Find Barbour County Marriage Records

Barbour County marriage records are kept at the Probate Court. This county is unique. It has two courthouses in two cities. The main office is in Clayton, the county seat. A second office is in Eufaula. The Probate Court handles all marriage filings. Since 2019, Alabama uses a simple form instead of a marriage license. Barbour County staff can help you file a new marriage or find old records.

Barbour County Probate Court

The Barbour County Probate Court handles all marriages. This county has two courthouses. The main one is in Clayton. There is also an office in Eufaula. Call ahead to ask which location handles marriage filings. Some services may only be at one office.

Staff at the Probate Court can help you file a marriage certificate. They can also find copies of old records. The Probate Judge runs both offices. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. The offices close on weekends and state holidays.

Barbour County does not have an online search system for marriage records. You must call or visit to get copies. This is common in smaller Alabama counties. Staff are helpful and can search for you.

How to File a Marriage Certificate

Alabama changed its marriage laws in 2019. No more license. No required ceremony. Marriage is now a contract. Two people sign a form and file it. That is all. Barbour County follows this state law like every other county.

Get the marriage form first. Download it from dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage/. There are two forms. Adults 18 and up use one. Minors 16 to 17 with parental consent use another. Pick the right form. Fill it out with names, dates of birth, and other info.

Both parties sign the form. You must sign in front of an Alabama notary. This is a must. Out-of-state notaries do not work. The Probate Court in Barbour County has a notary. You can use them for a small fee. Banks and shipping stores often have notaries too.

Bring the signed form to the Probate Court. You have 30 days from the last signature to file. Pay the recording fee. Call ahead to check the current fee amount. The clerk will record the form. You are now married in Barbour County. The marriage date is when you last signed, not when you filed.

Per Code of Alabama Section 30-1-9.1, you must meet these rules:

• Both parties must be at least 18 years old
• Persons aged 16 or 17 need notarized parental consent
• Both parties must have mental and legal capacity
• Neither party can be already married
• The parties cannot be close blood relatives
• If divorced recently, wait 60 days to remarry

Barbour County Marriage Fees

Barbour County charges fees for marriage filings and copies. Call the Probate Court to check current fees. Fees can change and vary by service. Most Alabama counties charge $70 to $90 for recording.

Typical fees at Alabama Probate Courts include:

• Marriage certificate recording: call to check
• Certified copy: $3 per page (typical)
• Additional copies: $3 per page
• Notary service: small fee (ask at office)

The court takes cash and checks. Ask about card payments when you call. For state copies, the fee is $15 for a search and one copy. Extra copies cost $6 each. VitalChek online is about $30 total.

How to Get Marriage Record Copies

Barbour County marriage records are public. Anyone can get a copy. You do not need to be related. You do not need to give a reason. Just ask and pay the fee.

For county copies, call or visit the Probate Court. Barbour County does not have online record search. You must contact them directly. Bring names of both spouses and the marriage date if known. Staff will search and make copies. In-person requests are often same-day.

For state copies, use the Alabama Department of Public Health. The state has records from August 1936 to now. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625. Include $15 for a search and copy. Order online at VitalChek for about $30 total. Mail takes 10 to 15 days. VitalChek ships in 3 to 5 days.

Under Code of Alabama Section 22-9A-21, marriage records are public and open to all.

Historical Marriage Records

Barbour County was formed in 1832 from Pike County. The county has kept marriage records since then. Old records are on paper. They may be hard to read due to old handwriting styles.

Records before 1888 are basic. They list names of the bride and groom. They show the officiant and bondsmen. They include the bond and marriage date. Not much else. These old records are short.

Records from 1910 on have more info. They list parents of both parties. They include ages and jobs. They note prior marriages. This helps with family research. Genealogists often look for these details.

The Barbour County Probate Court has the original records. Online sites like FamilySearch and Ancestry may have indexes. Search there first. Then request a copy from the court. The Alabama Archives in Montgomery may have microfilm too.

State Records Option

You can get records from the state too. The Alabama Department of Public Health has records from August 1936 on. This is good if you cannot visit Barbour County. It helps if you are not sure which county has the record.

State copies cost $15 for a search and one copy. Extra copies are $6 each. Mail to P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625. Call (334) 206-5418 for help. Order online at vitalchek.com for about $30. Mail takes 10 to 15 days. VitalChek ships faster, in 3 to 5 days.

Need an apostille for foreign use? The Alabama Secretary of State can add one. This costs $5 per document. Visit sos.alabama.gov for details.

Cities in Barbour County

Barbour County has several cities and towns. All use the Barbour County Probate Court for marriages. Call ahead to ask which office handles filings.

Cities in Barbour County include Clayton, Eufaula, Clio, and Louisville. Eufaula is the largest city. Clayton is the county seat. Both have courthouses. All Barbour County residents file marriages through the Probate Court system.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Barbour County. You can file a marriage in any Alabama county. Most people use their home county. Check your address if you live near a line.