Do You Need a Marriage License to Tie the Knot in Alabama?

It's time we have that conversation and address the elephant in the room. You know, the conversation about people in Alabama and marriage.

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Like it or not, people who don't live in Alabama have a perception about Alabamians and marriage.

Have you heard the common statement people say about people from Alabama?

You've had to hear it more than a few times by now.

"You're from Alabama?.. Don't you all marry your cousins down there?"

Although I can't speak for everyone, I can say that in my 3 years of living in Alabama, I've never come across someone who has married their family member.

What Is A Common Law Marriage?

According to NCSL, a common law marriage is a legally recognized marriage between two people who have not purchased a marriage license or had their marriage solemnized by a ceremony.

Alabama Marriage License Required For Marriage?

While we're on the topic of marriage, we all know that there are a few things that make a marriage official.

For some, it's a ring.

For others, marriage isn't official until you have a huge ceremony with all of your family and friends present to witness the union.

Is a marriage license part of those requirements?

Can you get married in Alabama without a marriage license?

According to Alabama Legal Help, common law marriage in Alabama is recognized present day. There is a catch.

Although Alabama recognizes common law marriages, they only recognize those prior to 2017.

To find out more about Alabama's marriage laws, you can click here to visit Alabama Legal Help.