In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a
marriage license. This is the document in your state that
allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The
rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state
to state, so you should check with your city's marriage
bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your
local rules are.
You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.
When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, but you'll need to apply for the certificate together, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.
And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.
ID Requirement:
Drivers license or identification card or other
id showing current address and date of birth. Bringing a
certified copy of your birth certificate is recommended
because some counties require it if you are younger than 30.
Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Arizona.
Waiting Period: No waiting period.
Previous Marriages: Copies of divorce decree are not required.
Fees: $50.00 - Cash or money order.
Other Tests: No tests.
Under 18: If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must have the notarized consent of your parents or legal guardian. If you are under 16, you must have the notarized consent of your parents or legal guardian as well as a court order.
Proxy Marriages: No.
Cousin Marriages: Yes, first cousins may marry if both are sixty-five years of age or older. If one or both first cousins are under sixty-five years of age, they can marry if they show proof to a superior court judge that one of them is unable to reproduce.
Common Law Marriages: No.
Same Sex Marriages: No.
Officiants: Marriages may be performed by a member of the clergy (including a minister, priest, bishop, rabbi, and imam), a judge, a magistrate, a clerk of the circuit court, or a clerk or clerk-treasurer of a city or town. Ministers must record the marriage on the marriage license and return it to the clerk of the Superior Court within 20 days after the marriage.
Valid: License is
valid for 1 year.
The license can only be used within the State of Arizona.
It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.
Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.
Maricopa County
Phoenix, AZ
602.506.6307
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