Conecuh County
Marriage Certificate Requirements
Navigating the process of obtaining a marriage certificate can sometimes be confusing, with various requirements varying from one location to another. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to acquiring a marriage certificate in Conecuh County, Alabama. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from legal age requirements and waiting periods to identification and documentation guidelines.
Legal Age and Consent
Legal Age with Parental Consent: 16.
Legal Age without Parental Consent: 18.
Alabama law allows individuals as young as 16 to get married with parental consent, while those aged 18 and above can marry without parental approval.
Same-Sex Marriage
Same Sex Marriage: Yes.
Conecuh County embraces diversity, recognizing and legalizing same-sex marriages.
Waiting Period and Certificate Validity
Waiting Period: None.
Certificate Validity: 30 Days.
Unlike some other states, there is no waiting period to get married in Conecuh County, and the marriage certificate remains valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
Blood Test and Residency
Blood Test: Not Required.
Residency: Not Required.
Conecuh County does not mandate blood tests for couples seeking marriage licenses, and neither do they require residency within the county.
Witness Requirements
Witnesses: In Alabama witnesses are not required.
Unlike certain places that require witnesses during the marriage ceremony, Conecuh County does not have any such requirements.
Changes in Marriage Procedures
Under Alabama Act 2019-340, persons wishing to become married are no longer required to file an application for a marriage license with the county probate court, and the courts will no longer issue marriage licenses. Furthermore, all Alabama probate courts will now be required to record marriage certificates.
The legal process for marriage certificates in Alabama has undergone changes. Now, couples no longer need to apply for a marriage license; instead, the marriage certificate itself is recorded and recognized.
Marriage Certificate Form and Submission
Marriage Certificate Requirement Alabama:
To obtain a marriage certificate in Conecuh County, you should:
- Obtain a standardized marriage certificate form provided by the state, county probate judge’s office, or online.
- Fully complete the form with the required information.
- Take the completed form to a notary to witness signatures.
- Deliver the notarized form along with the filing fee to the county Probate Judge’s office for recording within 30 days of signing.
Identification and Documentation
Marriage ID Requirement Alabama:
Individuals aged 18 or older must present one of the following forms of identification along with their Social Security card:
- A valid driver’s license
- Non-Driver’s license
- Passport
- Certified copy of birth certificate
- Military identification
- Certified school record
Additionally, if you’ve been divorced, there’s a 60-day waiting period after your divorce is final before you can apply for a new marriage license.
Additional Considerations
Previous Marriages:
If you were divorced within the last 6 months before your wedding date, you’ll need to provide a copy of your Divorce Decree. Alabama law stipulates a 60-day restriction on getting married after a divorce.
Marriage Certificate Fee Alabama:
The fee for a Conecuh County marriage certificate is $80, and cash is the preferred method of payment.
Name Change Alabama:
Obtaining a marriage certificate with your new name on it does not automatically change your name. If you wish to change your last name, consider using an online marriage name change kit.
Marriage Age Requirements
Marriage Age Requirements Alabama:
- Minor parties aged 16 to 17 require parental or guardian consent to marry.
- Individuals aged 18 and over can fill out the standard marriage certificate form.
Miscellaneous Marriage Details
Proxy Marriages Alabama:
Proxy marriages are not permitted in Alabama, meaning no other party can apply for a marriage license on behalf of either spouse.
Cousin Marriages Alabama:
First and second cousins are legally allowed to marry in Alabama.
Common Law Marriages Alabama:
Alabama recognizes a valid common law marriage when there’s a capacity to enter the marriage, agreement or consent to be husband and wife, public recognition of the marriage, and consummation.
Marriage Officiants
Marriage Officiants:
Contrary to previous requirements, solemnization is no longer necessary for a recognized marriage in Alabama.
Conclusion
In Conecuh County, obtaining a marriage certificate has become more straightforward due to recent changes in the legal process. From age requirements to identification, we’ve covered the essential details to ensure you’re well-informed. Remember that information can change, so it’s crucial to verify all details with your local County Probate office before making any arrangements.
FAQs
Q1: How long is a Conecuh County marriage certificate valid? A: A marriage certificate is valid for 30 days from the date of being signed.
Q2: Can individuals aged 16-17 get married without parental consent? A: No, individuals aged 16-17 require parental or guardian consent to marry.
Q3: Are witnesses required during the marriage ceremony? A: No, witnesses are not required during the marriage ceremony in Conecuh County.
Q4: Is a waiting period required for marriage in Conecuh County? A: There is no waiting period for marriage in Conecuh County, except for those recently divorced.
Q5: Can I change my last name through the marriage certificate? A: No, obtaining a marriage certificate with a new name does not automatically change your name. Use an online marriage name change kit for this purpose.
