Detailed Alabama Wedding Law Notes
These notes summarize state marriage-license, ceremony, witness, and officiant guidance for the new map experience.
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.
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.
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.
Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
- Minister Presence: Not Required
- Witnesses: None
- Couple’s Consent: Required
- Pronouncement: Not Required
- 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 .
The couple must:
Final Steps
- Officiant’s Title on Marriage License: Minister
- Church/Ordaining Body: Universal Life Church Ministries
- Address of Church: Minister’s Home Address
- The couple signs and notarizes the Alabama Marriage Certificate .
- The document is filed with any Alabama Probate Court within 30 days.
After the ceremony: Couples and ministers are encouraged to keep records of their ceremonies and relevant documentation.