Alabama abolished common law marriage

Effective 1/1/2017, no common law marriage may be entered in Alabama. Common law marriages entered prior to that date remain valid.

Given some not long ago conversations here, I thought I would toss that bit of trivia out there. :)

Ok, Tim, I am ignorant so please enlighten me.

Are you saying that if a couple is 'shacking' they can be considered 'married' if they so declare (but where?) before Jan. 1, 2017? But then after that they have to be married formally to be considered married?

Sandra