The state of Alabama provides a number of services for its residents when it comes to marriage records. These services are provided by The Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Center for health statistics.
Alabama marriage Records are important for people who may have lost their own marriage certificate or for someone who may be looking for verification of someone else’s marriage. It can also serve as a form of identification in many cases. Unlike some states, in Alabama marriage records are not considered confidential records. Therefore these records may be obtained by any individual who is willing to pay the proper fees.
The Alabama Center for Health Statistics controls the vital records system. They collect and keep statistics regarding marriages and divorce for the state of Alabama. Residents of Alabama and anyone else interested can find various statistics regarding marriage such as marriage by age, by race, month of occurrence etc.
The center has a system which it uses to store certified copies of marriage and divorce records that occur in the state of Alabama. This automated system is named the Vital Statistics Image Orientated Network (VISION). This network enables marriage records as well as all other vital records to be issued through all of the 67 county health departments in the state of Alabama.
Residents of Alabama can obtain marriage records by going to any county health department in the State of Alabama. Marriage certificates can usually be issued the same day. Marriage certificates can also be obtained by mail. The mailing process usually takes 7-10 days.
In Alabama the process of filing marriage certificates began in 1936. If an individual requires marriage records prior to 1936 they may be obtained from the probate office of the county in which the license was issued
The fee for one certified copy of a marriage certificate is $15. This fee includes the search fee. If no record of marriage is found, a certificate of failure to find will be issued. The charge for each additional copy of the marriage certificate is $6. All fees are non refundable and there is an additional fee for expedited services.
Even though Alabama marriage records are not considered confidential, there is still certain information required for an individual to get a copy of a marriage certificate.
For those who want to obtain a copy of marriage record they must provide the following information: The full name of the husband and wife, the county where the marriage took place and the mailing addresses and phone number of the person making the request.
Along with many other records, the center for health statistics also provides information and statistics on divorce. The center began filing records of divorces in 1950. For information on divorces that occurred earlier than 1950 in the state of Alabama, you must contact the circuit court in the county in which the divorce was granted. For marriage and divorce records that occurred outside of Alabama, you may contact the National Center for Health Statistics.
To obtain an Alabama marriage certificate, follow the instructions below:
Step 1.
Download and fill out the Alabama Vital Event form.
Step 2.
Complete the form providing as much information as possible, including husband and wife name, marriage date, and county of marriage. This will minimize the turnaround time of your request.
Step 3.
Take your form to any county health department in Alabama along with a $15.00 fee. Or send payment and form to the address below. Payment can be made in the form of check or money order.
If you need further assistance or information, contact the office below:
Alabama Department of Public Health
Alabama Vital Records
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, AL 36103-5626
(334) 206-5418
Guide to Obtaining Alabama Marriage Records
Alabama has kept vital records, such as marriage certificates, since 1936 at the Alabama Center for Health Statistics. Marriage records prior to 1936 may be available from the probate office in the county where the marriage license was issued.
Any person can obtain a certified marriage certificate by visiting any county health department in the State of Alabama. In most cases, the certificate will be issued while you wait. You can also obtain a marriage license via mail.
Online Access of Alabama Marriage Records
Alabama Vital Records does not process online orders. However, the state of Alabama has contracted an online service, VitalCheck.com, where Alabama marriage records may be obtained for an additional fee via the VitalCheck Alabama marriage link.
How to Retrieve Alabama Marriage Records
To obtain an Alabama marriage certificate, you will need: full name of husband and wife, marriage date, and county, along with your name, signature, address, and phone number.
Public Records
Court Records
Criminal Records
Birth Records
Death Records
Marriage Records
Divorce Records
Genealogy Records