Marriage records in Lauderdale County, Alabama, are available through several channels. LauderdaleCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, certified copies of marriage certificates are issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health, as well as the local civil registry office. Requests can be submitted online, in person, or by mail.
Lauderdale Marriage Records Search
In Alabama, marriage records are maintained at two levels. The county's Probate Judge issues marriage licenses and registers returned completed documents. Meanwhile, the Center for Health Statistics at the Department of Public Health maintains a centralized registry of marriage certificates for events that occurred within the state.
Since August 2019, Alabama has abolished the traditional marriage ceremony with an officiant. Now, couples fill out and notarize a standard form — Alabama Marriage Certificate — and submit it to the Probate Judge's office within 30 days. This office is the primary local source of marriage records in Lauderdale.
The Lauderdale County Health Department also issues certified copies of marriage certificates — in 2022, this office processed over 12,000 copies of various civil status acts. To search for court records related to marriage, you can use the Alacourt.gov portal.
Lauderdale County Probate Office
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Lauderdale
The cost depends on where you order the copy — through the county office or through the state. Below are the approximate fees according to the current price list of the Alabama Department of Public Health and the local Probate Judge's office.
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (through ADPH) | $15.00 | Includes database search |
| Additional copy (same order, ADPH) | $6.00 | Each subsequent copy |
| Certified copy (Probate Office) | Check with the office | Fee may vary |
| Expedited processing (ADPH) | Additional ~$10–15 | Plus express delivery cost |
The standard processing time for a mail request through ADPH is 4 to 6 weeks. Expedited processing usually reduces this time to a few business days. When contacting the county's Probate Office directly, a copy is often issued on the same day.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Lauderdale
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate.
Online
The Alabama Department of Public Health accepts orders through its Vital Records portal. You need to fill out an electronic application, provide identification details, and pay the fee with a credit or debit card. The service is available 24/7.
In Person
Contact the Probate Office in the Lauderdale County Courthouse:
Bring a valid photo ID. A copy is usually processed during the visit — no prior appointment is needed.
You can also contact the Lauderdale County Health Department, which issues certified copies of civil status acts.
By Mail
To order by mail through ADPH, follow these steps:
- Download and fill out the marriage certificate application form from the Vital Records website.
- Include a copy of a photo ID.
- Enclose a check or money order for $15.00 (payable to "State Board of Health").
- Provide a return address and send the package to:
Processing takes four to six weeks. If you need it faster, include payment for expedited processing and indicate this in the application. To check the status of your request, call ADPH or track the order online.
Additional information about county court records can be found on the Lauderdale County Court website or through LauderdaleCourt.us.