Last Updated on July 10, 2025 by Joy Editors
Getting married in Alabama but feeling overwhelmed by the details? You’re not alone! Many couples tell us their biggest challenge is figuring out where to begin and understanding their options – especially regarding wedding venues.
The legal aspects of marriage in Alabama need your attention before you dive into selecting colors and cake flavors. The state requires a marriage license that costs $15. You’ll need to submit your paperwork at any of Alabama’s 68 probate offices. Let us break down the requirements step by step.
Our experience with countless couples shows that venues in places like Huntsville fill up quickly. Many get booked more than a year ahead! This detailed local’s guide will help you direct every aspect of your Alabama wedding planning – from legal requirements to venue selection and beyond.
Step 1: Understand Alabama Marriage Laws
Step 1: Understand Alabama Marriage Laws
Alabama’s marriage laws went through major changes in 2019 that optimized the process for couples. Learning these regulations is a vital first step if you plan to get married in the Heart of Dixie.
Who can legally marry in Alabama
Alabama honors marriage equality, allowing same-sex couples to legally wed within state boundaries. The state recognized out-of-state same-sex marriages even before the 2015 Supreme Court ruling.
It’s worth mentioning that Alabama only recognizes common law marriages that are January 1, 2017 old. Couples who met requirements before this date can file a marriage certificate to formalize their union. New common law marriages cannot be formed after this date.
On top of that, it requires a mandatory waiting period after divorce. You must wait 60 days before marrying anyone other than your previous spouse if you were previously married and divorced. You’ll need to indicate how your last marriage ended—whether by divorce, annulment, or death of a spouse—when completing your Marriage Certificate form.
Marriage in Alabama laws you should know
The most important change came with Alabama Act 2019-340, effective August 29, 2019. Under this law:
- Couples don’t need to file an application for a marriage license with county probate courts
- Probate courts no longer issue marriage licenses
- A wedding ceremony isn’t required for a legally recognized marriage
- Marriage becomes effective on the latter date when both spouses sign the form
The process now involves completing a standardized Marriage Certificate Form, getting it notarized, and filing it with a probate court within 30 days of the latter signature date. Since May 18, 2022, only Alabama Notaries Public can verify Alabama Marriage Certificates, which means you can only get the certificate notarized within state borders.
Age, ID, and residency requirements
To legally marry in Alabama, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old, or
- Be 16-17 years old with parental consent (documented via a notarized affidavit)
- Provide valid, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
Alabama doesn’t allow marriages for anyone under 16 years of age. Parents of 16-17 year olds must complete the “Affidavit of Consent for Marriage of a Minor” on page 2 of the Marriage Certificate form.
Alabama has no residency requirements, unlike many states. Couples can get married in Alabama whatever their home location—even from another state or country. International residents should enter their state/province in the “Residence County” field and their country name in the “Residence State” field.
Filing fees vary by county, usually around $89.00, though some counties might charge different amounts. Check with your specific county probate office for current information.
Note that your marriage becomes legally valid in Alabama and recognized throughout the United States once the probate court records your properly completed form.
Step 2: Get Your Alabama Marriage License
Alabama’s marriage license process became simpler after the 2019 law change. You now complete a marriage certificate form that makes your marriage legal once it’s recorded. Let me show you how it works.
What do you need to get married in Alabama
Both partners must provide their personal details on the marriage certificate form. You’ll need to write down your full legal names, your parents’ full names, date of birth, current address, and the number of your previous marriages.
The state accepts these types of government-issued photo IDs:
- Driver’s license
- State ID
- Passport
- Military ID
Partners aged 16-17 need extra paperwork. A parent or legal guardian must sign an “Affidavit of Consent for Marriage of a Minor” form. This affidavit must be filed along with the marriage certificate. Many counties require at least one parent to live in the county where you file if a minor is getting married, so check your local rules.
How to fill out and notarize the form
Here’s what you need to do to complete your Alabama marriage certificate:
- Download and complete the form – You can find the right form on the Alabama Department of Public Health website. They offer different versions for adults (18+) and minors (16-17). Write clearly and fill out everything. Print the form on white 8.5″ x 11″ paper, using only one side at actual size.
- Sign in front of a notary – Both of you must sign while an Alabama notary public watches. The first spouse signs in Block 25, and the second spouse signs in Block 26. Only Alabama notaries can verify these forms – other states’ notaries won’t work. The notary must notarize each signature separately and write when their commission expires.
- Check for common errors – Sign with your current name, not your future married name. Don’t use white-out or make corrections. The notary must use the actual signing date, not a future or past date.
