How to Get Married in Arizona

Marriage License & More

Are you planning on getting married in Arizona? Whether you’re an in-state resident or out of town couple, this guide will likely be the most comprehensive resource you’ll find on how to get married in Arizona, including everything from the marriage license and officiants to seasonal factors and places to wed. As an all-inclusive wedding venue in Arizona, we wrote this guide to help our clients and other engaged couples navigate through the details of getting married in Arizona. We hope it takes you from overwhelmed and stressed to confident and relaxed.

Important: We’ve done our level best to provide tips on how to officially get married in AZ, but laws can change and we are not a governing body, so always consult your local government for up-to-date requirements.

CONTENTS

ARIZONA MARRIAGE LICENSE

Before you have a wedding in Arizona, you’ll need to obtain an Arizona marriage license to make it legal. Requirements and costs may vary slightly from county to county so be sure to reference our resources below and confirm with your local county prior to applying.

az marriage age requirements

AGE REQUIREMENTS

You must be 18 to obtain your license. If you have a parent or guardian’s permission, you can marry at 16 or 17, provided you have the paperwork proving the permission. If you are younger, you will also need the approval of an Arizona State court.

arizona marriage license documents and payment

DOCS & PAYMENT

You will need a form of government-issued identification (usually a driver’s license) and approximately $72.00 – $78.00, usually payable in cash, check, money order, Visa or MasterCard, depending on the county.

az marriage waiting period after license

WAITING PERIOD

There is no waiting period once you obtain your marriage license; you can wed the same day! For same-day nuptials, it’s wise to set an appointment with the county clerk. You must both be present to pick up the license that day.

covenant marriage license

COVENANT MARRIAGE

For a covenant marriage license, you need to first undergo marriage counseling and bring proof of its completion with you to the courthouse. The application you complete and sign is binding and will declare your intentions. (Read more below)

Arizona marriage license witnesses and officiant

WITNESSES & OFFICIANT

While you do not need witnesses to obtain a license, you’ll need two witnesses and an officiant to sign your license at the ceremony. The officiant can’t be the clerk who issues the license, but you might find an officiant at the courthouse.

TIMELINE TO MARRY

Once you obtain the marriage license, Arizona gives you one year to get married and return your certificate, signed by all parties, to the courthouse for recording. Some counties require this to occur within 30 days of your ceremony.

marriage license ceremony

CEREMONY

Once you’ve obtained the license, you can get married at the courthouse by a qualified officiant that very day if you wish (more information on officiants below). Most people, however, choose to have a ceremony among loved ones.

LICENSE VS CERTIFICATE

What’s the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate? The license gives you permission to get married. The certificate is proof that you actually are married. In short, you can’t get married without a license.

Certificate of Marriage Arizona

GET YOUR CERTIFICATE

Once your signed marriage marriage certificate has been recorded by the County Clerk, you can request a certified copy for your records which you will need to change your name.  Some counties may charge a fee to send a certificate.

AZ MARRIAGE LICENSE GUIDELINES BY COUNTY

The AZ Marriage license is valid only in the state of Arizona; you cannot have a license issued here and go to another state or country for the ceremony.

Arizona has specific guidelines about getting your marriage license from each county:

