Hoover Marriage Records

Hoover marriage records are handled by two different Probate Courts because the city spans two counties. Hoover is the largest suburb of Birmingham with about 93,000 residents. Parts of Hoover are in Jefferson County. Other parts are in Shelby County. Where you file your marriage certificate depends on which side of the county line you live on. Both courts record marriages, but they have different fees and locations.

Hoover Spans Two Counties

Hoover sits on the county line between Jefferson County and Shelby County. This is important for marriage records. The county where your address falls determines which Probate Court handles your filing. Both counties can record marriages, but you need to know which one applies to you.

Here is how to tell which county you are in:

• Check your property tax bill. It will list your county.
• Look at your voting registration. It shows your county.
• Search your address on your county GIS map site.
• Call the Hoover City Hall at (205) 444-7500 and ask.

Most of Hoover is in Jefferson County. The southern and eastern parts are in Shelby County. Neighborhoods like Bluff Park and most of the Galleria area are in Jefferson. Areas near Highway 280 and Ross Bridge may be in Shelby. If you are not sure, verify your address before you file. Filing in the wrong county is not a problem legally, since Alabama lets you file in any county. But if you want your records in your home county, check first.

You can also file in any Alabama county regardless of where you live. There is no residency rule for marriage. Some Hoover residents choose to file in whichever county has lower fees or shorter lines. Shelby County currently has the lower fee at $76 compared to $84.50 in Jefferson.

How Marriage Works in Alabama

Alabama changed its marriage laws in 2019. The state got rid of marriage licenses. Now Hoover residents do not need a license to get married. No ceremony is required. No judge or minister has to marry you. Marriage in Alabama is now a contract between two people.

Under Code of Alabama Section 30-1-9.1, couples complete a Marriage Certificate Form. Both people sign the form. An Alabama notary public must witness both signatures. Then you file the form with a Probate Court within 30 days. For Hoover residents, that means either Jefferson County or Shelby County Probate Court.

Hoover residents can get married without:

• A marriage license
• A wedding ceremony
• A minister, judge, or officiant
• Witnesses beyond the notary
• A blood test
• A waiting period

The marriage becomes legal when the form is filed. The date on the form (the last signature date) is your official wedding date. Many Hoover couples still hold ceremonies. But the ceremony is optional. It has no legal effect. Only the signed and filed form makes your marriage legal in Alabama.

Jefferson County Probate Court

If your Hoover address is in Jefferson County, you can file at the Jefferson County Probate Court. The main office is in downtown Birmingham. Jefferson County also has a Bessemer Division, but most Hoover residents use the Birmingham office since it is closer. Judge James Naftel oversees the Jefferson County Probate Court.

The Jefferson County Courthouse is in downtown Birmingham, about 15 to 20 minutes from most parts of Hoover. Parking is available in nearby garages and metered street spots. Bring a photo ID. Security checks all visitors at the entrance. The Probate Court is on the fourth floor in Room 400.

Jefferson County has an online portal called Landmark Web. You can search some records online. For certified copies, you can call, mail a request, or visit in person. The fee for additional certified copies is $2 per page.

Shelby County Probate Court

If your Hoover address is in Shelby County, you can file at the Shelby County Probate Court in Columbiana. This is the county seat, about 25 to 30 minutes from most of Hoover. Shelby County has a lower recording fee than Jefferson. Judge Allison Boyd oversees the Shelby County Probate Court.

Columbiana is south of Hoover along Highway 25. The courthouse is in the downtown square. Parking is free on the street and in nearby lots. The building has less traffic than the Jefferson County Courthouse, so lines may be shorter. Bring a photo ID when you visit.

Shelby County is the fifth most populous county in Alabama. It has grown fast in recent years. The Probate Court has online services for some record types. For marriage record copies, contact the office by phone or visit in person. Certified copies cost $3 for certification.

How to Get Married in Hoover

Getting married in Hoover follows the same process as anywhere in Alabama. The only difference is that you have a choice of two counties. Here are the steps to get married if you live in Hoover.

