What Are the Requirements to Get Married in Arizona?

Residents of Arizona who are ready to get married will need to know the requirements and law for obtaining a marriage license and all the legal details of marriage.

So what are the requirements to get married in Arizona? In order to get married in Arizona, couples who are 16 or 17 must have parental consent and the approval of a state judge. There are no residency rules, blood tests, or waiting periods to get married in Arizona. Marriage licenses cost $83 across the state.

For more details about the marriage laws in Arizona, I’ve provided more details below.

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At What Age Can You Get Married in Arizona?

Anyone in Arizona who is under 16 is prohibited from being married. Ages 16 and 17 must provide the following information:

either a certified copy of an Emancipation Order, OR a notarized Clerk’s Office parental consent form along with the front and back of your parent(s) or legal guardian’s identification, or have your parent(s) or legal guardian accompany you and present proper identification and sign the parental consent form in the presence of the clerk issuing your marriage license; AND
a certified copy of your birth certification; AND
one of the following government issued picture I.D.’s is required: a) current driver’s license; b)state or military I.D. card; c) current passport; d) or other government-issued photo I.D.
The younger applicant’s prospective spouse cannot be more than 3 years older than the younger applicant.

What Documents Do You Need to Get Married in Arizona?

Arizona state law requires that both parties present a government-issued ID, such as a drivers license or passport, to prove each applicant’s name, age, and residential address.

Additionally, they must provide their social security number if they have one. Social Security numbers will only be provided to the Department of Economic Security for purposes of child support enforcement, should the need arise. They will not be released to anyone else without your written consent. If you have a Social Security number and don’t provide it during the marriage license process it can have a negative effect with other federal benefits and programs.

For applicants who are ages 16 or 17, you will need to provide the following documentation:

an Emancipation Order OR a notarized Clerk’s Office parental consent
the front and back of the parent(s) or legal guardian’s identification
a certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate
a government-issued photo ID such as drivers license, passport, etc.

How Much Does a Marriage License Cost in Arizona?

The cost for a marriage license in the state of Arizona is $83 and can be purchased from all 15 counties in the state. The cost is the same across the state, unlike some other states.

Once you have submitted your application for a marriage license, you will have one-year to pick up your certificate. The license must be sent back with the officiant signatures within 30-days of the ceremony date.

Please be sure to contact your county probate office beforehand to verify any information you see here as it’s difficult to keep up with any changes that may happen.

Can You Get Married At the Courthouse in Arizona?

You can get married at any courthouse in Arizona. Some take appointments and others work on first come, first serve basis. Call ahead of time to find out the exact details.

Thankfully, if you wish to have a courthouse wedding in Arizona, you can go to any county to be married. Arizona does not have any residency restrictions and therefore you can get married at any county courthouse you like.

Is There a Waiting Period to Get Married in Arizona?

You do not have to wait any period of time after receiving your marriage license to be married in Arizona. You take your marriage license with you and can be married the day you obtain it.

You have one-year to use your marriage license and it must be returned to the state within 30-days of your ceremony date.

Who Can Marry You in Arizona?

According to AZ Rev Stat § 25-124 (2015), the following persons are permitted to officiate weddings in the state of Arizona:

Duly licensed or ordained clergymen
Judges of courts of record
Municipal court judges
Justices of the peace
Justices of the United States supreme court
Judges of courts of appeals, district courts and courts that are created by an act of Congress if the judges are entitled to hold office during good behavior
Bankruptcy court and tax court judges
United States magistrate judges
Judges of the Arizona court of military appeals

“Licensed or ordained clergymen” includes ministers, elders or other persons who by the customs, rules and regulations of a religious society or sect are authorized or permitted to solemnize marriages or to officiate at marriage ceremonies.

Can You Legally Marry your Cousin in Arizona?

You not not permitted to marry your first cousin in the state of Arizona unless you meet the following criteria:

both parties are sixty-five years of age or older, OR
one or both first cousins are under sixty-five years of age and have obtained approval of any superior court judge in Arizona with proof that one party is unable to reproduce

Additionally, same-sex marriage is legal in Arizona.

How Long Do You Have to Be Together for Common Law Marriage in Arizona?

The state of Arizona does not recognize common law marriage, no matter how many years the couple has been together.

However, Arizona does recognize common-law marriages that are validly contracted in other jurisdictions. You will need to contact an experienced family law attorney to find out what constitutes a “validly contracted” common-law marriage.

Disclosure: It is almost impossible for me to keep up with changing state and county marriage license requirements. The information provided in this article should be used for guidance only and not as legal advice. Please contact your local probate office for more information.