Marriage records in Dale County, Alabama, are accessible through several channels. DaleCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Dale County Probate Office, which issues marriage licenses and maintains local marriage records. The Dale County Health Department provides certified copies of marriage certificates as well. Records may be obtained online, in person at the courthouse in Ozark, or by mail.
Dale County Marriage Records Search
In Alabama, the county probate judge's office is the issuing authority for marriage licenses. The Dale County Probate Office maintains marriage license records for marriages that occurred in Dale County. Since August 29, 2019, Alabama replaced the traditional marriage license process with a marriage certificate form that couples complete, notarize, and submit to the probate office for recording — no ceremony or officiant is required.
The Probate Office's collection includes:
- Marriage licenses issued prior to August 29, 2019
- Marriage certificates recorded under the current Alabama Marriage Certificate Act
- Historical marriage records on file with the county
The online records search tool on the Probate Office website allows you to look up recorded documents, including marriage records. Additionally, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Center for Health Statistics maintains statewide vital records, including marriage certificates, and can issue certified copies for marriages recorded anywhere in the state.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Dale County
Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from either the Dale County Probate Office or the Alabama Department of Public Health. Fees vary by source and method of request.
| Service | Fee (ADPH) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (first copy) | $15.00 | Standard processing through ADPH |
| Each additional copy (same order) | $6.00 | Same record, same order |
| Online/expedited order (VitalChek) | $15.00 + processing/shipping fees | Additional vendor fees apply |
Fees at the Dale County Probate Office may differ. Contact the office at 334-774-2754 to confirm current local fees before visiting or mailing a request. ADPH fees are set by Alabama statute. Standard mail processing through ADPH typically takes several weeks; expedited options are available for an additional charge.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Dale County
There are three ways to obtain a marriage certificate from Dale County:
Online
- The Alabama Department of Public Health accepts online orders for certified marriage certificates through its authorized vendor, VitalChek. Visit the ADPH Vital Records page for the direct link.
- The Dale County Probate Office online records search allows you to look up recorded marriage documents. For certified copies from the Probate Office, contact them directly to confirm whether online ordering is available.
In Person
Visit the Dale County Probate Office at the courthouse:
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Walk-in requests are generally accepted during regular business hours. Call ahead to confirm current hours and accepted payment methods.
You can also request certified marriage certificates in person at the Dale County Health Department, which issued over 4,500 certified copies of vital records in 2022.
By Mail
To request a certified marriage certificate by mail from the Probate Office:
- Write a letter or complete a request form (if available) including the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and your contact information.
- Include the applicable fee — call 334-774-2754 to confirm the current amount and accepted payment forms (typically a money order or cashier's check).
- Enclose a copy of your valid photo ID.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Mail to:
For mail requests through ADPH, send completed applications and fees to the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. Application forms are available on the ADPH Vital Records website. Allow additional time for mail processing.