Access Franklin County Marriage Records

Franklin County marriage records are managed by the Probate Court in Russellville. This northwest Alabama county has about 32,000 residents. The Probate Court files new marriage certificates and stores all past records. Russellville is the county seat and home to the main courthouse. Franklin County keeps records from 1897 to today. The court accepts mail submissions for marriage filings, which is helpful if you cannot visit in person.

Franklin County Probate Court

The Franklin County Probate Court records all marriages in the county. Judge Larry Terry leads this office. Staff can help you file a new marriage certificate or get copies of old records. The office sits on Jackson Avenue North in Russellville. It is easy to find in the downtown area.

You can visit during normal business hours. Walk-ins are welcome. The staff is helpful with questions about the filing process. Franklin County is a smaller county where the office often has shorter wait times than big city courts. Call ahead if you want to check on specific services.

Franklin County accepts mail submissions for marriage filings. This is a nice option if you cannot come in person. Send your completed form with the fee to the office address. Call ahead to confirm the exact fee and what payment types they accept by mail.

How to File a Marriage Certificate

Filing a marriage certificate in Franklin County is simple. Alabama changed its marriage laws in 2019. The state got rid of marriage licenses. No ceremony is required. Marriage is now a contract. Two people sign a form and file it with the court. That is how you get married in Franklin County.

Start by getting the form. Visit dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage/ to download it. One form is for adults 18 and over. Another form exists for minors aged 16 to 17 with parental consent. Pick the right form. Fill in both names, birth dates, and other needed facts.

Both parties must sign the form. You can sign on the same day or different days. The wedding date is the date of the last signature. You must sign in front of an Alabama notary. Out-of-state notaries will not work. Find a notary at a bank, shipping store, or local business in Franklin County.

After signing, take the form to the Probate Court in Russellville. You have 30 days from the last signature to file. Pay the recording fee. The clerk will record the form and give you a receipt. Once filed, you are legally married in Franklin County. You can also mail the form with the fee if you cannot visit.

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

• Both parties must be at least 18 years old
• Those aged 16 or 17 need notarized parental consent
• Both must have mental capacity to consent
• Neither can be currently married
• The parties cannot be close blood relatives

Franklin County Marriage Fees

Franklin County charges fees for recording marriage certificates and for copies. Contact the office for current rates. Fees can change. The Probate Court accepts cash and checks for most payments.

Here are the expected fees at the Franklin County Probate Court:

• Marriage certificate recording: contact office for amount
• Certified copy: $6.00
• Regular (non-certified) copy: $1.00

The state also provides copies. 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 forward. Older Franklin County records are only at the local Probate Court.

How to Get Marriage Record Copies

You can get copies of Franklin County marriage records a few ways. The best choice depends on your needs. Both county and state options exist.

For county copies, visit the Probate Court in Russellville. Bring ID and the names of both spouses. Staff 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 a visit is not possible.

Franklin County has limited online search options. Some records may be viewable online. Check the county website or call to see what is available. For most requests, you will need to visit or contact the office directly.

For state copies, mail your request to the Alabama Department of Public Health at P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625. Include $15 for the search and copy. Order online at vitalchek.com with a service fee. Mail takes 10 to 15 business days.

Per Code of Alabama Section 22-9A-21, marriage records are public. Anyone can ask for a copy. You do not have to be related. No special reason is needed.

Historical Marriage Records

Franklin County has marriage records from 1897 to today. Earlier records were lost. The county was formed in 1818, but not all old records survived. What you find depends on when the marriage took place.

Records from before 1888 (if they exist) are basic. They show bride and groom names. They list bondsmen and the officiant. They include the bond amount and wedding date. These records are handwritten and can be hard to read.

Starting around 1910, records got more detailed. Parent names were added. Physical traits appeared. Age, job, and number of past marriages were recorded. This added info helps with genealogy work in Franklin County.

For historical research, try FamilySearch or Ancestry online. The Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery has microfilm of some records. These free tools help you find records before ordering paid copies from the Probate Court.

State Records Alternative

The Alabama Department of Public Health is another source for marriage records. The state has records from August 1936 to today. This helps if you cannot visit Franklin County or if you do not know where the marriage was filed.

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.

If you need a copy for international use, you may need an apostille. The Alabama Secretary of State handles this. It adds $5 to $25 to your cost. Check with that office for current steps and fees.

Cities in Franklin County

Franklin County has several towns and communities. All residents file marriage certificates at the Franklin County Probate Court in Russellville. There is one office for the whole county.

Major communities in Franklin County include Russellville, Red Bay, Phil Campbell, and Vina. Russellville is the largest city and the county seat. The county has a rural feel with no large cities. All Franklin County residents use the Russellville Probate Court for marriage services.

Nearby Counties

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

Franklin County also borders Marion County, Mississippi to the west. Alabama marriage records can only be filed in Alabama counties.