Lowndes County
Marriage Certificate Requirements
If you’re planning to tie the knot in Lowndes County, Alabama, you’re likely to encounter various procedures and requirements to ensure your marriage is legally recognized. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the essential details regarding marriage certificate fees, the application process, required documents, and more. Let’s get started on your journey to marital bliss!
Introduction
Getting married is a momentous occasion that comes with its fair share of legal processes. One crucial aspect is obtaining a marriage certificate, which serves as a formal recognition of your union. In Lowndes County, Alabama, the fee for a marriage certificate is set at $76.00.
Applying for a Marriage Certificate
The process of applying for a marriage certificate in Lowndes County is straightforward. To get started, both parties must meet the following requirements:
- Legal Age with Parental Consent: 16
- Legal Age without Parental Consent: 18
- Same-Sex Marriage: Yes
- Waiting Period: None
- Certificate Validity: 30 Days
- Blood Test: Not Required
- Residency: Not Required
- Witnesses: Not Required
Under the Alabama Act 2019-340, prospective spouses are no longer mandated to apply for a marriage license. Instead, they need to complete a standardized marriage certificate form, which will be delivered to the probate court for recording.
Marriage Certificate Requirement Alabama
To obtain a marriage certificate in Alabama, the following steps must be followed:
- Obtain a standardized marriage certificate form from the state, county probate judge’s office, or online.
- Fill out the form completely, providing basic information about both spouses.
- Have the signatures on the form witnessed by a notary.
- Submit the original, fully completed, and notarized form along with the filing fee to the county Probate Judge’s office for recording. The fee varies by county.
- Ensure that the form is submitted within 30 days of signing.
Marriage ID Requirement Alabama
For individuals aged 18 and older, several forms of identification are accepted when applying for a marriage certificate in Alabama, including:
- Valid driver’s license
- Non-driver’s license
- Passport
- Certified copy of birth certificate
- Military identification
- Certified school record
If you’ve been divorced, a waiting period of 60 days after the finalization of the divorce applies before you can apply for a new marriage license, unless you’re remarrying your former spouse.
Marriage Residency Requirement Alabama
Unlike some states, Alabama doesn’t require you to be a resident to get married within its borders.
Marriage Waiting Period Requirement Alabama
Alabama doesn’t impose a waiting period for marriage licenses, except for individuals who have been divorced. In such cases, a 60-day waiting period after the divorce’s finalization is mandatory.
Previous Marriages and Restrictions
If you’ve been divorced within the last 6 months, you’ll need to provide a copy of your Divorce Decree. The Alabama Code stipulates a 60-day restriction on getting married after a divorce.
Marriage Certificate Fee Alabama
In Lowndes County, the fee for obtaining a marriage certificate is $76.00. Cash is the preferred method of payment.
Marriage Blood Test Alabama
As of now, Alabama no longer requires a premarital blood test.
Name Change Alabama
Acquiring a marriage certificate with your new name doesn’t automatically change your name. For a name change, you can consider using an online marriage name change kit.
Marriage Age Requirements Alabama
For minors aged 16 to 17, parental or guardian consent is necessary for marriage. The required forms for these age groups are available online and at the county probate judge’s office.
Proxy Marriages Alabama
Proxy marriages, where a party applies on behalf of the spouses, aren’t allowed in Alabama.
Cousin Marriages Alabama
Interestingly, first and second cousins are permitted to legally marry in Alabama.
Common Law Marriages Alabama
Alabama recognizes valid common law marriages, requiring capacity to marry, an agreement to be husband and wife, public recognition of the marriage, and consummation.
Marriage Officiants and Solemnization
Solemnization is no longer obligatory for a recognized marriage in Alabama.
Expiration Date of Marriage Certificate Alabama
Marriage certificates hold validity for 30 days from the date of signing. The effective marriage date is determined by the spouses’ signature dates.
Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate
If you need a copy of your marriage certificate, you can reach out to the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics in Montgomery.
Conclusion
Navigating the legal aspects of marriage can seem daunting, but armed with the right information, you can ensure a smooth process. Remember that the requirements and procedures can vary by county, so always verify with your local County Probate office before taking any steps. Congratulations on your impending journey into wedded bliss!
FAQs
- Q: How much does a marriage certificate cost in Lowndes County, Alabama? A: The fee for a marriage certificate in Lowndes County is $76.00.
- Q: Do I need a blood test to get married in Alabama? A: No, Alabama no longer requires a premarital blood test.
- Q: Is solemnization required for a recognized marriage in Alabama? A: No, solemnization is no longer necessary for a recognized marriage.
- Q: Can first cousins marry in Alabama? A: Yes, first cousins are legally permitted to marry in Alabama.
- Q: How long is a marriage certificate valid in Alabama? A: Marriage certificates are valid for 30 days from the date of signing.
