FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WILL I NEED A MARRIAGE LICENSE? Alabama no longer issues "marriage licenses." You can not go to the courthouse and get a "marriage license" in Alabama. In fact, they would rather you not go there at all. The legal process changed in August of 2019. We are experts at managing the new process for you.   

DON'T I NEED AN ORDAINED MINISTER TO PERFORM A CEREMONY? Wedding ceremonies are not required to be legally married in Alabama. The State of Alabama is not interested in whether or not you have a wedding ceremony. The state is only interested in whether or not you file the marriage certificate correctly and pay the filing fee. ($73). An officiant/minister is not required and signs nothing.

IF I CHOOSE TO HAVE A CEREMONY, WILL PASTOR STEVE OFFICIATE? We primarily provide ceremony services through yourdreambeachwedding.com.  

HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO DO IT MYSELF? Marriage Certificates must be filed out, printed and filed according to strict standards. Handwritten Alabama marriage certificates are technically allowed, but almost never accepted. The state prefers they be typed, printed, notarized and filed according to very specific instructions. If you do it yourself, we are happy to notarize it, but can't guarantee it meets all the requirements.   

DO I NEED WITNESSES? Witnesses are not required. Because your marriage certificate has to be signed by a Notary Public, there is no requirement for witnesses.  

CAN I GET MARRIED IMMEDIATELY AFTER MY DIVORCE?

No, unless you are remarrying your last spouse. Alabama has a 60-day wait after divorce before marrying anyone other than your previous spouse. 

WHEN IS MY MARRIAGE LEGAL? The day a Notary Public certifies your signatures is the legal day of your marriage. If you are having a ceremony and want your legal date to be the day of your ceremony, you must have a Notary Public certify your signatures on the marriage certificate that day. Even if it is Saturday or Sunday.  

DO I HAVE TO LIVE IN ALABAMA? You may be married legally with Alabama marriage documents regardless of where you live. Alabama has no residency requirements. We are happy to notarize marriage documents for couples from other states or countries. As of May 18, 2022, the law specifies that ONLY Notaries Public of Alabama may notarize Alabama Marriage Certificates. This means the Alabama Marriage Certificate can only be validated within the borders of the State of Alabama. 

WHAT PAPERWORK DO WE NEED TO BRING WITH US? All we require is your photo I.D. Once you send us the information necessary to complete your paperwork, all you need to have with you at the signing is a photo I.D. (Driver's license, Passport, etc.)  You do not need to prove dates of divorces or have those papers with you.