Marriage Records Under Alabama Act 2019-340
Alabama stopped issuing marriage licenses in 2019. The official Madison County Probate page explains the change. Couples no longer apply for a license. They complete a standardized Alabama Marriage Certificate, sign before an Alabama-authorized notary, and deliver the original to the Probate Judge for recording. A ceremony may still happen, but solemnization is not required for legal recognition. The effective marriage date is the later of the two spouse signature dates.
The Madison Probate office sits at the Madison County Service Center, 1918 Memorial Parkway NW, Huntsville, AL 35801. The phone is (256) 532-3330. Recording hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The county will not accept handwritten forms. Out-of-state notarizations are not accepted under county instructions.
How to Record a Marriage in Madison County
The marriage recording process is short but strict. Use a typewritten form, find an Alabama notary, then deliver the certificate within 30 days of the later signature date. Pay in person or by mail.
- Download and fully complete the standardized Alabama Marriage Certificate form from ADPH.
- Type the form. Madison County does not accept handwritten certificates.
- Take the form to an Alabama-authorized notary. Probate does not provide notary service.
- Deliver the original notarized form to the Probate Judge with the $89 recording fee within 30 days of the later spouse signature.
- Pay by cash or credit card in person. By mail, use a certified check or cashier's check only.
- Mail to Probate Judge, 1918 Memorial Parkway NW, Huntsville, AL 35801, with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The effective marriage date is the later signature date. If a correction is later needed, Madison Probate charges $25.75 for an Amendment to Alabama Marriage Certificate or Decree of Correction.
Madison County Marriage Recording Fees
The Probate cost list sets the fee schedule. The recording fee covers the original filing. Certified copies cost $2 each. Corrections cost $25.75.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage Certificate recording | $89.00 |
| Certified copy | $2.00 per copy |
| Amendment / Decree of Correction | $25.75 |
Madison County Marriage Certificate Form Fields
The Probate page describes the standardized form. The exact PDF should be downloaded from ADPH. The table below lists the field set the county references in its instructions.
| Field Label | Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse 1 legal name | Text | Yes | Typewritten only. |
| Spouse 2 legal name | Text | Yes | Typewritten only. |
| Basic identifying information | Text / date | Yes | Same fields as the prior marriage form. |
| Signature of each spouse | Signature / date | Yes | Effective date is the later signature date. |
| Notary acknowledgment | Notary block | Yes | Alabama notary; Probate does not notarize. |
| Return address / SASE | Envelope | If mailed | Self-addressed stamped envelope required. |
Madison County Divorce Records
Divorce records belong with the Circuit Court, not the Probate Judge. The Family Court Division of the Madison County Circuit Clerk holds divorce, custody, child support, and modification files. Filing a divorce starts at $324. Adding Madison County Sheriff service raises the cost to $344. Petitions to modify or rule nisi cost $427, or $447 with sheriff service.
To request a paper copy of a Madison County divorce file, send a Records Request to Debra Kizer, Circuit Clerk, Records Search, Family Court Division, 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801. Mail payments must be a cashier's check or money order payable to Debra Kizer, Circuit Clerk. Cash is fine in person. Certified copies of final orders are $20 each. ADPH may issue vital-statistics divorce certificates, but the case file itself stays with the local Circuit Clerk.
The official Madison County Probate marriage page explains the certificate process and fees.
Madison County Divorce Filing Fees
Filing fees for divorce and family cases are published on the Madison Circuit Clerk filing-fees page. Fees can change, so confirm the current schedule before mailing payment.
| Filing | Fee |
|---|---|
| Domestic relations divorce | $324.00 |
| Divorce with Madison County Sheriff service | $344.00 |
| Petition to modify or rule nisi | $427.00 |
| Petition to modify or rule nisi with sheriff service | $447.00 |
| Certified copy of final order | $20.00 |
Restricted Family Records
Some family records carry restrictions. Adoption proceedings and records are confidential under Ala. Code § 26-10A-31. Juvenile filings stay confidential under § 12-15-133. Domestic violence cases may have sensitive addresses redacted. The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality also limit what appears in public divorce dockets, especially when minor children are involved.
Note: Sealed family records require a court order to open; speak with a family-law attorney before filing a motion to unseal.
How to Search a Madison County Divorce Case
Divorce filings appear in the Circuit Court track inside AlaCourt. Use the same Just One Look service that handles other Circuit and District cases. Start with party names, since divorce case numbers are usually unfamiliar to most users. Filter by Madison County and by the Domestic case type when prompted.
- Open pa.alacourt.com and choose a name search.
- Type the full name of either spouse and select Madison County.
- Filter by Circuit Court or Domestic to narrow results.
- Pay the search fee and open the docket page.
- Order a certified final order from the Circuit Clerk if needed.
The Alabama Department of Public Health also issues divorce certificates for vital-statistics use. The local Circuit Clerk holds the underlying case file, while ADPH holds the vital-record certificate version. Use the right source for the right purpose. Final orders carry the most weight in court and bank settings; ADPH certificates are widely used for federal benefits and identification updates.
Common Questions About Madison County Marriages
Does Madison Probate perform marriage ceremonies? No. Probate records the certificate after a couple signs before an Alabama notary. Solemnization is optional under the 2019 law.
Can a couple from out of state record a marriage in Madison County? The couple should follow Alabama notary rules. The county will not accept out-of-state notarizations under current instructions.
How fast does Madison Probate return a recorded certificate? Return time depends on mail and queue. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a complete typewritten form to speed processing.
Can someone other than a spouse order a certified copy? The Probate office is the official source. Bring a photo ID and the spouse names; the office sets policies on who may order copies.
Madison County Marriage and Divorce Offices
Madison County Probate Judge
1918 Memorial Parkway NW
Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 532-3330
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Family Court Division (Divorce)
Debra Kizer, Circuit Clerk
100 North Side Square, Rm 217
Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 532-3390
For estates, wills, guardianships, and recorded land documents, see Madison County probate records. For the full search of divorce dockets and hearings, see court records and court dockets.