Elmore County Marriage Records

Elmore County marriage records are managed by the Probate Court in Wetumpka. The county sits in central Alabama just north of Montgomery. With close to 88,000 residents, Elmore County sees steady demand for marriage record services. The Probate Court files new marriage certificates and stores all past records. Wetumpka serves as the county seat and holds all marriage files. The court offers eRecording for document submission. Staff at the office can help with filing or finding old records.

Elmore County Probate Court

The Elmore County Probate Court handles all marriage filings in the county. Judge Jule Bolton leads this office. Staff can help you file a new marriage certificate or get copies of past records. The office sits in Wetumpka on East Commerce Street. It is easy to find in the heart of town.

You can visit the Probate Court during normal business hours. Walk-ins are welcome. The staff is helpful and can guide you through the steps. One key note: the Probate Court staff cannot notarize your form. You need to get your signatures notarized before you come in. Any Alabama notary can do this. Plan ahead so your visit goes smooth.

Elmore County offers eRecording. This lets you submit documents online. It can save time if you have all your paperwork ready. Check with the office to learn more about this option. It may help if you cannot visit in person right away.

How to File a Marriage Certificate

Filing a marriage certificate in Elmore County is quick. Alabama changed its marriage laws in 2019 with Act 2019-340. The state got rid of marriage licenses. No ceremony is needed now. Marriage is a contract between two people. You fill out a form, sign it, and file it. That is how you get married in Elmore County.

Start by getting the form. Go to dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage/ to download it. There is one form for adults 18 and over. A different form exists for minors aged 16 to 17 who have a parent's okay. Pick the right form. Fill in both names, birth dates, and other details. Be sure to check your work.

Next, both people must sign the form. You can sign on the same day or on different days. The date of the last signature becomes your wedding date. You must sign in front of an Alabama notary. The Elmore County Probate Court does not provide notary service for marriage forms. Find a notary at a bank, UPS store, or other local spot.

After both sign, bring the form to the Probate Court in Wetumpka. You have 30 days from the last signature to file. Pay the $76 recording fee. The clerk will record the form and give you a receipt. Once filed, you are legally married in Elmore County. The process takes just a few minutes if your paperwork is correct.

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

• Both people must be at least 18 years old
• Those aged 16 or 17 need parental consent
• Both must be mentally able to agree
• Neither can be married to someone else
• The two cannot be close blood relatives

Elmore County Marriage Fees

Elmore County charges fees for marriage filings and copies. The recording fee is set by county policy. Call ahead to confirm rates as they can change. The Probate Court accepts cash and checks. Ask about card payments when you visit.

Here are the main fees at the Elmore County Probate Court:

• Marriage certificate recording: $76.00
• Certified copy: additional fee (contact office)
• Notary service: not available at this office

You can also get copies from the state. 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 with fees. The state has marriage records from August 1936 to now. For older Elmore County records, the Probate Court is your only source.

How to Get Marriage Record Copies

You can get copies of Elmore County marriage records a few ways. The best method depends on how fast you need the copy and what type you need. Both the county and state offer options.

For county copies, visit the Probate Court in Wetumpka. Bring ID and know the names of both spouses. Give staff as much info as you can. They will search the records and print copies. In-person requests are often done the same day. You can also call and ask about mail requests if you cannot visit.

Elmore County has online search options. You can look up property records and some other documents. Check the county website to see what is in the online system. This can help you find a record before you visit.

For state copies, write to the Alabama Department of Public Health at P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625. Include $15 for the search and copy. You can order online at vitalchek.com for a service fee. Mail takes 10 to 15 business days. VitalChek ships in 3 to 5 days.

Under Code of Alabama Section 22-9A-21, marriage records are public. Anyone can get a copy. You do not have to be related. You do not need a special reason.

Historical Marriage Records

Elmore County has marriage records going back many decades. The county was formed in 1866. Old records show what people thought was needed at the time. What you find depends on when the marriage happened.

Records from before 1888 are basic. They list the bride and groom names. They show the bondsmen who vouched for the couple. They name who led the ceremony. They have the bond amount and wedding date. These old records are often written by hand. The handwriting can be tough to read.

Starting in 1910, records got more detailed. Parent names were added. Physical traits of both people appeared. Age, job, and past marriages showed up too. This added info helps with family research in Elmore County.

For very old records, try FamilySearch or Ancestry. They have indexes online. The Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery may have microfilm copies. These tools can help you find records before you pay for copies from the Probate Court.

State Records Alternative

The Alabama Department of Public Health is another option for marriage records. The state has records from August 1936 to today. This helps if you cannot get to the Elmore County Probate Court or if you do not know which county the marriage was in.

State copies cost $15 for a search and one certified copy. Extra copies are $6 each. Mail your request to P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625. Call (334) 206-5418 with questions. Mail takes 10 to 15 business days. VitalChek orders are faster but cost about $30 total.

If you need a copy for use in another country, you may need an apostille. The Alabama Secretary of State handles this. It adds an extra $5 to $25 depending on the service. Check with that office for current fees and steps.

Cities in Elmore County

Elmore County has several cities and towns. All residents file marriage certificates at the Elmore County Probate Court in Wetumpka. There is one office location for the whole county.

Major communities in Elmore County include Wetumpka, Millbrook, Prattville (partially), Tallassee, Eclectic, and Elmore. The city of Montgomery sits just south of the county line. Elmore County residents must use the Wetumpka Probate Court for marriage filings, not the Montgomery office.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Elmore County. If you live near a county line, check your address to see which county you are in. You can file your marriage certificate in any Alabama county. Many people use their home county for convenience.