Marriage records in Jefferson County, Alabama, can be accessed through several channels. JeffersonALCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the issuing authority — the Jefferson County Judge of Probate — by visiting the office in person or submitting a mail request. Certified copies of marriage certificates are additionally available through the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, which maintains statewide vital records.
Jefferson County Marriage Records Search
In Alabama, marriage licenses have historically been issued by the county probate court. Following a 2019 change in state law (Alabama Act 2019-340), couples no longer need a ceremony or officiant — instead, they complete a marriage certificate form, have it notarized, and file it with the Judge of Probate in any Alabama county. In Jefferson County, the Judge of Probate maintains marriage records for licenses and certificates filed locally.
The collection includes:
- Marriage licenses issued prior to August 29, 2019
- Marriage certificates filed on or after August 29, 2019
- Historical marriage records dating back to the county's establishment
For court-related records and case information filed through the Jefferson County Circuit Court (Birmingham Division), the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk's office may assist with related inquiries. However, the probate office is the primary custodian of marriage records.
Jefferson County Judge of Probate
Jefferson County also has a Bessemer Division. If your marriage was recorded through the Bessemer Division, contact that office for assistance.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Jefferson County
Fees for marriage record copies depend on whether you request them from the Jefferson County Judge of Probate or from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). The table below reflects standard fees based on Alabama statutes and ADPH published schedules.
| Service | Fee (County Probate) | Fee (ADPH) |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | Contact office for current fee | $15.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order, ADPH) | N/A | $6.00 |
| Search fee (ADPH, if no record found) | N/A | $15.00 (non-refundable) |
| Expedited processing (ADPH, optional) | N/A | Additional fee applies |
The ADPH fees are set by the Center for Health Statistics and apply to requests made through the state vital records office. The county probate office sets its own fee schedule — call (205) 325-5300 to confirm the current certified copy fee before visiting or mailing a request.
Processing times:
- In person (county): Typically same day, depending on staff availability
- In person (ADPH county health department): Often while you wait
- By mail (ADPH): Approximately 4–8 weeks for standard processing
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Jefferson County
There are three main ways to obtain a certified copy of a Jefferson County marriage certificate:
Online
The Alabama Department of Public Health partners with VitalChek for online orders of certified marriage certificates. Visit the ADPH vital records page and follow the link to the online ordering portal. You will need to provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- County where the marriage was recorded
- Valid credit or debit card for payment
- A copy of your government-issued photo ID
Online orders include an additional processing fee charged by the third-party vendor.
In Person
You can request a certified copy directly from the Jefferson County Judge of Probate at the courthouse:
Bring a valid photo ID. Walk-ins are generally accepted, though wait times may vary. You can also visit your local Jefferson County health department office to request a certified copy through ADPH — these are often available while you wait.
By Mail
To order by mail through ADPH, send your request to:
Include the following with your mail request:
- A completed ADPH vital records application form (available on the ADPH website)
- Full names of both spouses and the date and county of marriage
- A check or money order for $15.00 payable to "State Board of Health"
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (recommended)
To order by mail from the Jefferson County Judge of Probate, call (205) 325-5300 first to confirm the current fee, accepted payment methods, and any required forms. Mail requests to the probate office are typically sent to the courthouse address listed above.
For additional court record searches — including trial court case information across Alabama — the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides on-demand access through its public portal.