Alabama Marriage Records

The earliest vital records for Alabama (birth, death, and marriage records) can be found in old Bibles, guardianship and apprenticeship records, wills and other court records. Before 1881 birth and death records were not required to be recorded, so may be hard to find.    Marriage licenses have been required since 1799 and were issued by the Clerk of Orphan's Court in the county of the bride. After 1850 this job went to the County Probate Court which still issues and records marriage licenses. The Alabama Center for Health Statistics began recording marriage certificates in 1936. Information found on Alabama Marriage Certificates: Before 1888 the information on a Marriage Certificate included: Name of Bride, Name of Groom, Bondsmen names, Officiate, License bond, Marriage Date, County of issuance In 1910 more information was added: Names of Parents, Physical description, Ages and Occupations of Bride and Groom, Number of previous marriages if any, Blood relationship if any of Bride and Groom