  • Maricopa County: Maricopa County marriage licenses can be obtained from one of four Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court locations. While walk-ins are fine, appointments will be honored first. All other rules are the same.
  • Apache County: Marriage licenses are available at the Apache County Superior Court, Clerk of the Court’s Office or one of three Justice Courts. All other rules are the same.
  • Cochise County: Cochise County offers three locations to obtain a marriage license, which you can see on their page. All other rules are the same.
  • Coconino County: Coconino County licenses are available from the Page and Williams Justice Courts and at the Clerk of the Superior Court in Flagstaff. The Williams Justice Court does not accept cash. You have only 10 days to return the license. All other rules are the same.
  • Graham County: You may obtain a license from the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court in Safford. The license only costs $76. All other rules are the same.
  • Gila County: All rules are the same.
  • Greenlee County: This county does not list specific requirements for marriage licenses. You can assume all rules are the same, but should phone the Greenlee County Government Superior Court at (928) 865-3872 to make sure.
  • La Paz County: La Paz County charges only $72 for a marriage license, and does not accept personal checks at their location in Parker. All other rules are the same.
  • Mohave County: Mohave County allows you to apply by mail if you are 18 or older. Check their site for specific rules. They also have specific rules for covenant marriages.
  • Navajo County: The cost of a marriage license is only $76 at the courthouse location in Holbrook. All other rules are the same.
  • Pima County: If you wish to obtain Tucson marriage licenses you can get them at the courthouse in Tucson with government issued ID, $83.00 payable in cash, check, money order, Visa, Mastercard or Discover. If one of the parties is incarcerated, he/she need to have their application completed and notarized with his/her information. The other party then brings that into the office, fills out their own information into our kiosk, and the clerk will issue the license. You can marry at age 16 or 17 provided you have a notarized authorization from the custodial parent. Effective July 1, 2018 if you are younger than 16, you cannot get married. Also, the other party cannot be more than 3 years older. Justice of the Peace performs ceremonies on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Justice Court, 240 N Stone, Tucson, AZ 85701 beginning at 5:00pm. Cost is $80.00 cash only. Call (520) 724-3390 to schedule an appointment. All other rules are the same.
  • Pinal County: All rules are the same.
  • Santa Cruz County: All rules appear to be the same, though are not listed. Check them by calling the Clerk of the Superior Court at 520-375-7700.
  • Yavapai County: All rules governing marriage licenses at the court in Prescott are the same, plus specific rules for covenant marriages.
  • Yuma County: Cost is $76 and the courthouse is located in Yuma. All other rules are the same.

While getting a marriage license isn’t difficult, there are a number of steps involved, so make sure you read up on it well before your wedding and prepare.

TYPES OF ARIZONA MARRIAGES

In addition to recognizing heterosexual marriages between persons who identify as a man and a woman and covenant marriages, Arizona also recognizes two other types of unions: same sex marriages and common law marriages established in another state.

SAME SEX

As summarized by Wikipedia, “Same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in the U.S. state of Arizona since October 17, 2014…Before the court ruling, several Arizona cities and towns provided civil unions or domestic partnerships to same-sex couples.”

COMMON LAW

“Common law marriage occurs when a couple lives together for a certain number of years…holds themselves out as husband and wife, and intends to be married. Once… formed, that couple is treated legally the same way that traditional married couples are treated.” – FindLaw

Is Same Sex Marriage Allowed in Arizona?

Wondering what stance on gay marriage Arizona takes? Same sex marriage in Arizona is now legally permitted, so if you and your same-sex or alternative-sex partner wish to get married right here in state, you can.

When it comes to same sex marriage, Arizona follows all the same rules and stipulations as opposite sex couples, so you don’t need to do anything extra in the planning of your wedding. At least, not legally.

Do note that private vendors are allowed to discriminate based upon sexual orientation. If they choose not to serve you based on your sexuality and their beliefs, you cannot make them – though you can and should file a complaint with the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona. Hopefully, though, that shouldn’t happen, and certainly never would here at Tre Bella! Our Arizona wedding venue welcomes couples of all orientations.

Does AZ Recognize Common Law Marriage?

Common law marriage is not recognized in the state of Arizona. Arizona does not permit common law marriages that are initiated within the state of Arizona.

In order to be considered married in the state of Arizona, you will need to apply for a marriage license and undergo a ceremony performed by an officiant.

Specifically, Arizona marriage laws recognize opposite-sex marriages that were approved in common law states, including:

  • Alabama
  • Colorado
  • Kansas
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Iowa
  • Montana
  • Utah
  • Texas
  • District of Columbia

Arizona Covenant Marriage

In the case of a covenant marriage, which is legally recognized in only three states – Arizona, Arkansas and Louisiana – you will need to first undergo marriage counseling before applying for a marriage license, then bring proof of the completed counseling with you to the courthouse. The application you complete and sign will declare your intentions to enter into a specific type of marriage, thereby binding you to one another and prohibiting you from getting a divorce except in very specific circumstances.

