You said “I do” now it’s time to make it official on paper. Whether you’re a Mobile local or you traveled to the Gulf Coast for your dream wedding, securing your marriage certificate in Mobile, AL is a straightforward process when you know exactly where to go and what to bring. I put this guide together to walk you through every step, from filing a new certificate to requesting certified copies down the road.
What’s the Difference Between a Marriage License and a Marriage Certificate?
Before diving in, it’s worth clearing up a common point of confusion. A marriage license is obtained before the wedding it’s the legal permission to get married. A marriage certificate is the official document completed after the ceremony that proves the marriage took place. This guide focuses on the certificate, but if you still need a license, the Mobile County Probate Court handles both.
Step 1: File Your New Marriage Certificate
Under Alabama law, your officiant is responsible for completing the Marriage Certificate form and submitting it for recording but knowing the details yourself helps make sure nothing falls through the cracks on or after your big day.
Where to File
Mobile County Probate Court
📍 151 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602
🌐 probate.mobilecountyal.gov
Deadline
The completed Marriage Certificate form must be filed within 30 days of the date the parties sign the form. Missing this window can cause delays in having your marriage legally recognized, so it’s smart to confirm with your officiant that they’ve submitted everything promptly.
Filing Fees
Expect to pay between $70 and $73 depending on specific processing requirements. The Probate Court typically accepts cash, money order, or credit card.
What the Form Requires
- Fully and accurately completed (legal names, date, location of ceremony)
- Notarized before submission
- Submitted by the officiant or an authorized representative
Pro Tip: Confirm with your officiant before the wedding that they’re familiar with Alabama’s current certificate requirements. A quick conversation upfront saves a lot of headaches afterward.
Step 2: Get Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
Once your marriage is recorded, you’ll likely need certified copies for name change paperwork, joint bank accounts, insurance updates, and more. Here are your three options in Mobile County:
Option 1: In-Person at the Mobile County Health Department (Fastest for Copies)
Mobile County Health Department
📍 251 North Bayou St., Mobile, AL 36603
🌐 mchd.org
- First copy: $15
- Each additional copy (ordered at the same time): $6
- Records are typically available quickly after filing
This is the most convenient option for most newlyweds needing certified copies for everyday legal and administrative purposes.
Option 2: In-Person at the Mobile County Probate Court (Historical Records)
The Mobile County Probate Court holds marriage records dating back to 1813 making it the go-to source for genealogy research or older records.
- Cost: Approximately $3 per copy
Option 3: Online Through VitalChek (Expedited & Remote)
If you’re not local or need records quickly, the VitalChek Ordering Service allows you to order certified copies online through the Alabama Department of Public Health.
- Note that state-level fees apply and will be higher than local county prices
- Great option for couples who have already relocated out of the area
Can I Get Records Through the State?
Yes. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) maintains statewide vital records, including marriage certificates. You can contact them directly for records or use the VitalChek portal linked above. However, for most Mobile County residents, going directly to the county health department or probate court is faster and less expensive.
Quick Reference: Marriage Certificate in Mobile, AL
| Task | Where | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| File a new certificate | Mobile County Probate Court, 151 Government St. | $70–$73 |
| Get certified copies | Mobile County Health Dept., 251 N. Bayou St. | $15 (first copy), $6 (additional) |
| Get copies of older records | Mobile County Probate Court | ~$3 per copy |
| Order copies online/remotely | VitalChek (ADPH) | State fees apply |
Don’t Forget to Preserve the Day Itself
Getting your marriage certificate filed is the legal side of your wedding but the memories are what you’ll treasure forever. I’m Korbin Henderson, a wedding photographer and videographer based in Pensacola, and I’ve had the privilege of documenting weddings all across Mobile County and the Gulf Coast, from Fairhope to Orange Beach. If you’re still searching for where to say “I do,” I put together a full guide to the best wedding venues in Mobile, AL that might help you narrow things down.
If you’re still planning your wedding and want to see what I do, take a look at my wedding photography portfolio and wedding videography portfolio real Gulf Coast couples, real moments.
My photography and videography packages start at just $850, and when you book both together, you’ll save 10% so you can have stunning photos and a cinematic wedding film without stretching the budget. I only require 40% upfront to hold your date, and flexible payment plans are available for the rest.
If you’re newly engaged, I’d also love to take you out for an engagement session it’s a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding, and those photos make beautiful save-the-dates. Not sure where to shoot? I’ve also rounded up my favorite engagement photo locations in Mobile, AL to help you find the perfect backdrop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after the wedding can I get my marriage certificate?
The certificate must be filed within 30 days of signing. After it’s recorded at the Probate Court, certified copies become available through the Mobile County Health Department or the Probate Court itself.
Do I need a notary to file a marriage certificate in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama requires the Marriage Certificate form to be notarized before it can be submitted for recording.
Can my officiant file the certificate for me?
Yes — in fact, your officiant is typically the one responsible for completing and submitting the form. Just confirm they’ve done so within the 30-day window.
How many copies of the marriage certificate should I get?
Most couples find that two to four certified copies covers the common needs: Social Security name change, driver’s license update, passport application, and bank accounts. Getting extras at the same visit saves you time and money later.
Do you photograph and film weddings in Mobile, AL?
I do! I regularly serve Mobile and Baldwin counties, including Mobile, Fairhope, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores. Reach out here to check availability for your date.
Ready to Start Planning?
Now that you know exactly how to get your marriage certificate in Mobile, AL, you can check that off the list. If you’re still in the planning stages and want a photographer and videographer who knows the Gulf Coast inside and out, I’d love to be part of your day. Get in touch with me or give me a call at (850) 898-2234 to check your date. You can also browse reviews from real couples I’ve worked with and then let’s start planning something you’ll never forget.
