The passage of the new marriage law in Alabama makes the marriage process incredibly easy and customizable. A wedding ceremony no longer needs to contain specific language to make the marriage legally binding. A couple now has complete autonomy over the entire ceremony, which means they can design it according to certain preferences and interests. The only requirements are for the form, not for the ceremony. Because Alabama recognizes marriage equality, same-sex couples can legally marry within state borders. The state also recognizes same-sex marriages outside the state, even before the Supreme Court`s ruling in 2015. The path to marriage is changing, and with it the laws of the state. Recently, Alabama law eliminated the need for a marriage license and made the wedding ceremony optional. Today, couples only need to print and complete the Alabama marriage certificate on the Alabama Department of Public Health website.
As soon as both parties sign the certificate, have it notarized and submitted to the probate court, the marriage becomes legally binding. However, couples must ensure that they submit the certificate within 30 days of the date the second spouse signs it. (a) As of August 29, 2019, the only requirement for marriage in that State is that parties who are otherwise legally entitled to marry enter into marriage in accordance with this Article. However, the Probate Judge continues to charge the admission fees provided for in paragraph (32) of paragraph (b) of Articles 12-19-90 for each marriage registered with the Judge of the Succession. In addition, at the time of registration of the marriage, the judge of succession shall also collect the duties provided for in article 30-6-11, which must be distributed in accordance with this article. In addition to the couple`s two signatures, date, and social security numbers, the marriage form must be notarized to be legally binding. The couple must find an Alabama state notary who will sign and notarize the document. Although many people do not know where to look for such a person, you can find a complete list of all licensed notaries at the office of the Alabama Secretary of State. Many notaries are also available at local bank branches. While no state likes to stand in the way of love, there are age requirements that are crucial to protect everyone who makes such arrangements. Alabama allows anyone 18 or older to marry.
Some exceptions may be made for persons 16 years of age or older, with the consent of a parent or guardian, but no exceptions may be made for persons under 16 years of age. If the person wishing to marry is at least 16 years of age and under 18 years of age and has not had a previous wife, the probate judge requires the consent of the parents or guardian of the minor to the marriage, which must be given personally or in writing, and the latter must prove its execution. The probate judge also requires that the two-hundred-dollar ($200) bond, payable to the State of Alabama, be made on the condition that it be void if there is no legal reason why such a marriage should not be celebrated. To legally marry in Alabama, the parties must be at least 18 years old. The only exception is when an affiancé is 16 years old and has the consent of his parents. The law does not provide exemptions for parties under the age of 16, even if their parents agree. Although there are no official registration requirements in Alabama, you must be an ordained minister to legally perform the marriage. Local regulations in Alabama require that marriage officials be ordained under the designation of “minister” by a religious organization such as American Marriage Ministries. While you don`t have to register with an Alabama government office as a marriage official, it`s a good idea to keep personal records of your official ministry references. Proof of your ordination is essential if the couple, government officials, or the place of marriage request proof of your ordination. We recommend that you order your Alabama Minister`s Ordination Package to receive your official identification cards. Your kit contains your official certificate of ordination and your letter of good reputy.