Randolph County Marriage License Records

Randolph County marriage licenses are filed at the Probate Court in Wedowee. This rural county sits in eastern Alabama near the Georgia border. The recording fee is $81. The Probate Court handles marriage filings Monday through Friday. This guide covers the full process for filing your marriage license in Randolph County.

Randolph County Probate Court Office

The Randolph County Probate Court is in Wedowee. The courthouse is in the center of this small town. The Probate Court handles marriage licenses, wills, and other legal matters. Staff serve a rural community of about 22,000 people.

Wedowee is a quiet place. The population is under 1,000 in town. The county spreads over a large area. Residents come from across the county to handle business at the courthouse. The office is less busy than urban courts.

The Probate Court is open five days a week. Marriage filings can be done any day the office is open. Note that driver's license services are only available on Tuesdays. But marriage licenses can be filed any weekday.

Note: Driver's license services are only on Tuesdays, but marriage filings are accepted any weekday.

Randolph County Marriage License Fees

Randolph County charges $81 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.

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

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 and other legal needs.

Fee breakdown:

• Marriage license recording: $81
• Additional certified copies: Around $5 each
• Card processing fee if applicable

How to File in Randolph County

Filing in Randolph 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 not accepted. Fill in all required 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 local banks for notary services.

Bring the form to the Probate Court. Pay the $81 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
• $81 payment

Can You Search Randolph County Records Online?

Randolph 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.

For a complete search, contact the Probate Court directly. Call (256) 357-4933 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.

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

Randolph County Services Schedule

Randolph County has a unique schedule for some services. Driver's license services are only available on Tuesdays. This is common in small, rural Alabama counties. The state rotates examiners through different locations.

Marriage license filing is not affected by this schedule. You can file your marriage license any weekday the office is open. The Probate Court handles marriage filings Monday through Friday.

If you plan to file your marriage license and get a new driver's license on the same day, choose Tuesday. You can handle both at the courthouse. This saves a second trip.

The county is rural and covers a large area. Some residents drive 30 minutes or more to reach Wedowee. Planning ahead saves time and fuel. Call before you visit to confirm hours and services.

Lake Wedowee is nearby. The lake draws visitors for fishing and boating. Some couples from out of the area file here while vacationing. The Probate Court welcomes all who come.

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 Randolph County

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

Main communities include Wedowee, Roanoke, and Woodland. Roanoke is the largest with about 6,000 people. Wedowee is smaller but serves as the county seat. All are served by the same Probate Court.

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

Nearby Counties

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

Search Randolph County Marriage Records

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