Search Dothan Marriage Records
Dothan marriage records are filed at the Houston County Probate Court. Dothan is the county seat and largest city in Houston County with about 71,000 residents. Known as the "Peanut Capital of the World," Dothan serves as the hub of the Wiregrass region. The Probate Judge keeps all marriage files for Dothan residents and issues certified copies of marriage certificates.
Dothan Quick Facts
Where to File Marriage Certificates in Dothan
Dothan couples file their marriage certificates at the Houston County Probate Court. The office is in downtown Dothan at the Houston County Administration Building. This is a short walk from the main courthouse. All marriage filings happen here. You can also get certified copies of existing marriage records at this location.
| Office | Houston County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 462 North Oates Street Dothan, AL 36303 |
| Phone | (334) 677-4701 |
| Hours | Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM CLOSED FRIDAYS |
| Website | houstoncountyal.gov/probate |
Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The building has security at the entrance. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. The staff can help with questions about marriage filings. They are known for good service. Dothan is the youngest county seat in Alabama. Houston County was formed in 1903. But the Probate Court has kept marriage records since the county began.
How to Get Married in Dothan
Alabama changed its marriage laws in 2019. The state no longer issues marriage licenses. There is no ceremony needed. Marriage is now a contract. Two people sign a form, get it notarized, and file it with the Probate Court. That is all it takes to get married in Dothan.
Under Code of Alabama Section 30-1-9.1, couples use a Marriage Certificate Form. Both people fill out their information. Both sign in front of an Alabama notary. The notary adds a seal. You then file the form at the Houston County Probate Court. Your marriage is legal when the court records it. No minister, judge, or ceremony is needed for Dothan couples.
Steps to get married in Dothan:
- Download the Marriage Certificate Form from dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage
- Fill out all fields with correct information
- Sign before an Alabama notary public
- File at Houston County Probate Court within 30 days
- Pay the $80 recording fee
You must use an Alabama notary. Out-of-state notaries are not accepted. Dothan has many notary services at banks, shipping stores, and law offices. The Probate Court does not notarize forms. Get your form notarized before you go to file. Remember the office is closed Fridays. Plan to file Monday through Thursday in Dothan.
Dothan Marriage Requirements
Alabama keeps marriage rules simple. No residency is needed. You do not have to live in Dothan or even in Alabama. There is no blood test. No waiting period applies unless you just got divorced. Dothan couples can marry the same day they file if their form is ready.
Both people must be at least 18 years old. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-1-4, those 16 or 17 can marry with notarized parent or guardian consent. No one under 16 can marry in Alabama under any circumstances.
You cannot marry if you are still married to someone else. You cannot marry a close blood relative. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-1-10, if either person divorced in the past 60 days, you must wait before remarrying in Dothan. Bring valid photo ID to file. Driver's license or passport works. Both people do not need to come if the form is complete and notarized.
Common law marriage ended in Alabama on January 1, 2017. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-1-20, no new common law marriages exist. Older ones may still be valid. But you cannot start one now in Dothan or anywhere in the state.
Dothan Marriage Fees
Houston County charges $80 to record a marriage certificate. This is the main fee for Dothan couples. The fee covers recording and one certified copy. You pay when you file. The office accepts cash, check, and credit cards. Call (334) 677-4701 to confirm payment methods before your visit.
Fee breakdown for Dothan marriages:
- Marriage certificate recording: $80.00
- Additional certified copies: $3.00 each
- Notary service (varies by provider): $5.00 to $15.00
If you need more certified copies later, you have two options. The Houston County Probate Court charges $3 per copy. The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15 for the first copy. The state has records from August 1936 forward. Order by mail or through VitalChek online. State records update two to four weeks after county filing.
How to Get Dothan Marriage Records
You can get marriage records from Dothan in two ways. Go to the Houston County Probate Court in person. Or request from the state by mail. Both give certified copies good for legal use. The county is faster for same-day needs. The state works better for mail requests.
Marriage records are public in Alabama. Under Code of Alabama Section 22-9A-21, anyone can get a marriage certificate. You do not need to be a spouse or relative. No reason is required. Dothan marriage records are open without restriction.