ARIZONA WEDDING OFFICIANTS

Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Arizona?

Arizona permits a variety of public servants and religious figures to officiate a legal marriage union in AZ. Before settling on a certain Arizona wedding officiant, do your due diligence to confirm they have the proper authority and/or certification to legally wed you.

Formal Ceremonies

Most of our clients prefer to have a formal wedding ceremony at our venue, whether religious or symbolic, where guests can witness their exchange of vows alongside them. If you are exchanging vows at a church, ceremony site or wedding chapel in AZ, the following wedding officiants are most appropriate for these types of ceremonies:

  • Licensed or ordained clergy
  • Priests, priestesses, pastors, rabbis and ordained ministers in AZ of various religions who are recognized by their church as having the authority to perform weddings
  • Friends or family members with the appropriate credentials
Ceremony venue az
Friends & Family As Officiants

If you would like to be married by a friend or family member, that is allowed so long as they have the credentials to do so.

Many online sites exist to help them do this.

Arizona Courthouse Weddings

If your plan is to make the marriage official right at the courthouse steps and plan a reception or celebration elsewhere, then you might find the following list of officiants will be most suitable for your situation. If you’re hoping to keep costs down, the Justice of the Peace will officiate your courthouse nuptials for free, as they do not accept gifts, tokens or money for their services.

  • Judges of courts of record, court appeals, municipal courts, district courts, bankruptcy courts and tax courts
  • Magistrates
  • Judges of the Arizona court of military appeals
  • Notary public
  • Justices of the Peace in Arizona
  • United States Supreme Court justices
  • Other public servants
  • Non-denominational religious officiants

LOCAL ARIZONA WEDDING CUSTOMS

With its rich Native American history and proximity to Mexico, as well as a large populace of Caucasian descent, Arizona boasts a huge variety of wedding traditions. You can opt to honor your ancestors with a ceremony that aligns with your own customs, or you can respectfully pay homage to the traditions of other cultures. Some of the most common local customs include:

  • Hispanic weddings: Filled with the colorful wedding traditions of Spain, Mexico and Latin America, a Hispanic wedding often combines religious ceremonies (often Catholic) with all-out Latin festivities afterward. Common elements include kneeling during vows, the exchange of coins between bride and groom, and a family heirloom dress or veil.
  • Native American weddings: People of Native American and non-Native American descent alike are enchanted with the ancient traditions of the Southwestern tribes. If you would like to respectfully incorporate some of these traditions into your ceremony, or enlist a Native American officiant for a traditional Native religious ceremony, you will find plenty who can help in Arizona.
  • Western weddings: Lest we forget, Arizona is saturated in the near-mythic lore of cowboys and cactuses, saloons and steer, tumbleweeds and ten-gallon hats. If you like this theme, you only need to include some of these in your wedding (can we recommend the hats?). If your own family has a ranching past, so much the better, but it’s far from necessary in order to have fun with this theme.

Naturally, far more traditions and customs exist, so speak with your wedding planner or venue for more help and ideas.

PLACES TO GET MARRIED IN ARIZONA

Arizona truly has it all – rivers, forests, mountains, deserts, art, culture and a touch of luxury too. With an historical footprint left by everyone from Native Americans and the Spanish to the Gold Rush miners and famed cowboys of the Wild West, each region has been shaped by the people of its past as well as reinvented by the residents of it’s present day.

The only question is, which AZ region is the best fit for you?

Cities for a Charming Urban Retreat

You don’t need to choose between outdoor adventures, relaxing spa days, historical site seeing and luxurious city nights – because central Arizona has it all.

Here are its largest cities:

Central arizona weddings

Mesa: Arguably the best kept secret for weddings in Arizona, Mesa is a quaint, affordable alternative for couples looking for all the chic, modern amenities of a city wedding while still enjoying the historical charm of a century old location. Nestled just outside Phoenix and Scottsdale, we love Mesa so much that we chose it as the ideal location for our affordable wedding venues in Arizona. Mesa offers a little bit of everything – a cobblestone lined downtown with artistic brick wall murals, rugged outdoor recreation, cultural museums and more.

