Arizona Wedding Laws

This guide details all the legalities of a wedding in the state of Arizona. All aspects will be covered, including the legal requirements for both the couple and the minister, the specifics of the marriage license, and the needed steps of the actual wedding ceremony. If you are planning a wedding in Arizona or planning to officiate one, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information.

Arizona Marriage Requirements

Min. Age of Couple:

Age 18 or Age 16 with Guardian Consent

Residency:

Not Required

Min. Distance of Kin Allowed:

Second Cousins

Marriage Equality:

Yes

The legal age requirement for marriage in Arizona is 18 years or older. However, an exception is allowed for people who are under 18 years of age if they meet the following criteria: They must be at least 16 years of age, they must submit a signed parental consent form, and they must provide a photo ID and a birth certificate.

In addition to an age requirement, Arizona state law also includes a degree of kinship rule. An exception to this rule is allowed only if first cousins have the approval of the Superior Court Judge of Arizona or if both parties are over the age of 65.

There is no requirement with regard to residency if you want to marry in Arizona. You can be legally wed in Arizona whether you are from Arizona, from out of state or even from another country. Additionally, same-sex weddings are allowed under the marital laws of Arizona because all US states now honor marriage equality.

How to Get a Arizona Marriage License

Min. Age of Witnesses:

18 Years

Couple's Consent Required:

Yes

Pronouncement Required:

Yes

To acquire a marriage license, the couple must go to the Office of the County Clerk. They will each need to bring legal proof of identity, which can include any standard government-issued ID such as a passport or a driver's license. They will also be required to pay a fee of $83 when they apply.

There are some counties in Arizona that allow the license application to be sent by mail, but because this isn't a statewide policy, it's important to check directly with the county office in question. If it is permitted, there may be additional verification requirements or extra steps, so reach out to the county office to ensure that you have met all the legal requirements.

Whether you apply by mail or in person, you will not need to provide blood test results. There is also no requirement for proof of divorce, even if one or both of you have been previously married.

Once obtained, the marriage license is valid throughout the state of Arizona.

Applying For a Marriage License in Arizona

ULC-Officiated Ceremony Type:

Religious

Mandatory Waiting Period:

None

License Valid For:

1 Year

License Must Be Submitted:

Within 30 Days of Ceremony

When applying for the marriage license, the couple should specify that they want a religious ceremony license rather than a civil ceremony license, if offered the choice. An ordained minister from the Universal Life Church has the legal authority to conduct a "religious ceremony" even if the wedding ceremony itself contains no religious vows or elements.

Once the Arizona marriage license is obtained, the ceremony can take place on any day within one year of issuance. In other words, the license is valid from the day it is issued and does not expire until one year has passed. However, once the wedding ceremony is over, the couple has only 30 days to return the completed license to the appropriate Office of the County Clerk in order to ensure that it is legally recorded.

Getting Married in Arizona

Marriage By Proxy Allowed:

No

Minister Required to be Present:

Yes

Couples getting married in Arizona are allowed to determine the type of wedding ceremony they would like. They can choose the style, the vows, and the mood of the ceremony. Legally they both need to include "I Do" as part of their vows, and the minister needs to pronounce them as "Married" before ending the ceremony.

The couple, the minister and two witnesses must be in attendance at the wedding ceremony and must also sign the marriage license. Arizona law does not permit proxy marriages; therefore, all parties must be physically present at the ceremony.