Where and how to submit your license
Your marriage becomes valid when you record the form at an Alabama probate court within 30 days after the last person signs. You can submit it two ways:
In-person submission: Take your notarized form and ID to any Alabama county probate court. Most courts open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Filing in person means you’ll get it processed right away.
Mail submission: Send your form to any Alabama probate court. Include your recording fee payment (usually by cashier’s check or money order) and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Make sure it reaches the court within 30 days.
Recording fees vary by county between $73.00 and $89.00. Some courts take cash or credit cards but might charge extra fees. Others might limit your payment options.
Note that your marriage becomes legal on the date the second spouse signs. You don’t need a ceremony – but you can celebrate any way you want!
Step 3: Choose the Right Time and Place
The next step after completing your legal paperwork is picking the perfect time and location for your Alabama wedding. Your choice of timing and venue will shape your guests’ experience and affect your budget.
Best seasons to get married in Alabama
Alabama’s weather changes dramatically throughout the year, which can make or break your wedding day. Most couples choose spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) for their weddings. These seasons offer mild temperatures between the mid-60s to 80s and create perfect conditions for outdoor ceremonies with beautiful natural settings.
Summer weddings (June-August) give you plenty of daylight but temperatures often soar into the 90s with sticky humidity. Winter ceremonies (December-February) have their own charm – smaller crowds and possible venue discounts make this season attractive, though temperatures can drop to the 40s and 50s.
Wedding professionals say June tops the list of wedding months in Alabama. August, July, May and December round out the most popular choices. October has become a favorite for fall weddings because of its stunning foliage and pleasant weather.
Popular wedding venues across the state
Alabama’s wedding venues cater to every style and vision:
- Rustic elegance: The White Barn at Padgett Place in Lacey Springs and The Barn at Smith Lake in Bremen blend rustic charm with modern amenities
- Historic settings: Mobile’s Driskell mansion, built in 1911, combines contemporary colors with historic architecture
- Natural beauty: Huntsville Botanical Garden showcases spectacular gardens and Lake Lonnie’s waterfront views
- Industrial chic: Birmingham’s Theodore welcomes up to 750 guests in a transformed warehouse space
Your venue choice should factor in nearby accommodations for out-of-town guests and accessibility.
Tips for booking early and avoiding game days
College football runs deep in Alabama’s blood. Many locals see scheduling a wedding on game day as a major mistake. One wedding planner puts it simply: “You just don’t schedule weddings on game days in Southern college towns where football is life”.
This football fever shows up in marriage statistics too. Marriage license applications spike during bye weeks across Alabama’s probate offices. Here’s how to plan around the football season:
- Look up Alabama and Auburn’s football schedules before picking your date
- Friday evening weddings work well during football season
- Book your venue 6-12 months ahead – the best spots fill up fast in spring and fall
- Plan backup options for outdoor weddings during spring and fall’s changeable weather
Your guests’ comfort should be your priority. Set up cooling stations for summer celebrations and provide heating for winter events.
Step 4: Plan Your Wedding Day Details
Your marriage certificate and venue are secured. The next step focuses on creating a solid plan that will make your wedding day truly memorable.
Set a realistic budget
The financial landscape of Alabama weddings will help you allocate your funds wisely. The average wedding cost in Alabama ranges from $22,500 to $50,000, based on your choices and guest count. Couples in Birmingham spend between $22,507 and $27,509 for a typical wedding with 150-200 guests.
A typical budget breaks down this way:
- Venue: 40-50% of total budget
- Catering: 20-30%
- Photography/Videography: 10-15%
- Attire, flowers, and entertainment: 5-10% each
Note that adding just one guest increases your costs by approximately $129-$157. Your best approach is to identify non-negotiables first and allocate more budget toward these priorities.
Hire local vendors and planners
Alabama’s professional wedding planners charge between $500 and $3,800, depending on service level. Here are your options:
- Day-of coordination: Starting around $1,000
- Partial planning: $1,200-$3,000
- Full-service planning: $5,000+
Wedding planners are a great way to get benefits beyond coordination. They know local vendors well, help maintain your budget, and minimize stress for everyone involved. Book your planner and other core vendors 6-12 months ahead, especially photographers and caterers.
Create a timeline and guest list
A detailed timeline is vital for your wedding day success. Your ceremony time should be the anchor point. Plan backward and allow enough time for:
- Hair and makeup: 60-90 minutes for the bride, 30-45 minutes for each attendant
- Photography: At least 2 hours for portraits
- Pre-ceremony preparations: Extra time for unexpected delays
Your guest list needs a spreadsheet with names, contact information, RSVP status, and dietary restrictions. The timeline should include backup plans for weather changes and ensure all guests can access the venue easily.