Phoenix: For a traditional skyline city experience, head to Arizona’s largest city – Phoenix. Sports fans and nightlife lovers will both feel at home in Phoenix. And if the venue costs are too much to bear, you can always have a photo shoot downtown, then take the Light Rail over to Mesa for a more modestly priced celebration with one of our all-inclusive wedding packages in AZ. If Mesa isn’t for you, Glendale, Gilbert, Chandler and Tempe are all mid-sized towns near Phoenix.

Scottsdale: Known for its posh resorts, world renown spas, many golf courses, fine dining, entertainment and premium shopping, Scottsdale is a luxurious spot to host a wedding with plenty to do before and after. Be prepared for an investment, as Scottsdale is one of the more pricey areas in which to wed. If you’re looking for a platinum wedding experience without the Scottsdale price tag, consider our more modestly priced wedding venues in Mesa AZ as a less expensive alternative.

Places for Adventurers

If you’re the backpacking type that would choose a climbing excursion or white water rafting over the spa, then look to South and West Arizona. Bordered by the Grand Canyon and Colorado River, these regions offer the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers:

south west Arizona weddings

Lake Havasu City: With a perfect blend of tranquil waters, rugged mountains, 300 days of sunshine and outdoor activities of every kind (hiking, biking, boating, fishing, golfing, off-roading etc.), Lake Havasu City is an adventurer’s little slice of heaven.

Flagstaff: This laid back mountain town is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with activities to explore in any season.

Bullhead City: Lying along the bank of the Colorado River, you can take wedding photos near the water during the day and then head to the casinos with your guests at night.

Yuma: The sunniest place on Earth gives plenty of reasons to stay outdoors with endless water sports, fresh farm produce and lively festivals.

Towns for a Cultural Escape

Southern Arizona is a breathtaking blend of rich soiled wineries, rustic ranches, artistic communities and Old West mining towns, making it a truly cultural experience for any cultivated couple.

Here are a few highlights:

southern arizona weddings

Tucson: Arizona’s second largest city, Tucson can offer a luxurious getaway inclusive of top golf courses, urban festivities and historical sights.

Tombstone: Take a stroll through the historically preserved town of Tombstone, the site of the famed OK Corral gunfight, and be whisked away to the late 1800s.

Oracle: With ziplining, stargazing and real ranch experiences, outdoor lovers will enjoy time in Oracle.

With so many incredible locations in AZ, it’s easy to get your heart set on one. However, before you do, consider the impact of seasons.

SEASONAL FACTORS FOR ARIZONA WEDDINGS

Both your wedding date and your wedding location should factor in seasonal factors before they become set in stone. Nature enthusiasts hoping for an outdoor ceremony may find that the dead of Summer is far too uncomfortable for guests in some regions. While couples looking to stretch their budget may learn that an indoor wedding during the hottest days of Summer or coldest days of Winter will come at a premium. Whatever season you settle on, these tips may help.

winter wedding flowers arizona

WINTER

Arizona is a lovely place to get married at any time of year. Beware, though, that despite common perceptions, the state can get cold in the winter, especially in the northern areas.

Flowers In Season: Amaryllis, Calla lily, Peony, Poinsettia

What to Wear: During the day, guests can probably get away with similar attire as they’d wear in the spring or fall, but should bring layers in case it’s a cooler day. A jacket, shrug or other layer will be needed for the evening, as it can get a bit chilly during later hours.

Seasonal Costs: Outdoor venues may be more affordable during this time, but you’ll want to choose your location wisely and keep a close watch on temperatures.

Dates to Avoid: Winter comes with many celebrations such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, New Years, Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day that can drive up costs or create other complications, such as traffic, public noise and higher travel costs.

spring wedding flowers arizona

SPRING

Due to milder temperatures, Spring is typically the second most popular time of year to have a wedding in AZ. It’s a lovely time of year to tie the knot with some gorgeous floral choices available.

