Can You Get Married the Same Day in Alabama? Here’s Exactly How It Works
- Jenae B. Harper
- Dec 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Long story short: Yes you can get married the same day in Alabama. Alabama does not require a waiting period, and couples do not need a traditional marriage license. Instead, the state uses a marriage certificate form that can be completed, notarized, and recorded in as little as one day.
If you’re looking to get married quickly, quietly, or without a courthouse ceremony, Alabama is one of the easiest states to do it.
How Same-Day Marriage Works in Alabama
Alabama changed its marriage laws in 2019. Since then:
There is no waiting period
There is no traditional marriage license
A ceremony is not legally required
Your marriage becomes legal once a completed and notarized marriage certificate is filed with an Alabama probate court.
That means couples can complete the legal process the same day they decide to get married.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Married the Same Day in Alabama
Here’s exactly what the process looks like:
Complete the Alabama Marriage Certificate Form: Both parties fill out and sign the official marriage certificate form. This form replaces a traditional marriage license.
Have the Form Notarized:The form must be notarized by an authorized notary public. This step is required for the marriage to be valid.
File the Form With a Probate Court: You can file the completed form with any probate court in Alabama, regardless of where you live or plan to celebrate.
Your Marriage Is Legally Recognized: Once the probate court records the document, your marriage is legal.There is no additional waiting period.
Many couples complete all of these steps in one day.
Do You Need a Ceremony or Officiant?
Legally, no.
Alabama does not require a ceremony
Alabama does not require an officiant
You do not have to appear before a judge
That said, many couples still choose to have:
A private ceremony
A symbolic officiant
A meaningful moment with vows or witnesses
The legal process and the celebration are now separate choices, which gives couples more flexibility.
Can You Still Get Married at the Courthouse in Alabama?
This depends on the county.
Some probate courts offer limited ceremonial options, while others only record paperwork and do not perform weddings. Policies vary by county, so it’s important to check directly with the probate court where you plan to file.
Even if a courthouse ceremony is not available, you can still:
File your marriage paperwork
Hold a private ceremony elsewhere
Celebrate however you choose
Common Mistakes Couples Make
A few things can slow the process down:
Forgetting to have the form notarized
Filing in the wrong format
Assuming a ceremony is automatically included
Waiting for an appointment that isn’t required
Understanding the process ahead of time makes everything much smoother.
Who Same-Day Marriage Is Best For
Same-day marriage in Alabama works especially well for:
Couples eloping
Military or time-sensitive situations
Couples who want something private
People planning a celebration later
Anyone who wants less stress and fewer rules
Final Thoughts: Local Guidance Can Make a Big Difference
Getting married in Alabama doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or drawn out. The state’s process allows couples to focus less on red tape and more on what actually matters — the commitment itself.
And while the legal steps are simple, many couples still want the day to feel intentional, personal, and memorable in their own way.
That’s where thoughtful planning — even for a small or fast wedding — can make all the difference.
As an Alabama-based event planning team, we help couples navigate both the logistics and the experience of getting married — especially when timelines are tight or plans are intentionally simple.
Want support beyond the paperwork? We're ready when you are!
Click the link below to book a free wedding plan consultation with us.
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