Detailed Arizona Wedding Law Notes
These notes summarize state marriage-license, ceremony, witness, and officiant guidance for the new map experience.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: Generally 18 without additional consent
- Residency: Not Required
- Marriage Equality: Yes
- Where to Apply: Clerk of the Superior Court
Arizona marriage licenses are issued through county Clerks of the Superior Court. Couples should confirm identification, fee, and appointment rules with the county where they apply.
Marriage License Requirements
- Issued By: Clerk of the Superior Court
- Where Valid: Arizona
- Waiting Period: No general waiting period
- License Validity: 12 months
- Blood Test: Not Required
Arizona licenses may generally be used right away and remain valid for 12 months. The ceremony must be performed before the license expires.
Minister and Officiant Requirements
- Authorized Officiants: Persons authorized by Arizona law to solemnize marriage
- Ordained Ministers: May solemnize marriages
- Return Duty: Person who solemnizes the marriage returns the signed license
Arizona law requires the marriage license to be signed by the couple, two witnesses, and the person who solemnized the marriage.
Ceremony Requirements
- Witnesses Required: Two lawful-age witnesses
- Ceremony Location: Must occur in Arizona
- License Signing: Couple, witnesses, and officiant sign
The ceremony may be customized, but Arizona requires the license signatures of the couple, two witnesses, and the officiant.
Final Steps
- Return Office: Clerk of the Superior Court
- Return Deadline: Within 30 days after the ceremony
- Responsible Party: Officiant returns the signed license
- Certified Copies: Available after recording
The person who solemnized the marriage should return the completed license to the Clerk of the Superior Court for recording within 30 days after the ceremony.