Step 1: Figure out your county. Check which county your address falls in. Most of Hoover is in Jefferson County. Parts near Highway 280, Ross Bridge, and the southern areas are in Shelby County. Your property tax bill or voter registration will show your county.

Step 2: Get the form. Download the Alabama Marriage Certificate Form from the state portal at dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage. You can also get paper forms at either Probate Court. The form asks for names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and addresses. Fill it out before you meet with the notary.

Step 3: Get it notarized. Both parties must sign the form in front of an Alabama notary public. The notary must be commissioned in Alabama. Notaries from other states do not count. Hoover has many banks, UPS stores, and law offices with notary services. The fee is usually $5 to $15 per signature.

Step 4: File the form. Take or mail the signed form to a Probate Court within 30 days. You can file in Jefferson County for $84.50 or Shelby County for $76. You do not have to file in your home county. Pick whichever is more convenient. Once filed, your marriage is legal and on the public record.

Hoover Marriage Fees Compared

Since Hoover spans two counties, you have a choice of where to file. The fees are different. Shelby County is cheaper. Jefferson County is often closer for most Hoover residents. Here is a side-by-side look at the costs.

If saving $8.50 matters to you, file in Shelby County. If you want the closest office, file in Jefferson County. Both are valid options for Hoover residents. Remember, Alabama law lets you file in any county. You do not have to use your home county.

You can also get copies from the state. The Alabama Center for Health Statistics charges $15 for the first copy and $6 for extras in the same order. State records go back to August 1936. For older records, you must contact the county where the marriage was filed.

How to Get Marriage Record Copies

To get copies of a Hoover marriage record, you need to know which county the marriage was filed in. If you are not sure, try both counties. You can also order from the state if the marriage was after August 1936.

From Jefferson County: Call (205) 325-5355 or visit the courthouse at 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N in Birmingham. Provide the names of both spouses and the date or year of marriage. Certified copies cost $2 per page. The county has an online search through Landmark Web for basic lookups.

From Shelby County: Call (205) 670-5220 or visit at 112 N. Main Street in Columbiana. Provide names and the approximate marriage date. Certified copies cost $3 for certification. In-person requests are often handled the same day.

From the State: Order through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. The state fee is $15 plus VitalChek's processing fee. You can also mail a request using Form HS-14 from alabamapublichealth.gov.

Marriage records in Alabama are public. Under Code of Alabama Section 22-9A-21, anyone can request copies. You do not need to be a spouse. You do not need to give a reason. The records are kept forever and never sealed.

Legal Help in Hoover

Most people do not need a lawyer to get married. The process is simple. But some situations may call for legal advice. Prenuptial agreements, name changes, and questions about how marriage affects property or immigration status are common reasons to consult an attorney.

Legal Services Alabama serves both Jefferson and Shelby Counties. They offer free legal help to people who qualify based on income. Call 1-866-456-4995 for intake. The Birmingham Bar Association has a lawyer referral line at (205) 251-8006. The first consultation costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. The Alabama State Bar referral line is 1-800-392-5660.

For questions about the marriage form itself, call either Probate Court. Staff cannot give legal advice. But they can explain what the form asks for and how to file it. Jefferson County is at (205) 325-5355. Shelby County is at (205) 670-5220.

Nearby Cities

Hoover is part of the Birmingham metro area. Several other major Alabama cities are nearby. If you live in Hoover, you have easy access to multiple Probate Courts. Remember, you can file your marriage certificate in any Alabama county.

Other major Alabama cities with marriage record pages include:

• Birmingham (Jefferson County) - 15 miles north
• Tuscaloosa (Tuscaloosa County) - 50 miles west
• Montgomery (Montgomery County) - 90 miles south
• Huntsville (Madison County) - 100 miles north
• Decatur (Morgan County) - 80 miles north

For more details on each county's marriage services, fees, and court info, see the county pages.

View Jefferson County Marriage Records View Shelby County Marriage Records