Search Shelby County Marriage Licenses

Shelby County marriage licenses are filed at the Probate Court in Columbiana. This is Alabama's fastest-growing county. The Probate Court offers a free wedding gazebo on the courthouse grounds. Shelby County also serves part of Hoover. This guide covers how to get and file marriage licenses in Shelby County.

Shelby County Probate Court Office

The Shelby County Probate Court is in Columbiana. The office sits on the first floor of the courthouse. Staff can help you file your marriage license and answer questions. The courthouse is easy to find in downtown Columbiana.

Office hours run Monday through Friday. The staff stays busy, but wait times are short. You do not need an appointment to file. Walk-ins are welcome during regular hours. Call ahead if you have questions about what to bring.

Note: The courthouse is closed on state holidays and weekends.

Shelby County Marriage License Fees

The recording fee in Shelby County is $75. This is the total cost to file your marriage license. The fee includes the $60 Domestic Violence Trust Fund fee required by state law. You pay this when you submit your form.

Shelby County accepts several payment types. You can pay with cash. Checks are accepted too. Credit and debit cards work, but there may be a small fee. Ask the clerk about card fees before you pay. Money orders are also fine.

Certified copies cost extra. The first copy is usually around $5. Additional copies cost less. You can order copies when you file or come back later. Many couples get two or three copies for their records.

Note: Fees can change, so call (205) 670-5220 to confirm the current amount before you visit.

How to File in Shelby County

Filing a marriage license in Shelby County is simple. You need to prepare before you go. Alabama no longer uses marriage licenses. Instead, couples fill out a marriage license form and file it with any Probate Court.

First, get the form. Download it from the Alabama Department of Public Health website at dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage/. The form must be typed. You cannot write on it by hand. Both people must fill out their sections fully.

Next, both people sign the form. Then you must get both signatures notarized. The notary must be licensed in Alabama. Out-of-state notaries do not work for this. You can find notaries at banks, shipping stores, and some offices. The Probate Court staff in Shelby County cannot notarize your form.

To file your marriage license in Shelby County, bring these items:

• Completed marriage license form
• Both signatures notarized by an Alabama notary
• Valid photo ID for both people
• Payment for the $75 fee

You have 30 days after the last signature to file the form. The marriage is legal on the date of the last signature, not the filing date. If you miss the 30-day window, the form is not valid. You would need to start over.

Processing is quick. The clerk reviews your form while you wait. If everything is correct, they record it right away. You can get certified copies the same day. The whole visit takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

Can You Search Shelby County Records Online?

Yes, Shelby County has online records. The county uses the Ingenuity system for probate records. You can search for marriage records and other documents from home. The system is free to search. You pay only if you need copies.

The online portal shows basic case info. You can find names, dates, and filing details. For full documents, you may need to contact the Probate Court or use a public records request. Recent records are easier to find online than older ones.

Shelby County also appears in the state vital records system. The Alabama Department of Public Health keeps copies of all marriage licenses filed since 1936. You can order copies through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. This is useful if you need a state-certified copy.

For in-depth research, you can visit the Probate Court. Staff can help you search older records. Bring as much info as you can, like names and dates. This speeds up the search.

Shelby County Wedding Gazebo

Shelby County offers a free wedding gazebo. It sits on the courthouse grounds in Columbiana. Couples can use it for small ceremonies at no charge. This is a nice perk that most counties do not offer.

The gazebo is first-come, first-served. You do not need to reserve it in advance. It works well for simple ceremonies with a few guests. The setting is pleasant, with trees and a lawn area. Many couples who file at the Probate Court choose to have a quick ceremony at the gazebo.

Alabama does not require a ceremony. Your marriage is legal once you file the notarized form. But if you want a ceremony, the gazebo is a free option. You can bring an officiant or have a friend lead a simple service. The choice is yours.

The gazebo is most popular on weekends and in spring and fall. If you plan to use it, arrive early. Weekday visits tend to be less busy. The Probate Court staff can tell you more about the gazebo when you file.

Why Shelby County Grows Fast

Shelby County is Alabama's fastest-growing county. People move here for good schools and safe towns. The county sits just south of Birmingham. It offers a suburban feel with easy access to the city. Towns like Alabaster, Pelham, and Helena have grown a lot.

Part of Hoover is in Shelby County. Hoover is one of Alabama's largest cities. Residents of the Shelby County part of Hoover can file here or in Jefferson County. This gives Hoover residents a choice. The Shelby County fee is $75, while Jefferson County charges $84.50.

Growth means more marriages. The Probate Court stays busy. But staff handle the load well. Wait times stay short even during peak seasons. The office is well run and easy to work with.

Marriage License Laws in Alabama

Alabama changed its marriage system in 2019. The state no longer issues marriage licenses. Now couples file a marriage license instead. This is a big change. Alabama is the only state that works this way.

Alabama Code Section 30-1-9.1 is the main law. It says couples must complete the state form, get it notarized, and file it within 30 days. No ceremony is needed. No officiant is needed. The form itself creates the legal marriage.

Age rules are set by Section 30-1-4. You must be at least 16 to marry in Alabama. If you are 16 or 17, you need parental consent. Section 30-1-5 covers consent rules. A parent must sign a notarized affidavit.

Marriage records are public in Alabama. Section 22-9A-21 says anyone can request copies. You do not need to be a spouse or relative. This makes it easy to get records for legal or personal reasons.

After a divorce, you must wait 60 days before you can marry again. This is state law. It gives time for appeals. The clock starts when the divorce is final.

Cities in Shelby County

Shelby County has many growing cities and towns. All residents file marriage licenses at the Probate Court in Columbiana. The court serves the whole county.

Other cities in Shelby County include Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Chelsea, Montevallo, Calera, Harpersville, Columbiana, and Vincent. Part of Hoover is in Shelby County. Hoover residents can file in either Shelby or Jefferson County.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Shelby County. You can file your marriage license in any Alabama county. Pick the one that works best for you.

Search Shelby County Records

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