** Robertsdale Central Annex Location of Probate and Revenue temporarily closed as of May 1 , 2025 for extensive renovations.  All other locations and online services available.  ** 

Marriage Certificates
(Bay Minette Location ONLY)

Effective August 29, 2019:

• Alabama no longer requires a marriage license application. Probate courts will not issue marriage licenses.
• Baldwin County Probate (Bay Minette location only) records the marriage certificate.

Steps to File:

Step 1: Obtain the Form:

• The new marriage certificate form is provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health
• Download it here: alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-certificates.html. 
• Blank forms are not available in the Probate Office.

Step 2: Complete and Notarize the Marriage Certificate Form.

• Fill out the form legibly.
• Ensure all requested information is provided.
• No white-out or corrective marks allowed.
• The form should be printed on 8.5" x 11" white, front side only, as actual size, not "fit to page" or another modified size.
• Have form notarized prior to submission, by an Alabama notary public. (Notary services are not available at the Judge of Probate office.)
  

Step 3: Submit the Form and Fee:

• Submit within 30 calendar days of the last notarized signature.
• Fee: $73.00 (includes one certified copy). Cash or credit card (fees apply). No personal/business checks accepted.

          PAYMENT METHODS:   No personal or business checks accepted.

• By Mail:   Money order or cashier’s check only
• In person (Bay Minette office only) Cash or credit card (processing fees apply)

 SUBMISSION OPTIONS

     By Mail:  Must be received (not postmarked) within 30 days of the last notarized signature.

 Judge of Probate Attn: Marriage Section
PO Box 459 Bay Minette, AL 36507.

                 Must Include:

• Completed, notarized form
• Payment (money order or cashier’s check)
• Self-addressed, stamped return envelope

Must be received (not postmarked) within 30 days of the last notarized signature.

      In Person:   Bay Minette Location Only

• No appointment needed. 
• Payment: Cash, credit card (fees apply).
• No personal/business checks accepted.
• Both parties are not required to be present. It can also be brought in by a 3rd party.                                        
  

Important Notes:

1. If properly recorded, the effective legal date of the marriage is the latter of the dates of the spouses' signatures. You can celebrate any day you want, have a ceremony any day you want, or not have a ceremony at all.
2. If the form is not filed within 30 days, you will not have a legal marriage certificate in Alabama.
3. Ceremonies are not required:  You may hold a ceremony any time—or not have one at all.
4. There are no requirements for officiants to register nor are there any credentials required to perform a ceremony.
5. Marriage Certificates must be notarized by an Alabama Notary. Probate staff are not allowed to notarize Marriage Certificates.  
6. The Judge of Probate does NOT perform ceremonies. 

---

Alabama Marriage Certificate Corrections

If corrections are required to an Alabama Marriage Certificate that has already been recorded, please refer to the instructions and correction form below:

Guidelines for Amending an Alabama Marriage Certificate
Amendment to Alabama Marriage Certificate and Decree of Correction

Obtaining a Certified Copy

If recorded in Baldwin County, you may order certified copies of your Marriage License (if married prior to 8/29/19) or Marriage Certificate (if married on/after 8/29/19) from the Baldwin County Probate Office in Bay Minette. The fee is $3.00 per copy and you may request a copy through the mail if you send the fee (money order or cashier’s check). Please include a return address. If you make an in-office request, there are additional payment options of cash or credit card (service fee applies). Make payment payable to Judge of Probate. Complete the online request form (see below) and mail to the following address: Judge of Probate Marriage Section PO Box 459 Bay Minette, AL 36507

REQUEST FOR CERTIFIED COPIES

Copies can also be obtained from the Alabama Department of Public Health for a fee.

Below are some additional links regarding marriage certificates.

Ala. Act 2019-340

Request for Attorney General Opinion from Mobile County Probate Judge, Don Davis

Attorney General's response to Judge Davis

Attorney General's response to notary requirement

For Adlts (effective August 2023) – Aug 2023 Marriage Cert and Instructions - Adults
For Minors(effective August 2023) – Aug 2023 MarriageCert and Instructions - Minors [16-17 years of age]