Marriage records in Escambia County, Alabama, are available through several channels. EscambiaALCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the issuing authority — the Escambia County Probate Judge's Office — in person at the courthouse, or by mail. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Center for Health Statistics maintains statewide marriage records and offers an additional avenue for obtaining certified copies.
Escambia County Marriage Records Search
In Alabama, marriage records are maintained at the county level by the Probate Judge's office. The Escambia County Probate Judge, currently Robert D. Agerton, is the custodian of all marriage records filed in the county. Since Alabama enacted Act 2019-340, the state replaced the traditional marriage license process with a marriage certificate form that couples complete, notarize, and submit to the Probate Judge for recording — no ceremony or officiant is required.
The Probate Office's collection includes marriage licenses issued before August 29, 2019, and marriage certificates recorded after that date. Historical marriage records dating back to the county's founding in 1868 may also be on file, though some older records may have gaps. The Record Room of the Probate Office handles instrument searches, and the office recommends in-person searches for the most accurate results.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Escambia County
Fees for marriage record services in Escambia County are set by Alabama statute and the Probate Judge's fee schedule. The ADPH also issues certified copies of marriage records for events recorded statewide since 1936.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage certificate recording (Probate Office) | $12.00 | Alabama Code § 22-9A-17; Probate Office fee schedule |
| Certified copy — ADPH (state level) | $15.00 | ADPH Vital Records |
| Additional certified copy — same order (ADPH) | $6.00 | ADPH Vital Records |
| Certified copy — Probate Office | Contact office for current fee | Escambia County Probate Office |
Processing times vary. In-person requests at the Probate Office are often handled the same day. Mail requests through ADPH typically take several weeks. Contact the Probate Office at (251) 867-0301 to confirm current local fees before submitting a request.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Escambia County
There are three main ways to obtain a copy of a marriage record from Escambia County:
Online
The Alabama Department of Public Health offers online ordering of certified marriage record copies through its approved vendor portal, Alabama VitalCheck. This option is available for marriages recorded statewide from 1936 to the present. Expect additional vendor processing fees on top of the standard ADPH fee.
In Person
Visit the Escambia County Probate Judge's Office during regular business hours:
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Walk-ins are generally accepted. The office recommends searching records in person to ensure the correct instrument is located.
By Mail
You can request copies by mail from either the Probate Office or ADPH:
- Probate Office mail requests: Send a written request to P.O. Box 557, Brewton, AL 36427. Include the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, your relationship to the parties, a copy of your photo ID, the applicable fee (check or money order payable to the Escambia County Probate Judge), and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- ADPH mail requests: Send a completed application (available on the ADPH Vital Records website) along with $15.00 per copy, a copy of your photo ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625.
For historical records predating 1936, the Alabama Department of Archives and History may hold additional resources useful for genealogical research. Contact the Probate Office directly if you are unsure which office holds the record you need.