Alabama Wedding Laws
What to expect when officiating a wedding.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 18 (16 with Guardian Consent)
- Residency: Not Required
- Kinship Restrictions: First Cousins Allowed; No Closer Relations
- Marriage Equality: Yes
Couples must be 18 or older to marry without restrictions. Minors aged 16-17 require parental or legal guardian consent. There are no exceptions for individuals under 16.
Marriage License Requirements
- Who Picks Up License: The Couple
- Where Valid: Any County in Alabama
- Pick-Up: Digital (No In-Person Application Required)
- Cost: Varies by County
- Accepted ID: Social Security Number
- Proof of Divorce: Required if Applicable
- Blood Test: Not Required
Alabama has streamlined the marriage process. Couples no longer need to apply for a marriage license in advance. Instead, they must print the Alabama Marriage Certificate from the Alabama Department of Public Health’s website, fill it out, and have it notarized. The notarized document must then be delivered to the probate court for recording within 30 days.
Marriage License Facts
- Ceremony Type: Optional
- Mandatory Waiting Period: None
- License Valid For: Does Not Expire
- Submission Deadline: Within 30 Days of Signing
Marriage ceremonies are optional under Alabama law. Couples must ensure their marriage certificate is notarized and filed within 30 days of the most recent signature for their marriage to be legally binding.
Requirements for the Minister
- Minimum Age: 18
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: Not Required
- Submission Deadline: Not Applicable
Ministers in Alabama are not legally required to register with the state. While their role is primarily ceremonial, they may facilitate the couple’s completion of the marriage certificate. Ministers ordained online are recognized and may choose to carry ordination credentials.
Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
- Minister Presence: Not Required
- Witnesses: None
- Couple’s Consent: Required
- Pronouncement: Not Required
The couple must:
- Sign and date the Alabama Marriage Certificate.
- Provide their Social Security Numbers.
- Have the document notarized.
- File it with a probate court within 30 days.
Final Steps
- Officiant’s Title on Marriage License: Minister
- Church/Ordaining Body: Universal Life Church Ministries
- Address of Church: Minister’s Home Address
After the ceremony:
- The couple signs and notarizes the Alabama Marriage Certificate.
- The document is filed with any Alabama Probate Court within 30 days.
Couples and ministers are encouraged to keep records of their ceremonies and relevant documentation.