Find Washington County Marriage Licenses

Washington County marriage licenses are filed at the Probate Court in Chatom. This county holds an important place in Alabama history. St. Stephens, located in Washington County, was the first capital of Alabama Territory. This guide explains how to file and find marriage records in Washington County.

Washington County Probate Court Office

The Washington County Probate Court is in Chatom. This is the county seat. The courthouse is in the center of town. Staff handle marriage licenses, wills, and other probate matters. The office is small but serves the county well.

Washington County is rural. The population is low. This means the office is not crowded. Wait times are short. You can walk in during business hours. No appointment is needed. Staff are helpful and can guide you through the process.

Note: Call ahead to confirm hours and the current recording fee.

Washington County Marriage License Fees

The recording fee in Washington County should be confirmed by phone. The fee includes the $60 for the Domestic Violence Trust Fund required by state law. Most Alabama counties charge between $70 and $85. Call (251) 847-2201 for the exact amount.

Washington County accepts cash and checks. Credit cards may work with a fee. Ask the clerk about payment options before your visit. Money orders are also accepted. Bring exact payment if you can.

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

Note: Always confirm the fee before your visit. Fees can change.

How to File in Washington County

Filing a marriage license in Washington County follows state rules. Alabama no longer uses marriage licenses. Couples fill out a form and file it at a Probate Court. Washington County handles filings at the Chatom courthouse.

Start by getting the form. Go to the Alabama Department of Public Health website at dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage/. Download and print the form. You must type the info. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

Both people fill out their sections. Then both sign the form. After signing, you need a notary to stamp both signatures. The notary must be licensed in Alabama. Banks, shipping stores, and some offices have notaries.

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

• Completed marriage license form (typed)
• Both signatures notarized by an Alabama notary
• Valid photo ID for each person
• Payment for the recording fee

You have 30 days after the last signature to file. If you wait too long, the form expires. The marriage is legal on the date of the last signature, not the filing date.

Processing is quick. The clerk checks your form while you wait. If it is correct, they record it on the spot. You can get certified copies right away. Most visits take 15 to 20 minutes.

Can You Search Washington Records Online?

Washington County uses the Ingenuity system for some probate records. This gives limited online access. You can search for basic info from home. For full documents, you may need to contact the office or visit in person.

The state also keeps copies of all marriage licenses. The Alabama Department of Public Health has records from 1936 on. You can order copies through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. This works for any Alabama county.

For older records or detailed searches, contact the Probate Court at (251) 847-2201. Staff can search by name and date. Bring as much info as you can. Full names and dates help speed up the search.

Washington County First Capital

Washington County has a special place in Alabama history. St. Stephens, located in the county, was the first capital of Alabama Territory. This was before Alabama became a state in 1819. The town served as the territorial capital from 1817 to 1819.

St. Stephens was on the Tombigbee River. It was a busy port and trading center. Leaders met there to plan the new state. The first constitutional convention was held nearby. When Alabama became a state, the capital moved to Huntsville, then later to other cities.

Today, St. Stephens is a historic site. The old town is mostly gone. But visitors can see where Alabama's government first met. The area has markers and exhibits that tell the story.

If you are interested in Alabama history, Washington County is worth a visit. You can file your marriage license and explore the first capital site. The Probate Court in Chatom is a short drive from St. Stephens.

Washington County Rural Life

Washington County is rural. The population is about 16,000. There are no large cities. Chatom is the biggest town. Most of the county is farmland and forest. Life moves at a slower pace here.

The low population means less traffic at the Probate Court. You will not wait long. Staff have time to answer questions and help with your filing. The office has a small-town feel that many people appreciate.

If you live in a rural part of Washington County, the drive to Chatom may take a while. Plan your trip during office hours. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday. Call ahead if you have questions.

Marriage License Laws in Alabama

Alabama changed its marriage laws in 2019. The state stopped using marriage licenses. Now couples file a marriage license. Alabama is the only state that does this.

Alabama Code Section 30-1-9.1 sets the rules. You must complete the state form, have both signatures notarized, and file within 30 days. No ceremony is needed. No officiant is needed. The notarized form creates the marriage.

Age rules come from Section 30-1-4. You must be at least 16 to marry in Alabama. If you are 16 or 17, a parent must give consent via 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 party to the marriage. This makes records easy to access.

After a divorce, you must wait 60 days before you can marry again. This is state law.

Cities in Washington County

Washington County has a few small towns. All residents file marriage licenses at the Probate Court in Chatom. This is the only Probate Court in the county.

Towns include Chatom, McIntosh, Millry, Leroy, and Fruitdale. Chatom is the county seat and largest town. The others are very small. Most of the county is unincorporated rural land.

There are no cities in Washington County over 50,000. The nearest large city is Mobile, about 50 miles south. Residents can file in any Alabama county they choose.

Nearby Counties

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

Search Washington County Records

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