How To Officiate a Wedding in Alabama

Alabama Marriage License Laws

Under the new law, persons wishing to become married are no longer required to file an application for a marriage license with the county probate court, and the courts will no longer issue marriage licenses.

Furthermore, all Alabama probate courts will now be required to record marriage certificates. The Alabama Marriage Certificate form represents a contractual agreement between the parties to the marriage, completed by both parties and delivered to the probate court for recording. Once properly completed and recorded, the marriage is valid. A wedding ceremony may be performed for the parties, but solemnization is no longer required for a recognized marriage in Alabama.

Therefore, while the officiant is still necessary in order to celebrate a ceremonial wedding ceremony, the legal marriage process is handled by the couple, who apply for fill out, and process the information.

Since Alabama's marriage process is different than in most states, make sure that couples are aware of the process, and that they understand that there are legal steps that they must take in addition to the ceremonial ceremony officiated by the officiant.

Post Wedding Actions

If you have not done so already, you should record the wedding you just officiated with our AMM Wedding Helper and even share your wedding on the AMM Wedding Wall with our nationwide network of ministers. ALABAMA OFFICIANT POST WEDDING DUTIES Learn more about the AMM Wedding Helper and post wedding officiant responsibilities by tapping the button above.