Russell County Marriage License Guide

Russell County marriage licenses are filed at the Probate Court in Phenix City. This county sits on the Alabama-Georgia border across from Columbus, Georgia. The recording fee is increasing to $77.50 in February 2026. The office accepts cash only for in-person payments. This guide covers the complete process for filing in Russell County.

Russell County Probate Court Office

The Russell County Probate Court is in Phenix City. The office handles marriage licenses, wills, and other legal matters. Phenix City sits across the Chattahoochee River from Columbus, Georgia. Many residents cross between the states daily.

The courthouse is in downtown Phenix City. Parking is available nearby. The office serves a population of about 62,000. Staff are experienced with the filing process. Walk-ins are welcome.

Remember: Cash only for in-person visits. Do not bring checks or cards for marriage recording. Plan ahead. There are ATMs and banks nearby if you need cash.

Note: In-person payments must be cash. No checks or cards accepted for marriage recording.

Russell County Marriage License Fees

Russell County currently charges $75 to record a marriage license. This fee is increasing to $77.50 in February 2026. The fee includes recording and one certified copy.

Important payment rules apply. In-person payments must be cash. The office does not accept checks or credit cards for marriage recording. If you file by mail, send a money order. Personal checks are not accepted.

Extra copies cost a few dollars each. Get additional copies when you file if you need them. You may need copies for name changes, insurance, and other legal matters.

Fee details:

• Current fee: $75 (through January 2026)
• New fee: $77.50 (starting February 2026)
• Additional certified copies: Around $5 each
• In-person: Cash only
• Mail requests: Money order only

How to File in Russell County

Filing in Russell 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. Georgia notarization does not work even though Columbus is nearby. Use an Alabama notary.

Bring the form to the Probate Court with cash. Pay the 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 by Alabama notary
• Photo ID for both parties
• Cash payment ($75 or $77.50 depending on date)

Can You Search Russell County Records Online?

Russell 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 (334) 298-7979 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.

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

Russell County Fee Change February 2026

Russell County is increasing its marriage license recording fee. The current fee is $75. Starting in February 2026, the fee will be $77.50. This is a $2.50 increase.

The fee change affects all marriage filings after the effective date. If you plan to file in early 2026, check which fee applies. Call the office to confirm the current amount before you visit.

The increase helps fund county services. Part of the fee goes to the state Domestic Violence Trust Fund. This is required by Alabama law. The rest covers county recording costs.

Even with the increase, Russell County's fee remains near the state average. Some nearby counties charge less. Lee County in Opelika charges $73. But Russell County may be more convenient if you live in the Phenix City area.

Remember the cash-only rule. Bring exact change if you can. The office may not always have change for large bills. Plan ahead to avoid problems.

Russell County and Phenix City

Phenix City has a colorful history. In the mid-1900s, it was known as "Sin City." Gambling and vice were common. A famous cleanup in the 1950s changed the town. Today Phenix City is a family-oriented community.

The city sits directly across from Columbus, Georgia. The Chattahoochee River forms the border. Many residents work in Columbus. Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) is nearby. Military families are common in the area.

The river towns share services in some ways. But for marriage licenses, Alabama law applies. You must use an Alabama notary. You must file with an Alabama county. Georgia procedures do not apply here.

Russell County has grown steadily. The population is around 62,000. More people means more services at the courthouse. But the cash-only policy remains. Plan your visit with that in mind.

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 Russell County

Russell County has several communities. None have populations over 50,000 on their own. All residents file marriage licenses at the Phenix City Probate Court.

Main communities include Phenix City, Hurtsboro, and Seale. Phenix City is by far the largest. It borders Columbus, Georgia and is part of the Columbus metro area. All Russell County residents file at the same Probate Court.

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

Nearby Counties

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

Search Russell County Marriage Records

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