Flowers In Season: Anemone, Daffodil, Tulips, Hyacinth

What to Wear: Spring has a truly pleasant weather, making it flexible for many types of wedding attire. Guests should keep a close watch on the weather as your wedding date approaches to decide between tea length or full-length dresses and short or long shirt sleeves. Either way, bringing layers is a convenient way to quickly warm up should the temperatures quickly shift.

Seasonal Costs: As Spring is a common time of year to wed in Arizona, it may be slightly more expensive than Summer or Winter, depending on the suppliers and venue you choose to work with.

Dates to Avoid: Holidays such as Easter weekend, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day weekend may book up early and come at a premium cost. Also, school Spring Break dates should be considered, as many families plan vacations during this time.

summer wedding flowers arizona

SUMMER

In some regions, temperatures above 100 are common during the summer, making it unbearable for an outdoor wedding.

Flowers In Season: Chrysanthemum, Coxcomb, Dahlia, Daisy, Gladiola, Sunflower

What to Wear: Layers are recommended for indoor weddings as the blazing heat outside prompts many properties to crank up the A/C to cool guests off. Women can bring dressy shrugs, cardigans and wraps while men wear a sport coat or blazer. For outdoor weddings, guests can dress light with fabrics that breathe and would be wise to have something to protect and shade them from the sun, including sunglasses, sunscreens, hats and parasols.

Seasonal Costs: Some indoor reception halls may charge a premium during summer months when it’s too hot to have a ceremony outside. As for us, Tre Bella’s stylish indoor reception halls in AZ offer consistent pricing all year round, so your platinum wedding is within reach no matter which season you choose.

Dates to Avoid: Consider conflicting local events and prior guest plans that might make Father’s Day or Independence Day more difficult to accommodate.

fall wedding flowers arizona

FALL

Arguably the best months for outdoor weddings happen in the fall or, at least, this is the most popular time of year to wed in Arizona.

Flowers In Season: Camellia, Cornflower, Cosmos, Larkspur, Hydrangea

What to Wear: The traditionally mild weather can be nice for cocktail dresses and light slacks, perhaps with a light jacket to warm up in the cooler evening air.

Seasonal Costs: Autumn is the most popular time of year to get married in Arizona, resulting in premium peak season pricing and reduced availability. To secure the very best vendors and locations during this season, plan very early (12+ months out) and budget a little bit more. Or, opt for more affordable all-inclusive wedding venues in AZ that have nearly all your vendors factored into the budget.

Dates to Avoid: While it’s not out of the question to have a Halloween or Thanksgiving weekend wedding, it may come with a few more challenges and expenses.

Other Seasonal Dates to Avoid:
  • Super Bowl Sunday (held at the end of January or beginning of February)
  • March Madness Final Four (held at the end of March)
  • Ides of March, Leap Day or Friday the 13th (if you are superstitious)
  • Triannual Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix (held every three years in late December or early January)
  • The Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase (usually between late January and mid February)
  • El Tour de Tucson (November)
  • Scottsdale Culinary Festival in Scottsdale (April)
  • World’s Oldest Rodeo in Prescott (June and July)

Naturally, the specific town in which you choose to marry will have its own busy times of year and weekends, so talk to the venues you’re considering for more information.

TRAVELING FOR AN ARIZONA WEDDING

What Do Travelers Need to Know When Attending Your Arizona Wedding?

When coming to Arizona for your wedding, you and your guests should keep several things in mind. Be sure to:

  • Put your documents (i.e. marriage license, etc.) somewhere safe in your carry-on luggage. This goes for family heirlooms, jewelry and other valuables too.
  • Book your tickets well ahead of time, and encourage guests to do so as well, as busy times like the holidays and Fall fill up.
  • Check multiple airlines to get the best deals depending on time of year, hubs, etc. Here are a few of the best tools for comparing airfare.
  • Consider alternate travel, such as train or car, if the wedding isn’t too far away.
  • Consider bulk rates on airline flights, especially if you have an entire side of the family or group of friends coming from the same place.
  • Purchase custom luggage tags for yourself or your guests to make finding baggage easier.
  • If possible, take your dress on the plane with you rather than checking it, or insure it if it must go below.
  • Bring layers to stay comfortable on the plane and during travel.