Step 5: Make It Safe and Memorable for Guests
A successful Alabama wedding celebration needs a safe and comfortable environment for guests. The guest experience needs careful attention beyond legal requirements and planning details.
Guest safety tips for outdoor and indoor weddings
Outdoor celebrations need insect repellent stations to curb Alabama’s persistent bugs. Place citronella candles around the venue perimeter to keep mosquitoes away. Make sure all electrical equipment stays covered during unexpected rain.
Indoor venues need regular cleaning with high-touch surfaces sanitized every two hours. Hand sanitizer should be easily accessible throughout the venue. The ceremony and reception should have assigned seating to keep comfortable distances between guests.
Your guests’ safety depends on proper food handling. The caterer must keep hot foods above 140°F and cold foods below 40°F since food shouldn’t remain in the “danger zone” for more than two hours.
Southern hospitality and accessibility considerations
True Southern hospitality makes every guest feel special. Soft wraps or customized fans make thoughtful wedding favors that help keep guests comfortable.
Evergreen in Rainbow City features fully paved, well-lit parking that works for guests with any mobility needs. The Tuscaloosa River Market offers complete wheelchair accessibility and their core team ensures everyone participates comfortably.
Many Southern venues let your four-legged friends join the celebration if you want pets at your wedding.
Weather planning and backup options
Book a tent at the same time as your venue to protect against Alabama’s unpredictable weather. You might also pick venues that give both indoor and outdoor choices.
Summer weddings work best with later ceremony times, away from peak heat – sunset hours are ideal. Set up fans across outdoor spaces and add hydration stations with water or lemonade.
Spring ceremonies might get rain, so keep color-coordinated umbrellas handy—they make great photo props too. Watch the 10-day forecast closely, but your wedding planner knows best about using the backup plan.
Conclusion
Your Alabama wedding involves many details, but you can handle them by breaking them down into simple steps. The significant changes in 2019 made Alabama’s marriage laws much simpler to understand. Getting your marriage certificate notarized properly will make sure your union is legally valid.
The weather should shape your planning decisions. Spring and fall give you perfect conditions for outdoor ceremonies. Summer weddings need cooling stations to keep guests comfortable. Winter celebrations might cost less and have their own special charm.
Alabama’s football culture plays a big role in wedding planning. Game days will affect your guest count and hotel bookings. Check team schedules before you pick a date. Book your venue early, especially if you want a popular wedding season.
Alabama weddings cost between $22,500 and $50,000. You need to plan your budget carefully. Local wedding planners can help you pick vendors and manage timelines. This takes a lot of stress off your shoulders during planning.
Your guests’ safety makes the whole experience better. Set up insect repellent stations for outdoor events. Keep food at safe temperatures. Make sure everyone can move around easily. Have backup plans ready for bad weather to show you care about your loved ones.
Getting married in Alabama means more than just paperwork. It’s about making memories with your closest family and friends. These steps will help you create a wedding that shows off both southern charm and your love story.
The Heart of Dixie offers everything you need for your special day. You might feel overwhelmed at first, but these steps will help your wedding run smoothly. This lets you focus on what really counts – starting your married life together in Alabama.
FAQs
Q1. What are the basic requirements to get married in Alabama? To get married in Alabama, you must be at least 18 years old (or 16-17 with parental consent), have valid government-issued photo ID, and complete a marriage certificate form. There’s no residency requirement, so you can get married in Alabama even if you’re from out of state.
Q2. How has the marriage process in Alabama changed recently? As of August 2019, couples no longer need to apply for a marriage license. Instead, they complete a marriage certificate form, have it notarized, and file it with a probate court within 30 days. A wedding ceremony is no longer legally required for the marriage to be recognized.
Q3. What’s the best time of year to have a wedding in Alabama? Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are the most popular seasons for weddings in Alabama due to mild temperatures. However, each season offers unique advantages. Consider factors like weather, venue availability, and potential conflicts with major events like football games when choosing your date.
Q4. How much does an average wedding cost in Alabama? The average wedding cost in Alabama ranges from $22,500 to $50,000, depending on factors like guest count and chosen amenities. For a typical wedding with 150-200 guests in Birmingham, couples often spend between $22,507 and $27,509.
Q5. What are some important considerations for guest comfort at an Alabama wedding? For outdoor weddings, provide insect repellent stations and consider citronella candles to combat bugs. Ensure proper food safety measures are in place. For summer weddings, schedule later ceremony times to avoid peak heat and provide hydration stations. Always have a backup plan for inclement weather, such as renting a tent or choosing a venue with both indoor and outdoor options.
