How to Get Married
in Alabama

Everything you need to know:

...all it takes is two signatures and a notary. (aka ME!)
Yes, seriously it's that easy.

What do you need to get married in Alabama?

Alabama happens to be one of the easiest states to legally get married in within the United States. In order to get married in Alabama, all a couple needs to do is print out the marriage certificate from online.  The certificate can be found on this page. There is no wait period and the paperwork can be filled out in the same day. Make sure you have access to a printer as it will be your responsibiilty to have the paper copy so it can be signed. 

Once it is filled out online and printed, it must be notarized by a notary public who is recognized under the Alabama laws. (Hint* This is something I offer for free in all of my packages!) 

After you both have filled out the information, signed your names, and the paper is notarized, you may file the paper with a probate office in Alabama. The filing fee will cost you close to $75. It can be paid via money order or cashiers check in the mail or cash in the office. It's important to note that it must be filed within the 30 days of your notary stamp date. The fee covers one certified copy of your marriage certificate sent to you in the mail. 

Information that is required on the marriage license:
  • Full names before first marriage of both spouses
  • Date of marriage
  • County where marriage license was issued (where you get married)
  • Your name
  • Your signature
  • Address where the certificate is to be mailed
  • Daytime phone number

if all you need is two signatures and a notary, why not have an alabama elopement?

Go glamping under the stars after your Alabama elopement. 

Hike to the highest peak in the state and say I Do.

Parasail after your Orange Beach wedding

Get Married in Gulf Shores on a sunset sailboat cruise in the Gulf of Mexico

imagine if you could...

It's nickname wasn't given to it for no reason but many overlook the beauty that lies within the states borders. With so many unique elopement places to elope in Alabama how will you know which one to choose? It's a good thing we know our way around this state, the best times to visit, the must-do activities in the locations, and not to mention the best food joints. 

Alabama's beauty extends from Lake Guntersville to Mount Cheaha to Gulf Shores and surrounding beaches. So, if your looking to have a beach wedding in Alabama or are looking for other places to elope in Alabama like a state park, we got you covered. Keep reading below to find out the best kept secrets for couples just like you. 

where will the country roads take you?

Eloping in Alabama the Beautiful 

You wake up next to your partner in a cozy cabin. The breeze is blowing outside and the leaves tap the window as they fall. You write your vows together by the glow of the lamp and finsih your morning off with hot chocolate by the fire. Your partner and you help one another get dressed and packed for your hiking elopement. It's about to be the best day ever.

Take a moment to dream up your best day ever. Imagine surrounded by the smell of fresh brewed java coming through the floors of beach house you've rented for you two and only your closest friends and family. Outside the windows, you see the waves crashing against the shore and the sun beaming inside your window as you get ready. Your photographer has arrived to capture you helping one another become wedding ready. Today is your wedding day. 

Why have an Alabama Elopement?

Let me help it become reality

OR...

Your Alabama Elopement can be the adventure of a lifetime. 

let's talk about how to make 'bama your wedding altar. 

Knowing how to get married in Alabama also means knowing how to elope in Alabama.  Since the state only requires your signatures, a notary, and a filing fee....eloping is as easy as pie (or wedding cake).

Having an Alabma Elopement means saying yes to simple, slower, more intimate moments. The difference between a wedding in Alabama and an Alabama elopement? Your experience.

How to Elope in Alabama 

faq for alabama elopements

Q: Do I need to have an officiant in Alabama?

Since the State of Alabama only requires paperwork to be submitted in order for your marriage to be legalized, having an officiant is optional. A ceremony is not required by Alabama law to make a marriage legal. This means whomever you decide to have officiate your wedding, they don't have to be recognized or anything. They don't have to have special licenses or be a pastor. Anyone can "officiate" your ceremony for you. Even "fido" can bark and officate. 

Yes! No matter where you reside, you may get legally married in Alabama. You only need to fill out the county where the certificate will be good for (aka where your "ceremony" will take place and where you plan to send it). 

Q. Can I get married on the beach in Alabama?

Finding an Airbnb or rental that allows private events on their property is one way to go about having the ceremony on the beach. Another way (and if you have family or friends that may be attending) is renting one of the four locations that are offered on the beach. Check out this blog to know exactly how to go about securing those permits and payments. 

Q. Can I get married in Alabama if I don't live in Alabama?

Where are the best places to elope in Alabama?

There are tons of beautiful places to elope in Alabama. The state offers everything from white sandy beaches, to large waterfalls, to epic cliffside views. Alabama is one of the most heavily forested states there is so having your elopement amongst the trees is possibly around every corner. 

Alabama is also home to over 21 State Parks that encompass over 45,300 acres of land and water. A state park is the perfect place to elope in Alabama, offering low permit rates and easy access for guests and family alike. 

Some of my favorite places to elope in Alabama include:
  • Mount Cheaha State Park 
  • Chewacla State Park
  • DeSoto State Park
  • Gulf State Park
  • Oak Mountain
  • Historic Blakeley State Park

You can read more about these places by clicking here!

It's me, Mataya (Muh-Tay-Uh).
Wow, if all that information is leaving you feelin' a little fatigued don't worry! I got the coffee hot and a hand to hold. I've done the research so you don't have to. If you're enjoying all the information, just imagine what your elopement could look like with me by your side researching for you! You aren't in this alone, pinky promise. 

Hey adventurer

Let's Chat More about YOUR day.

Malcolm hill

"Mataya was an absolute delight to work with. She made us feel comfortable and captured our day beautifully."