Clay County Marriage Records

Clay County marriage records are stored at the Probate Court in Ashland. This east Alabama county has about 13,200 residents. The Probate Court handles all marriage certificate filings for Clay County. You can file a new marriage certificate or request copies of existing records at this office. Clay County also serves residents from neighboring Cleburne County, which does not record marriages.

Clay County Probate Court

The Clay County Probate Court records all marriages in the county. The Probate Judge runs this office. Staff can help you file a new marriage certificate. They can also find old records for you. The office is in Ashland, on the town square.

This is the only place in Clay County to file your marriage. Walk-ins are welcome during office hours. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Call ahead with questions. Staff can tell you what to bring.

Clay County was formed in 1866 from parts of Talladega and Randolph counties. It is named for Henry Clay, a famous American statesman. The county is rural and quiet. It sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Many families have lived here for generations.

Clay County also serves residents from Cleburne County. Cleburne County does not record marriages. If you live in Cleburne County, Clay County is one of your nearest options.

How to File a Marriage Certificate

Filing a marriage certificate in Clay County is simple. Alabama changed its marriage system in 2019. No license is needed. Ceremonies are optional. Marriage is just a contract now. Two people sign a form and file it. That is all.

First, get the form. Download it from the state site at dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage/. Two forms exist. One is for adults 18 and over. One is for teens 16 to 17 with parental consent. Pick the right one. Fill in names, birth dates, and other facts.

Both people must sign the form. You can sign on the same day or on different days. The marriage is dated when the last person signs. You must sign before an Alabama notary. Notaries from other states do not work. The Clay County Probate Court may have notaries on staff. Call ahead to ask.

Take the signed form to the Probate Court in Ashland. You have 30 days from the last signature to file. Pay the recording fee. Cash and checks are accepted. The clerk will record your form. You are now legally married in Alabama.

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

• Both parties must be 18 or older
• People 16 or 17 need parental consent
• Both must have mental capacity
• Neither can be married already
• The parties cannot be closely related

Clay County Marriage Fees

Clay County charges fees for recording marriage certificates and for copies. Fees can change, so call first to verify. The Probate Court accepts checks. Ask about other payment methods.

The standard fees include:

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

The recording fee covers filing your certificate. It may include one certified copy. If you need more copies, visit the Probate Court. Each page costs $3 to certify.

State copies are available too. The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15 for a search and one copy. Extra copies are $6 each. VitalChek orders run about $30. The state has records from August 1936 forward.

How to Get Marriage Record Copies

You can get Clay County marriage record copies in several ways. The method you pick depends on your needs. Think about how fast you need the copy and what type.

For county copies, visit the Probate Court in Ashland. Bring ID and the names of both spouses. Staff will search the records. In-person requests are usually same-day. You may be able to request by mail too. Call the office to ask.

For state copies, contact the Alabama Department of Public Health. Mail to 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 takes 10 to 15 business days.

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

Historical Marriage Records

Clay County has marriage records from 1866. That is when the county was formed. Old records look different from new ones. What you find depends on the date of marriage.

Records before 1888 have basic facts. Names of the bride and groom are listed. Bondsmen names often appear. The officiant is named. Marriage dates and license bonds are shown. These old records are handwritten. They can be hard to read.

Records after 1910 have more detail. Parents' names were added. Physical descriptions appeared. Age, job, and prior marriages were included. These facts are useful for family research.

For very old records, start at the Clay County Probate Court. FamilySearch and Ancestry have online indexes. These help you find records before requesting copies. The Alabama Department of Archives and History has some Clay County records on microfilm.

Cleburne County Residents

Cleburne County does not record marriages. If you live in Cleburne County, you must use a neighboring county. Clay County is one option. The Probate Court in Ashland can help you.

Other options for Cleburne County residents include Calhoun County in Anniston, Randolph County in Wedowee, and Cherokee County in Centre. All of these counties border Cleburne County. Pick the one that is most convenient for you.

There is no extra fee for Cleburne County residents. You pay the same rate as Clay County residents. The process is the same. Bring your signed form to the Probate Court in Ashland. Pay the fee. Your marriage will be recorded in Clay County.

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. This works if you cannot visit Ashland. It also helps if you do not know which county holds the record.

State copies cost $15 for a search plus one copy. Extra copies are $6. 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 ships faster but costs about $30.

For records before 1936, use the Clay County Probate Court. The state does not have older records. The Probate Court can help with historical records dating back to 1866.

Cities in Clay County

Clay County has a few small towns. All file marriage certificates at the Clay County Probate Court in Ashland. There are no cities in Clay County over 50,000 in population.

Towns in Clay County include Ashland, Lineville, and Delta. All residents use the Probate Court in Ashland for marriage filings. The office is on the town square in the center of Ashland.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Clay County. If you live near a county line, check your address. You can file your marriage in any Alabama county.

Remember that Cleburne County does not record marriages. If you live in Cleburne County, use Clay County or another neighboring county for your marriage filing.