Many of these same considerations apply once everyone has arrived as well. Talk to local hotels, B&Bs and venues to get group rates on weddings, and do the same for cabs, buses and other in-town transit. Be sure to keep valuables safe by always locking room and vehicles.

MARRIAGE NAME CHANGE: ARIZONA

You’ve held your ceremony, you’ve got your marriage certificate – it’s official! The last step in formalizing your marriage, if you choose to do so, is changing your name.

Request Your Name Change PDF Checklist

Request your Name Change Checklist

In compliance with the European Union GDPR:

Timeline

Arizona doesn’t seem to have a strict timeline regarding when this must be done, so you could opt to wait until after you return from the honeymoon to tackle this mini project.

However, once you start the process, the timeline changes. Arizona does have a short window for when you must update your driver’s license, once you’ve changed your name with the Social Security Administration – so be aware of that.

Step 1: The first step is to change your name with the Social Security Administration. They offer complete instructions on their website, including a list of which documents you need by situation type and a download link for the application. You can either mail your documents in or take them in-person to a Social Security office near you. Either way, you will receive your new card through the mail within two weeks of their receiving the documentation.

Step 2: Once you receive your new Social Security card, head to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days. You will need your marriage certificate and your existing driver’s license. At the DMV, you will fill out paperwork, stand for a new photo and pay $12 for a new license. (Pricing and requirements may vary slightly from one county to the next.)

According to Arizona law, you must update your license within 10 days of receiving your new Social Security card.

After you have the two new pieces of ID in hand, you can proceed with changing your name with other legal entities and service providers, such as banks, utility companies and more.

Where Else to Change Your Name After Marriage

If one of you two newlyweds has elected to change your name, you’ve got a bit more work ahead of you. You’ll need to reach out to personal accounts, financial institutions, educational and workplace departments, medical offices, service providers and organizations to update your new legal name.

Fortunately, we’ve made it a bit simpler. We’ve compiled a thorough list of dozens of places where you might need to update your name. (Request the Name Change Checklist using the form above.)

Or, if you just want to hand this project over to someone else, MissNowMrs.com offers $5 off their online name change service that condenses the tedious 13 hour paperwork process into 30 minutes. Not a bad option.

Action Steps to Get Married in Arizona + Change Your Name

Let’s put it all together. To legally get married in the state of Arizona, here’s a guideline of the steps you can take, from the proposal to that new driver’s license:

  1. Set your wedding date.
  2. Double check your personal ID is current and accepted by the courthouse as proof of your identification (e.g. driver’s license, passport, state ID card).
  3. Double-check the rules set by the individual county in which you will be married (refer to list of counties at top).
  4. Gather any necessary paperwork as well as funds, and bring them to the courthouse with your partner.
  5. Obtain a marriage license.
  6. Choose a venue and qualified officiant to perform the ceremony.
  7. Bring your marriage license to the ceremony.
  8. Hold the ceremony.
  9. Have the officiant sign the license.
  10. Have both of your chosen witnesses sign the license.
  11. Return the license to the courthouse at which you obtained it within 10-30 days of the wedding for processing.
  12. Take your portion of the license to a Social Security office, or mail it in along with other proper documentation.
  13. Receive your Social Security card in the mail within 2 weeks of processing (or, if you don’t, follow up immediately with the Social Security Administration).
  14. Gather marriage license, new Social Security card and existing driver’s license.
  15. Go to DMV.
  16. Apply for new license, take photo and pay $12.
  17. Officially change your name with all other legal, governmental and online bodies.

Change Your Name Infographic

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How to Change Your Name - Tre Bella

Want to use or share this infographic? Be our guest! All we ask is that you include proper credit with a link back to our site: Tre Bella Wedding Venue in Arizona

PHOTOGRAPHER CREDITS

Thank you to the following photographers who contributed such wonderful imagery to this guide.

  • Ther2studio
  • Brealyn Nenes Photography
  • Annalise Marie Photography
  • Jasmine Amber Photography
  • eunicebeckphoto
  • Still Life Studios