The Probate Court handles marriage licenses, wills, and other legal matters. Staff serve a small, rural community.

Carrollton is a quiet town. The population is under 1,000. The county seat has been here since 1830. The courthouse draws visitors because of its ghostly history. But the Probate Court conducts serious business every day.

Walk-ins are welcome. You do not need an appointment for marriage license filings. The office is less busy than urban courts. Wait times are usually short.

Note: Call ahead if you plan to visit during lunch as staff may be limited.

Pickens County Marriage License Fees

Pickens 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.

Cash is the safest payment option. Checks may be accepted from local banks. Credit cards may have a small fee. Ask the clerk about current payment methods when you arrive or call.

If you need extra copies, plan on a few dollars each. Many couples get two or three certified copies. You may need them for name changes, insurance, or other legal matters.

Fee breakdown:

• Marriage license recording: $78
• Additional certified copies: Around $5 each
• Call ahead to confirm payment methods

How to File in Pickens County

Filing in Pickens 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. Check with banks for notary services.

Bring the form to the Probate Court. Pay the $78 fee. Staff will process your filing. 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.

What to bring:

• Typed marriage license form
• Both signatures notarized
• Photo ID for both parties
• $78 payment

Can You Search Pickens County Records Online?

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

For records searches, contact the Probate Court directly. Call (205) 367-2010 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.

Pickens County records go back many years. For historical research, the Probate Court is your best source.

The Face in the Window Legend

Pickens County courthouse has one of Alabama's most famous ghost stories. The "Face in the Window" legend dates back to the 1870s. It draws visitors from across the country.

The story involves Henry Wells. He was accused of burning the old courthouse. A mob gathered outside the new courthouse where he was held. According to legend, lightning struck as Wells looked out the window. His face was somehow etched into the glass.

The face remains visible today. It is in an upper window of the courthouse. People have tried to remove it over the years. New glass was installed. The face reportedly appeared again. No one has fully explained it.

The courthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places. The legend has been featured in many books and TV shows. Ripley's Believe It or Not included the story. Ghost hunters and curious visitors come to see the window.

While you file your marriage license, you are in a historic building. The Probate Court conducts official business beneath this famous window. Some couples think it makes their filing more memorable. Others just appreciate the unique setting.

The staff are used to questions about the legend. They focus on serving the community. But they can point you to the window if you want to see it. The courthouse history adds character to this small town.

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 Pickens County

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

Main communities include Carrollton, Reform, Aliceville, and Gordo. Reform is the largest with about 1,700 people. Carrollton is smaller but serves as the county seat. All are served by the same Probate Court.

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

Nearby Counties

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

Search Pickens County Marriage Records

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