Mobile, Alabama Wedding Guide
Become a Wedding Officiant in Mobile as an AMM Ordained Minister. Learn more about getting ordained in Alabama, officiant training, wedding ceremony planning, and more.
Become a Wedding Officiant in Mobile as an AMM Ordained Minister. Learn more about getting ordained in Alabama, officiant training, wedding ceremony planning, and more.
Best known as the birthplace of Mardi Gras, Mobile is a bustling southern town that has all the attractions you’re looking for. Whether you came here for the delicious southern cuisine, the rich history and culture, or the exciting festivities and sporting events, Mobile will not let you down. You’ll also like to know that Mobile has plenty of gorgeous wedding venue options to fit all your needs.
Before you get too caught up in the wedding planning, let’s help you ordain the wedding officiant of your choice, and walk you through the marriage licensing process.
Let’s begin with the ordainment process. According to Code of Alabama § 30-1-7, “marriages may be solemnized by any licensed minister of the gospel in regular communion with the Christian church or society of which the minister is a member.” If you do not yet align with these requirements, don’t worry. By simply signing up with AMM, you can become an ordained minister and officially solemnize marriages. The process is free and should only take you a few minutes to complete.
Now that the easy part is out of the way, you can focus on preparing for the ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a wedding is an honor, but can also be a challenge. You will appreciate our wedding training pages, where we give you access to useful information regarding the officiant’s role at the ceremony. Here you’ll find everything from sample wedding scripts, to brainstorming prompts, preparation tips, and more.
As the officiant, you also have some legal responsibilities. When it comes time for the actual wedding, you’ll need to make sure the couple has obtained a valid marriage license before the ceremony and to help them complete it correctly.
For more details on any questions that may come up as you and the couple are filling it out, check out Step 3 of our in-depth guide for officiants.
Remind the couple that the marriage license is valid for only 30 days from the date on which it is signed, so it’s important that the signed, completed marriage license is mailed back to the office of the Probate Court within that time frame.
Then, your duties are complete -- the couple will take care of the rest! Now you can kick back, relax, and congratulate yourself on a job well done.
For The
Couple
Since August of 2019, Alabama law has changed -- you no longer have to apply for a marriage license with the county probate court in person to get married.
Before applying for a marriage license, you will first need to complete a form required by the State of Alabama. Instructions for filling out this form can be found here. Then, the form needs to be notarized. You can find a list of notaries in the state here. Once notarized, the form should be sent back along with the marriage license fee to the Mobile County Probate’s Office within 30 days for official recording.
Of course, a wedding ceremony may be performed, but it will no longer be required for a recognized marriage in Alabama.
Issuance Office: Online
Probate Office: 151 Government Street
Fee: $70.00
Waiting Period: None
Expiration: 30 days
For The Couple
& Officiant
One of the best things about getting married in Mobile, Alabama, is that you’ll have a large selection of different venues to choose from. Have you dreamed of getting married at a museum? At the History Museum of Mobile, you can hold the ceremony in the grand Hearin-Chandler Auditorium and host your reception in the beautiful outdoor Courtyard.
Are you looking for a classic southern wedding venue? At the Bragg Mitchell Mansion, you’ll experience the elegance and style of a finely furnished and tastefully designed, southern mansion, complete with bridal suites, gathering and dressing rooms, and plenty of outdoor space for the guests.
For a fairytale-like wedding, you may consider the Sterling Castle. This gorgeous venue, complete with an expansive banquet hall and a beautiful outdoor garden space. The picture book castle walls will have you and your beloved in full enchantment.
The Wave Transit System in Mobile is a great bus system that should get you to most of your destinations around the city. Otherwise, you can always hail a taxi or use the rideshare services that are available.
The best seasons in Alabama are spring and fall, as the temperatures are the mildest. However, they also bring chances of severe weather like tornadoes and thunderstorms. Temperatures increase in May and make for very hot and humid summers, so if you’re considering a summer wedding date, you’ll want to pick a venue with indoor accommodations (and air conditioning!). December, January, and February are rainy and chilly, but never incredibly cold. Any season you choose to get married in Alabama is workable; you’ll want to make a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Consider investing in wedding insurance and making sure your venue of choice is prepared with a Plan B in case the weather takes a turn on your big day.
For The Couple
& Officiant
How is the date of my marriage determined under the new law?
It’s the date that both spouses sign the Alabama Marriage Certificate form.
When does my marriage become official?
Your marriage becomes official when the notarized Alabama Marriage Certificate form is recorded by an Alabama probate court.
What happens if we don’t return the marriage license to the probate court within 30 days after the date on which we signed?
The marriage would be considered invalid, and the spouses would need to complete a new Marriage Certificate form and deliver it to the probate court within 30 days.
Who should return the completed marriage certificate?
Normally, either a member of the couple or the officiant can return it, but you can also just mail it in to the probate court. Just remember, it’s due within 30 days of being signed.
Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination!