Marriage records in Baldwin County, Alabama, are available through several channels. BaldwinCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the issuing authority — the Baldwin County Probate Office — which handles marriage licenses and maintains local marriage records. Records may be accessed online, in person at the Probate Office in Bay Minette, or by mail. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Center for Health Statistics also maintains statewide marriage records from 1936 forward.
Baldwin County Marriage Records Search
In Alabama, the county Probate Judge's office issues marriage licenses and records the associated documents. The Baldwin County Probate Office serves as the local custodian of marriage records, functioning as both the probate court and the county's official recording office for public documents. The collection includes marriage licenses issued in Baldwin County and any related certificates that have been filed and recorded.
For marriages that took place in Baldwin County before 1936, the Probate Office is typically the only source. Marriages from 1936 onward are also on file with the ADPH Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. Historical marriage records may be available through the Probate Office's recorded documents, though older indexes may require an in-person search.
Baldwin County Probate Office
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Baldwin County
Fees for marriage record copies depend on whether you order from the Baldwin County Probate Office or from the state. Below are the typical fees based on Alabama state fee schedules and ADPH published rates.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy — ADPH (statewide records, 1936–present) | $15.00 | Alabama Department of Public Health |
| Each additional copy — ADPH (same order, same record) | $6.00 | Alabama Department of Public Health |
| Certified copy — Baldwin County Probate Office | Contact office for current fee | Baldwin County Probate Office |
| Search fee (no record found) — ADPH | $15.00 (non-refundable) | Alabama Department of Public Health |
The Baldwin County Probate Office charges recording and copy fees that may include a data processing surcharge established by Act No. 2017-326. Contact the Probate Office directly to confirm the exact cost for a certified marriage record copy, as local fees can differ from state-level fees.
Processing times at the state level typically range from four to six weeks for mail-in requests. In-person requests at the Probate Office are usually processed the same day or within a few business days.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Baldwin County
Online
The Alabama Department of Public Health allows online ordering of certified marriage certificates for events recorded from 1936 to the present. Orders are placed through the ADPH's vital records portal, which uses a third-party vendor (currently VitalChek). Expect additional processing and convenience fees when ordering online.
In Person
Visit the Baldwin County Probate Office at the courthouse in Bay Minette during regular business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can search for and issue copies of marriage licenses recorded in Baldwin County. No appointment is generally required for walk-in requests.
You can also request certified copies in person from the ADPH Center for Health Statistics office in Montgomery.
By Mail
To order by mail from the state, send your request to:
Include the following with your mail request:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage (or approximate date range)
- County where the marriage license was issued
- Your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for $15.00 payable to "State Board of Health"
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (optional but recommended)
For a copy of a marriage license recorded locally, you may also mail a written request directly to the Baldwin County Probate Office at the courthouse address above. Call ahead at (251) 937-0260 to confirm the current fee and any specific requirements for mail-in requests.
Alabama marriage records are generally considered public records. However, access rules can vary depending on the age and type of record. If you need a certified copy for legal purposes — such as name changes, insurance claims, or immigration — request it from the issuing office to ensure it carries the proper certification. For general research or verification, BaldwinCourt.us and the Open Baldwin public records portal may also be useful starting points.