Photography: taranicholephoto.com

How to get your Arizona Marriage License… made simple

By Kristi | Owner Kristi Marie Events

Tara Nichole Photo

 

Let’s make it legal! Providing all the essential details on how to obtain an Arizona Marriage License.

Many couples hold off getting their marriage license because they think they must wait until 30 days before their wedding day. Good news, they’re wrong, and it’s easier than you think! I’m giving you all the details, including costs, options on how to apply, and most importantly, some pro tips to simplify the process.

The final item on your wedding planning to-do list is perhaps the most important. It’s best not to push this item out to the most hectic stages of your planning, primarily since you can obtain your marriage license as early as one year before your wedding. You need to make it legal: you must have your marriage license before your ceremony and you only have 30 days after your wedding to return it fully signed.

 

How to obtain your marriage license… The options and details: online or in-person

Both your schedules are essential items to consider when deciding whether to apply online or in-person. You and your partner must attend the in-person appointment to receive your Arizona Marriage License. And while it may be convenient not to have to leave your home to check this item off your do-list, obtaining your license in person is not difficult, and you will receive the license the same day. That’s two check marks for your list – apply and receive the license!

Obtaining your marriage license online

You can obtain your AZ marriage license online by visiting the Marriage License page on the Clerk of the Superior website (linked here). However, this may be a bit more challenging than you would expect as it does require some organization and flexibility on your part – make sure to read it all. There are a few back-and-forth steps required through this process which entails online forms, email monitoring, printing, scanning, and uploading documents. If at any point your application is rejected you will need to start over with an online application submittal. This is a breakdown of the online process:

  • You will need to complete the application and upload pictures of your photo identification,
  • Once the application is submitted, make sure to check your email regularly for notifications with the next steps. One of these emails will provide you with instructions on how to complete the required marriage license affidavit,
  • The affidavit will need to be printed, signed by both, and uploaded to their online portal, and
  • Once this step is complete, allow for a week until you receive a call from a restricted number. This is when you will confirm your information and make payment.

Check out the Online Marriage License Program (linked here) for more details. 

Obtaining your marriage license in-person

Personally, I recommend the in-person option because you knock out all the online steps in one visit that you schedule based on your availability. With various locations across the valley, it is often possible to select an appointment for the same week! Reminder: you both must both be present at the scheduled appointment. 

This process is relatively simple:

  • Download the application from their website (link below) or arrive early and complete it onsite,
  • Show up: bring your photo IDs, and preferred method of payment (see costs section below), and
  • Leave with your Arizona Marriage License in hand.

These are the locations available to receive your marriage license in person:

  • Downtown Customer Service Center – 601 W Jackson St, Phoenix
  • Northeast Regional Court – 18380 N 40th St, Phoenix
  • Northwest Regional Court – 14264 W Tierra Buena Ln, Suprise
  • Southeast Regional Court Center – 222 E Javelina, Mesa

Additional details can be found on Maricopa County’s Clerk of the Superior Court website (linked here).

 

How much does an Arizona Marriage License cost?

The fee to obtain an Arizona Marriage License is $83. This can be paid with cash, money order, debit or credit card. If you would like to receive a certified copy of your license after it has been recorded, an additional $37.50 is required. 

For online applications, in addition to the marriage license fee of $83, there is a $7 postage and handling fee.

How to return it and make it legal

Once your wedding ceremony is complete, you must return the signed license not more than 30 days after the ceremony for the license to be recorded.  Most officiants or your Wedding Planner will return the certificate on your behalf. Or, if you choose, you can return the completed document using the self-addressed envelope the state of Arizona provides when you receive your marriage license. 

 

Cheers to you and your love!