Get Your Alabama Marriage Certificate

An officially certified marriage certificate from the Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health Statistics (ADPH-CHS) has unique features that establish its authenticity. It is typically printed on secure paper that includes a raised seal, signifying its official status. This paper also possesses tamper-proof characteristics. ADPH-CHS has specific guidelines for each county, which may feature distinct colors and layouts. To verify the validity of the certificate, look for the following details.

• Header: The state of Alabama’s official seal with the words “Marriage Certificate” boldly written.
• Couple’s Information: Names, ages, addresses, and social security of the bride and groom.
• Marriage Details: Date, time, venue of the ceremony, and the name of the officiant and witnesses.
• License Information: Marriage license number, date issued, and expiration date.
• Certification: Signature and certification by a probate court or clerk to confirm its authenticity.
• Footer: Unique certification number and state's filing date.

You can get a replacement for a lost or stolen Alabama Marriage Certificate. Below is the process to follow after losing it and how to get a replacement:

If you lose your marriage certificate:

1. Apply for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You will need to complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the ADPH-CHS.
2. 1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the ADH office during hours of availability.
   2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the ADH at:
      Alabama Department of Public Health
      Center for Health Statistics
      P.O. Box 5625
      Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625
      
   3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online)
2. ADPH-CHS will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

To change your Alabama marriage certificate, you must file an Amendment to Alabama Marriage Certificate and Decree of Correction form with the probate court in the county where the marriage license was issued. Both spouses must sign and notarize the form, and the court will then forward the amendment to the Alabama Department of Public Health for official record filing.

Amending a record requires an additional fee of $20.00. For more information, contact the probate office in the county where the marriage was registered.

You can order an apostille directly through the Secretary of State or online through VRO’s Express Apostille Service. The Secretary of State issues Apostilles, often required when filing an Alabama marriage certificate with a foreign government that is part of the 1961 Hague Convention.

The Apostille may be affixed to documents bearing the official signature and seal of a currently commissioned Alabama notary public, probate judge, or the current Alabama State Registrar.

We offer comprehensive apostille services for marriage certificate across all 50 US states. Governments and organizations acknowledge the service, which is legally valid in over 100 countries. VRO’s service comes with expert support, costs $149 (plus government fees), and can be accomplished online in just three steps.

If you are manually submitting a request for an apostille to the Secretary of State, you will need to provide the following items:

1. The certified copy of your marriage certificate, with an original signature and seal of the current Alabama State Registrar
2. A completed Authentication Form (specify which country you will submit the document to)
3. A payment of $5.00 per document

Checks and money orders should be made payable to the “Secretary of State,” or you can provide your credit card information

Submit your request to the Secretary of State's Authentication Division at the following addresses:

In-person/by mail (standard or express courier):

Simultaneous requests by mail:

You can order an apostille when you request your marriage certificate from the ADPH-CHS via mail or online. However, getting an apostille when requesting it in person at a local health department is not available. Get the application form, fill it out, and submit it. The fee for the form is $25.00.

Next to “Reason for Request,” you must write that you need an apostille and specify the country to which you submit the marriage record.

You can obtain a certified copy of an Alabama marriage certificate through the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) or the county Probate Court where the marriage license was originally issued. The ADPH maintains statewide records and accepts both online and mail-in requests.

To order online, you can use VitalRecordsOnline.com or apply directly through the ADPH. You will need to provide the full names of both spouses at the time of the marriage, the date of marriage, and the county where the license was issued.

For in-person requests, contact the county Probate Court directly. Processing times vary by county, but ADPH online orders are typically processed within 5 to 10 business days.

Yes, marriage certificate in Alabama are considered public records. This means that any member of the public can request a copy of a marriage certificate without needing to prove a direct relationship to the individuals named on the record.

You can request a copy from the Alabama Department of Public Health or from the county Probate Court where the marriage license was filed. While marriage certificate is public, you will still need to provide identifying details about the marriage to locate the correct record.

Alabama has maintained marriage records at the state level since 1936. For marriages that occurred before that date, you may need to contact the specific county where the marriage took place.

Alabama does not use a separate application form to request a marriage certificate. Instead, you can order a certified copy directly through the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) online portal or by submitting a written request by mail. When ordering by mail, include the full names of both spouses at the time of marriage, the date and county of the marriage, and a check or money order for $15 payable to the Alabama Department of Public Health. You can also visit the county Probate Court where the marriage license was originally issued to request a copy in person.

A certified copy of an Alabama marriage certificate costs $15 when ordered through the Alabama Department of Public Health. Each additional copy ordered at the same time is $6. Fees at the county Probate Court may vary slightly by county. Payment by mail should be made via check or money order payable to the Alabama Department of Public Health. Online orders through authorized services may include additional processing and shipping fees.

Yes, you can order an Alabama marriage certificate online through the Alabama Department of Public Health or through authorized third-party services like VitalRecordsOnline.com. Online ordering is the fastest way to request a certified copy without visiting a government office in person. You will need to provide the full names of both spouses, the date and county of the marriage, and valid identification. Processing times for online orders typically range from 5 to 10 business days depending on the method chosen.