Chilton County Marriage Records

Chilton County marriage records are kept at the Probate Court in Clanton. The county is known as the Peach Capital of Alabama. With about 45,000 residents, Chilton County sits in the center of the state. The Probate Court handles all marriage filings for the county. You can file a new marriage certificate or get copies of old records at this office. Chilton County has marriage records dating back to the 1860s.

Chilton County Probate Court

The Chilton County Probate Court records all marriages in the county. The Probate Judge runs this office. Staff can help you file your marriage certificate or find old records. The office is in Clanton, the county seat. This is the only place in Chilton County to file your marriage.

Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. The office is closed on weekends. It is also closed on state holidays. Call ahead if you have questions. Staff can tell you what to bring. They can also check wait times for you.

Chilton County was formed in 1868 from parts of Autauga, Perry, and Bibb counties. It was first called Baker County. The name changed to Chilton County in 1874. The county has kept marriage records since its early days. These records are useful for family research.

How to File a Marriage Certificate

Filing a marriage certificate in Chilton County is easy. Alabama changed its marriage laws in 2019. You no longer need a marriage license. You do not need a ceremony. Marriage is now a contract. Two people sign a form and file it. That is all it takes.

Start by getting the form. You can download it from the state site at dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage/. There are two versions. One is for adults 18 and over. One is for teens 16 to 17 with parental consent. Pick the right form. Fill in both names, birth dates, and other required facts.

Next, both people must sign the form. You can sign on the same day or different days. The marriage date is the date of the last signature. You must sign in front of an Alabama notary. Out-of-state notaries do not work. The Chilton County Probate Court has notaries who can help you. There may be a small fee for this service.

Bring the signed form to the Probate Court in Clanton. You have 30 days from the last signature to file. Pay the recording fee. The clerk will record your form and give you a receipt. You are now married in Alabama.

Under Code of Alabama Section 30-1-9.1, these rules apply:

• Both parties must be at least 18 years old
• People aged 16 or 17 need parental consent
• Both parties must have mental capacity
• Neither party can be married to someone else
• The parties cannot be closely related by blood

Chilton County Marriage Fees

Chilton County charges fees for recording marriage certificates and for copies. Fees can change, so call ahead to confirm. The Probate Court accepts checks for payment. Ask about other payment methods when you visit.

The main fees are:

• Marriage certificate recording: approximately $75
• Certified copy: $3.00 per page
• Additional certified copies: $3.00 per page
• Notary service: varies

The recording fee covers filing your marriage certificate. It includes one certified copy. If you need more copies later, you can request them at the Probate Court. Each page costs $3 to certify.

State copies are also an option. The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15 for a search and one certified copy. Extra copies cost $6 each. VitalChek orders run about $30 total. The state has records from August 1936 to today.

How to Get Marriage Record Copies

You can get Chilton County marriage record copies in a few ways. The method depends on how fast you need the copy. It also depends on whether you need a certified or plain copy.

For county copies, visit the Probate Court in Clanton. Bring ID and the names of both spouses. Staff can search the records and make copies. In-person requests are usually quick. You can also call and ask about mail requests. The office can tell you what to send.

For state copies, contact the Alabama Department of Public Health. The mail address is P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625. Include $15 for the search and copy. You can also order online at vitalchek.com. This adds a service fee. The state has records from 1936 forward. Mail requests take 10 to 15 business days.

Under Code of Alabama Section 22-9A-21, marriage records are public. Anyone can ask for a copy. You do not need to be named on the record. You do not need to give a reason.

Historical Marriage Records

Chilton County has marriage records from its founding in 1868. Old records look different from new ones. What you find depends on when the marriage took place.

Records from before 1888 show basic facts. You will find names of the bride and groom. Bondsmen names appear on many old records. The officiant who led the ceremony is listed. Marriage dates and license bond amounts show up too. These old records are handwritten. The script can be hard to read.

After 1910, records got more detailed. Parents' names were added. Physical descriptions of both parties appeared. Age, job, and number of prior marriages were included. These details help with family research.

For very old records, check with the Chilton County Probate Court first. FamilySearch and Ancestry have indexes online. These can help you find a record before you request a copy. The Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery also has some Chilton County records on microfilm.

State Records Alternative

You can also get marriage records from the Alabama Department of Public Health. The state has records from August 1936 to today. Use this option if you cannot visit Clanton. It also works if you are not sure which county the marriage was in.

State copies cost $15 for a search plus one certified copy. Extra copies are $6 each. You can request by mail or online. The address is P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625. Call (334) 206-5418 with questions. Mail takes 10 to 15 business days. VitalChek orders ship in 3 to 5 business days but cost about $30 total.

For records before August 1936, you must use the Chilton County Probate Court. The state does not have records that old. Contact the Probate Court in Clanton for help with historical records.

Cities in Chilton County

Chilton County has several cities and towns. All of them file marriage certificates at the Chilton County Probate Court in Clanton. There are no cities in Chilton County over 50,000 in population.

Cities and towns in Chilton County include Clanton, Jemison, Thorsby, Maplesville, and Verbena. All residents file their marriage certificates at the Probate Court in Clanton. No matter where you live in the county, this is your office.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Chilton County. If you live near a county line, check your address. You can file your marriage in any Alabama county. Many people use their home county, but it is not required.