For a wedding ceremony in Arizona, the couple, the minister, and two witnesses must be present at the ceremony and sign the marriage license. There are no proxy marriages allowed so all parties must be physically present.
The ceremony may be customized to the preferences of the couple, and the wedding script may be tailored to fit the style and tenor that the couple would like. The only legally required portions are the “I Do” exchange for the couple and the pronouncement from the minister declaring them married.
In Arizona, adults 18 years of age or older can legally marry. Persons at least 16 years of age and under the age of eighteen are able to obtain a marriage license by meeting the additional requirement of a parental consent form, photo ID, and birth certificate. Those under the age of 16 are prohibited from marrying in this state.
There is no residency requirement for marriage in Arizona. This means you may be a resident of the state or from out of state. You may marry in Arizona if you are a US resident or from any other country.
The couple needs to go in person to the clerk’s office to pick up the marriage license, and to bring with them the required proof of identity. Accepted forms are government issued ID like a driver’s license or passport. Some counties are also adding the option of an application by mail, so please contact the county office or check their website to verify the policy. The mail in option may require additional steps or verification.
The current fee for a marriage license in Arizona is $83, due at the time of the application. The license is good for a wedding anywhere in the state of Arizona. No official proof of divorce is required for those who were previously married.
Arizona does not require blood tests from the couple in order to obtain a marriage license.
In order for the wedding to be recognized legally there are a few final steps that need to take place. The couple, witnesses, and the minister all need to sign the marriage license. The completed license needs to be filed with the state within thirty days of the ceremony to be recorded.