Houston County offers free online search of marriage records. Visit houstoncountyal.gov/probate/marriage_certificates to search. You can view records but need to visit in person or order by mail for certified copies. This is a convenient way to check if a record exists before you make the trip.
To get copies from the county:
- Visit Houston County Probate Court (Monday through Thursday only)
- Provide names and approximate marriage date
- Pay $3.00 per certified copy
- Same-day service usually available
For state copies, write to Alabama Center for Health Statistics at P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103. Include full names, marriage date, and a $15 check. Order online through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. VitalChek adds a service fee. Call 1-888-279-9888 to order by phone.
Historical Marriage Records in Dothan
Houston County is Alabama's youngest county. It was formed in 1903 from parts of Dale, Geneva, and Henry counties. Marriage records start from 1903. Earlier records for the Dothan area are in the parent counties. The Probate Court holds all Houston County marriage records from 1903 to present.
Historical records differ from modern ones. Early records show the bride, groom, marriage date, and officiant. Records from 1910 add more details like ages, birthplaces, parents' names, and occupations. Records before 2019 show license and ceremony dates. Records after 2019 show the filing date as the marriage date.
For genealogy work on Dothan marriages, try these sources. The Houston County Probate Court searches its own records. The Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery has microfilm of many county records. FamilySearch has some Houston County records online for free. The Houston-Love Memorial Library in Dothan has local history materials.
Wiregrass Region Marriage Services
Dothan is the hub of the Wiregrass region in southeast Alabama. The area includes parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Many people from the tri-state area come to Dothan for services. Fort Novosel, the Army's aviation center, is nearby. Military families often need marriage services in Dothan.
Georgia and Florida residents can marry in Alabama. There is no residency requirement. Some couples from nearby states choose to marry in Dothan because Alabama's process is simple. No ceremony or officiant is needed. The form and filing are all it takes. This brings visitors from across the region to Houston County.
Military families stationed at Fort Novosel have access to legal assistance on base. The JAG office can help with marriage questions. But you still file your marriage certificate at the Houston County Probate Court. The process is the same for military and civilian couples in Dothan. Just remember the office is closed on Fridays.
Legal Help in Dothan
Most Dothan couples do not need a lawyer to marry. The process is simple. But some have questions about prenuptial agreements, name changes, or legal issues. Several places in Dothan can help with these matters.
Legal Services Alabama serves Houston County residents who meet income guidelines. They handle family law and can answer marriage questions. Call their regional office to check if you qualify. The Houston County Bar Association can refer you to family law attorneys. For military families, the JAG office at Fort Novosel offers free legal help.
Name changes after marriage do not require a lawyer. Use your certified marriage certificate to update records. Visit Social Security first to change your name there. Then go to the DMV for a new license. The nearest Social Security office is in Dothan on West Main Street. Bring your marriage certificate and current ID. Social Security name changes are free.
Nearby Counties for Marriage Filing
If Houston County's Friday closure does not work for your schedule, you can file in a nearby county. Alabama lets you file a marriage certificate in any county. Dale County is next to Houston but is also closed Fridays. Geneva County is another option but may also have Friday closures. Henry County to the north may have different hours. Call ahead to check.
Counties near Dothan include:
- Dale County (Ozark) - also closed Fridays
- Geneva County (Geneva) - verify hours
- Henry County (Abbeville) - about 30 minutes north
- Coffee County (Elba/Enterprise) - about 45 minutes west
Most Dothan residents find it easiest to file at Houston County. The Monday through Thursday schedule works for many people. The office opens early at 7:00 AM. You can file before work if needed. The extended hours until 5:30 PM also help. Just plan around the Friday closure.
Houston County Marriage Records
Dothan is the county seat of Houston County. All marriage filings go through the Houston County Probate Court. The county serves about 107,000 residents across Dothan, Ashford, Columbia, and other towns. For more on fees, online searches, and services, visit the Houston County marriage records page.
Nearby Major Cities
Dothan is in southeast Alabama near the Georgia and Florida borders. Other major Alabama cities include:
- Montgomery - about 90 miles northwest
- Mobile - about 130 miles southwest
Each city files marriage certificates at its own county probate court. Fees and hours vary. Dothan's $80 fee is moderate compared to other counties. But remember Houston County is closed Fridays when planning your visit.