Marshall County
Marriage Certificate Requirements
If you’re planning to tie the knot in Marshall County, Alabama, getting a marriage certificate is a vital step in making your union legally recognized. This article will guide you through the process of obtaining a marriage certificate in Marshall County, along with essential details and requirements you should be aware of.
Introduction
A marriage certificate is a legal document that validates the marriage between two individuals. In Marshall County, Alabama, the process of obtaining a marriage certificate has undergone changes due to Alabama Act 2019-340. It is important to note that the county probate court no longer issues marriage licenses. Instead, the parties to the marriage must complete and deliver a standardized marriage certificate form to the probate court for recording. The marriage is valid once properly completed and recorded, and no formal wedding ceremony or solemnization is required.
Marriage Certificate Application
To apply for a marriage certificate, the couple must obtain a standardized marriage certificate form provided by the state, county probate judge’s office, or online. The form requires basic information about each spouse and must be fully completed. Both parties must sign the form in the presence of a notary to witness their signatures. Notary services for the form are not provided by the Probate Office.
Identification Requirements
If you’re 18 years old or older, you must bring one of the following forms of identification along with your Social Security card:
- A valid driver’s license
- Non-driver’s license
- Passport
- A copy of your birth certificate certified by the State or County
- A military identification
- A certified school record
If you’ve been divorced, there is a 60-day waiting period after your divorce is final before you can apply for a marriage certificate unless you are remarrying your former spouse.
Residency and Waiting Period
You do not have to be a resident of Alabama to obtain a marriage certificate. There is no waiting period for marriage except for individuals who have been divorced. Non-residents who want to be married by a county marriage official may have to wait three days, and it’s advisable to check with the County Probate Office for specific requirements.
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 Code Section 30-2-10 imposes a 60-day restriction on getting married after a divorce.
Marriage Certificate Fee
The marriage certificate fee in Marshall County, Alabama, is $73.00, and the preferred method of payment is cash.
Blood Test and Name Change
A premarital blood test is no longer required in Alabama. However, obtaining a marriage certificate with your new name on it does not automatically change your name. If you wish to change your last name, you can use an online marriage name change kit.
Marriage Age Requirements
If you are a minor aged 16 to 17, you may enter into marriage with parental or guardian consent. The marriage certificate form for minors requires the consent of a parent or guardian.
Proxy Marriages and Cousin Marriages
Proxy marriage is not permitted in Alabama, and no other party may apply on behalf of either spouse. First and second cousins are allowed to legally marry in Alabama.
Common Law Marriages
A valid common law marriage exists in Alabama when there is capacity to enter into a marriage, an 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 a variety of wedding officiants available in their locality.
Expiration Date of Marriage Certificate
Marriage certificates 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.
Getting a Copy of Marriage Certificate
For a copy of your marriage certificate, you can contact the Alabama Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, in Montgomery, Alabama.
Conclusion
Obtaining a marriage certificate in Marshall County, Alabama, is a straightforward process that ensures your marriage is legally recognized. Remember to comply with all the requirements and submit the completed form within the specified timeframe to make your marriage official. Congratulations on this significant milestone in your life!
FAQs
- Can I apply for a marriage certificate if I am a non-resident of Alabama?
- Yes, residency is not a requirement for obtaining a marriage certificate in Alabama.
- Is a waiting period necessary for marriage in Alabama?
- There is no waiting period, except for individuals who have been divorced. In such cases, a 60-day waiting period applies.
- Can I change my last name on the marriage certificate?
- Obtaining a marriage certificate with your new name does not automatically change your name. You can use an online marriage name change kit for that purpose.
- Are blood tests required for marriage in Alabama?
- No, a premarital blood test is no longer required in Alabama.
- Can proxy marriages be conducted in Alabama?
- No, proxy marriages are not permitted in Alabama. Both parties must be present for the marriage to be valid.
