Pike County Marriage License Information

Pike County has opted out of recording marriage licenses. This is the only county in Alabama that does not offer this service. If you live in Pike County or want to file here, you cannot. You must use a nearby county instead. This guide explains your options and how to file in alternative locations.

Why Pike County Does Not Record Marriages

Pike County made an unusual choice after Alabama's 2019 law change. When the state switched from licenses to licenses, Pike County chose not to participate in recording marriages. This is allowed under the new system.

The Probate Judge decided not to offer this service. Alabama law lets counties opt out. Pike County is the only one that did. The reasons were not publicly detailed. The decision stands today.

This does not mean Pike County residents cannot get married. Alabama allows couples to file in any county. You do not have to live in the county where you file. Pike County residents simply go to a nearby county instead.

Troy is the county seat. It is home to Troy University. Many students and residents live here. They all must travel to another county to file their marriage licenses. This is an inconvenience but not a barrier.

If you call the Pike County Probate Court at (334) 566-1246, staff will confirm they do not record marriages. They can direct you to neighboring counties. The staff are helpful even though they cannot process your filing.

Where to File Instead of Pike County

Pike County residents have several nearby options. Each of these counties will accept your marriage license filing. Fees and distances vary.

Crenshaw County (Luverne) is about 20 miles west of Troy. The fee is $70, one of the lowest in Alabama. The Probate Court is at the Crenshaw County Courthouse. Call (334) 335-6568 for hours and details.

Bullock County (Union Springs) is about 25 miles northwest. The fee is $70, tied for the lowest. This is a small, rural county with friendly staff. Call (334) 738-2250 for information.

Coffee County (Elba/Enterprise) has two locations. Elba is about 25 miles southeast. Enterprise is about 30 miles south. The fee is $93. Coffee County is closed on Fridays (4-day work week). Call (334) 897-2211 to confirm hours.

Fee comparison for Pike County alternatives:

• Crenshaw County (Luverne): $70
• Bullock County (Union Springs): $70
• Coffee County (Elba/Enterprise): $93
• Barbour County (Clayton/Eufaula): $85
• Dale County (Ozark): $77

Note: Crenshaw and Bullock offer the lowest fees. Coffee County has the longest hours and two locations.

How to File Your Marriage License

The process is the same no matter which county you choose. Alabama uses a new system. There is no license. You complete a form and file it at any participating 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 in Troy or elsewhere for notary services.

Bring the form to your chosen county. Pay the recording fee. 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 the second signature to file. Plan your trip to another county within that window. Do not wait until the last minute.

What to bring:

• Typed marriage license form
• Both signatures notarized
• Photo ID for both parties
• Payment (amount varies by county)

Pike County and Troy University

Pike County is home to Troy University. The school has thousands of students. Many couples meet here and want to marry. They must file outside Pike County.

For Troy University students and staff, the closest options are Crenshaw County to the west or Bullock County to the northwest. Both charge $70. The drive is about 20 to 25 minutes.

Some couples prefer to file in their home county instead. Alabama allows you to file anywhere. If you or your partner come from another part of the state, you can file there during a visit home.

The Pike County situation is unusual. Students are sometimes surprised when they learn the county does not record marriages. This guide helps spread the word. Plan ahead if you are in Pike County.

Troy is also home to the Pioneer Museum of Alabama. The town has a small-city feel. It would be convenient to file here. But for now, couples must travel to a neighboring county.

Can You Search Pike County Marriage Records?

Pike County does not record marriages. So there are no recent marriage records at the Pike County Probate Court. Any historical records from before the 2019 law change may exist.

For older Pike County marriage records, contact the Probate Court at (334) 566-1246. Staff can check if records exist from previous years. Records before 2019 would have been handled under the old license system.

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.

For recent marriages by Pike County residents, check the county where they actually filed. That county holds the record. The state also has a 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.

The law allows couples to file in any county. It also allows counties to opt out of recording marriages. Pike County is the only county that chose to do so.

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.

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 Pike County

Pike County has several towns. None have populations over 50,000. All residents must file marriage licenses in a neighboring county.

Main communities include Troy, Brundidge, and Banks. Troy is the county seat with about 18,000 people. Troy University adds to the population during school terms. All Pike County residents must travel elsewhere to file.

Nearby Counties for Filing

These counties border Pike County. Since Pike County does not record marriages, these are your options.

Search Alabama Marriage Records

Use our search tool to find marriage records and other public records across Alabama.