Crenshaw County
Marriage Certificate Requirements
Getting married is a momentous occasion that marks the beginning of a lifelong journey together. For couples planning to tie the knot in Crenshaw County, Alabama, the process of obtaining a marriage certificate is straightforward. This guide provides all the essential information you need to know about applying for a marriage certificate in Crenshaw County.
Introduction
The Crenshaw County Courthouse, located at 29 South Glenwood Avenue, Luverne, Alabama 36049, is the official authority responsible for recording and issuing marriage certificates. If you’re planning to get married in Crenshaw County, you must follow the guidelines set forth by the courthouse.
Legal Age and Requirements
In Alabama, the legal age for marriage with parental consent is 16, while without parental consent, it’s 18. Same-sex marriages are recognized in the state, and there is no waiting period to get married, except after a divorce, which requires a 60-day waiting period.
The Marriage Certificate Form
Under Alabama Act 2019-340, couples are no longer required to apply for a marriage license. Instead, they need to complete a standardized marriage certificate form provided by the state or the county probate judge’s office.
Identification Requirements
To obtain a marriage certificate in Alabama, individuals must provide valid identification, such as a driver’s license, non-driver’s license, passport, certified copy of their birth certificate, military identification, or certified school record, along with their Social Security card.
Residency and Waiting Period
There is no residency requirement to get married in Alabama. However, non-residents who want to be married by a county marriage official may have to wait three days. If you’ve been divorced, you must wait 60 days after your divorce is final before applying for a new marriage certificate.
Previous Marriages
If you were divorced within the last 6 months of your wedding date, you will need to show a copy of your Divorce Decree. Alabama law imposes a sixty (60) day restriction on getting married after a divorce.
Marriage Certificate Fee
The fee for a marriage certificate in Crenshaw County is $70, and cash is the preferred method of payment.
Blood Test and Name Change
Alabama no longer requires a premarital blood test. It’s essential to note that obtaining a marriage certificate with your new name on it doesn’t automatically change your name. If you wish to change your last name, you can use an online marriage name change kit.
Marriage Age Requirements
For minor parties aged 16 to 17, parental consent is required to enter into marriage. Individuals aged 18 and over can apply for a marriage certificate without parental consent.
Proxy Marriages and Cousin Marriages
Proxy marriage is not permitted in Alabama, and couples cannot have someone else apply for them. However, first and second cousins may legally marry in the state.
Common Law Marriages
Alabama recognizes common law marriages. To establish a valid common law marriage, there must be capacity to enter into a marriage, present agreement or consent to be husband and wife, public recognition of the existence of the marriage, and consummation.
Marriage Officiants
Solemnization is no longer required for a recognized marriage in Alabama. Couples can choose from various wedding officiants to perform their ceremony.
Expiration Date of Marriage Certificate
Marriage certificates in Alabama are valid for 30 days from the date of being signed. The effective date of the marriage is the latter of the dates of the signature of the spouses.
Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate
To obtain a copy of your marriage certificate, you can contact the Alabama Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, located at 434 Monroe St., Montgomery, Alabama 36130-3017.
Conclusion
Getting married in Crenshaw County, Alabama, is a straightforward process. By following the guidelines and completing the necessary paperwork, couples can obtain their marriage certificates without any complications.
FAQs
1. Can same-sex couples get married in Alabama? Yes, same-sex marriages are legally recognized in Alabama.
2. Is a blood test required to get married in Alabama? No, a premarital blood test is no longer required in Alabama.
3. How much does a marriage certificate cost in Crenshaw County? The fee for a marriage certificate in Crenshaw County is $70, payable in cash.
4. Can cousins marry in Alabama? Yes, first and second cousins may legally marry in Alabama.
5. Is there a waiting period to get married in Alabama? There is no waiting period, except for individuals who have been divorced. After a divorce, there is a 60-day waiting period before remarrying.
