How to Get Married in Alabama and What to Know About Planning in the State

Have you and your partner decided you want to tie the knot and now are wondering how to get married in Alabama? If you want to get an Alabama wedding license, it's not too hard to make it happen. There are a few necessary steps to make your marriage legal in the state that go beyond filling out a form. Plus, if you want to plan a proper wedding outside of a small courthouse affair in the state, there are plenty of other details you should know so you can curate the wedding of your dreams.

Before getting married in the state, read ahead to understand how to get an Alabama marriage license, choose a great venue and learn how to plan a celebration in the region.

In this article:

• How to Get a Marriage License in Alabama
• Notable Wedding Locations in Alabama
• How to Plan a Wedding in Alabama Step-by-Step

How to Get a Marriage License in Alabama

To get legally married in Alabama, you're going to need a marriage license. Luckily, laws changed in 2019, and now you can prepare your license without ever going to the courthouse. Alabama Weddings publisher and event planner Christopher Confero breaks down what you should know to get legally wed. "Step one: Download, print and complete the marriage license form online," he shares. "No need to drag yourselves to the courthouse. Though we don't mind a chic elopement ceremony if that's your vibe."

To process the form, you will also need to pay a $15 fee. Next, you need to get the form signed and notarized. "This can only be done by a notary who is qualified by the state of Alabama," Confero explains. "A non-notary wedding officiant, a non-notary public official or an out-of-state notary is not permitted." The last step to be done within 30 days of your wedding? "Take the completed form to your local probate office, of which there are 68 in the state," he shares. "We do not recommend snail mail for obvious reasons, and this cannot be emailed."

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Notable Wedding Locations in Alabama

Want to find the best Alabama wedding venues? Read ahead to see some amazing locations in the Yellowhammer State that you should consider for your celebration.

Pelham

Pelham-based venue Windwood Equestrian is a favorite of Confero due to its "European inspired architecture, sprawling grounds to accommodate any size and style tent, an allowance to provide your own alcohol and equestrian stables full of champion bred horses," he says. "It's pretty chic."

Ohatchee

"Nestled among rolling verdant acreage, you'll find plenty of space for your entire wedding weekend," says Confero of the venue Otter Creek Farmstead in Ohatchee. "With idyllic settings for ceremony and reception, provincial on-property accommodations, any couple who loves the rustic outdoors would be pleased."

Sylacauga

Confero says couples should look to Hamilton Place at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga for a luxury wedding retreat. "Southern charm meets world-class resort with an award-winning golf course, indulgent spa and Orvis shooting grounds," Confero says. "This is the place for a large group retreat, yet it still retains an intimate family-style feeling. A full buyout is my preferred way to approach this property. Boasting multiple housing options—the inn, cottages and cabins—you can host quite a sizable guest count on-site."

Birmingham

Of course, you can choose to tie the knot in the major city of Birmingham. Here, you can find more industrial locations like The Theodore, as well as estate venues like Windwood Weddings.

How to Plan a Wedding in Alabama Step-by-Step

Now we come down to the details about how to plan a wedding in Alabama. Read ahead for advice and important considerations to know for your nuptials.

1. Set a Budget

Before really getting into venue selection, it's important to get a good idea of your budget for your Alabama wedding. With a set number in mind, you can tailor your search to find places that fit your desired aesthetic and price limit. If you want a clearer idea of what you should budget for a wedding in AL, The Knot Budget Advisor is a tool that helps couples learn more about wedding costs in their marrying location, based on data from real couples.

2. Learn the Best Time of Year to Get Married in Alabama

Want a comfortable outdoor wedding where guests won't be too hot or too cold? You should try to book a celebration in the sweet spot of early spring and early fall. Summer comes with high temperatures hitting the 90s with humidity, and while the winters are mild, the average lows can be in the 30s in February.

Another consideration to take into account is game day. "I cringe a little to admit this, but consideration of college football will make or break your guest count," Confero says. "And no matter what you do, if it's a high-profile game weekend, the guys are going to be a little dialed into their phones."

3. Choose a Venue

Now it's time to find the perfect place to get married. Research the top spots to get married via the venue section of The Knot Vendor Marketplace. It's important to see if venues align with your guest count, have in-house catering and require additional rentals like tents.

4. Secure Important Vendors

"Throughout all of Alabama, there are many great venues to get married covering every style," Confero says. "The key is working with a team like Confero to find a property that fits your needs, and then realize a fresh and bespoke way to approach the space." Planners, caterers, floral designers and photographers should all be on your list to hire so you can execute your wedding plans. To get started on your vendor search, check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find amazing professionals to help your wedding dreams come to life.

5. Invite Your Guests

Don't forget to send out those invitations. Make sure to send out save-the-dates at least six months in advance of your wedding and formal invitations closer to the event. This can give you enough time to receive RSVPs and properly accommodate your headcount.

6. Emphasize Southern Hospitality

When getting married in Alabama, make sure to put the guest experience at the forefront. "Southern Hospitality is a real thing," Confero shares. "We care for those we love and want to provide a kind, warm and exciting experience."