How to Apply For a Marriage License in Alabama

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(3 Ratings)

If you’re thinking of getting married in Alabama, you may be considering a beach front wedding or one in the many traditional churches in the state. The bride will probably have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. But don’t forget the marriage license to make it all legal.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Identification
Cash

Step 1

Collect the birth certificate, driver’s license, military ID or valid passport for both the bride and groom.
Step 2

Gather any certified final divorce decree if either party has been married previously, dated at least sixty days before applying for the marriage license. Alternatively, a certificate of death of a previous spouse should be obtained.
Step 3

Visit either of the Web sites in the Resources section to find the link or phone number to the county office where you’ll be married.
Step 4

Call or visit the Web site of the county office to find locations of marriage license issuers in the county.
Step 5

Head to the most convenient office with bride, groom, documentation and $70 in cash within 30 days prior to the ceremony.

Tips & Warnings

First cousin and common law marriage are permitted.
Both the bride and the groom must be present to apply for and sign the marriage license.
The marriage license should be applied for in the county where the ceremony will take place or in the county of residence of either party.
A bride or groom 16 or 17 years of age must be accompanied by both parents to apply for a marriage license. A bond of $200 and certified birth certificate is also required. Those under the age of 16 may not be married in Alabama.
Marriage licenses are valid for only 30 days.
Proxy and same sex marriages are forbidden.