Ashley County
Marriage License Requirements
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, and choosing the right wedding officiant is a crucial part of ensuring everything goes smoothly. Arkansas offers a diverse range of options for wedding officiants, whether you’re planning a traditional wedding, a vow renewal ceremony, or something unique. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential information you need to know about Arkansas wedding officiants, including marriage license requirements, waiting periods, residency requirements, and more.
Introduction
Your journey towards marital bliss begins with choosing the right wedding officiant. Arkansas provides a variety of options to make your wedding ceremony truly special. From traditional to unconventional ceremonies, Arkansas wedding officiants offer an array of choices to cater to your preferences.
Marriage Application Requirement
To apply for a marriage license in Arkansas, both parties must be 18 or older and present valid government-issued identification displaying their correct names and dates of birth. If either party has undergone a name change due to divorce, a certified copy of the divorce decree is required. The application fee is $60.00.
Marriage ID Requirement
Both parties must be 18 years or older and possess valid forms of identification, such as state-issued IDs, driver’s licenses, passports, military IDs, or original birth certificates.
Marriage Waiting Period Requirement
There is no waiting period for marriage licenses in Arkansas for individuals aged 18 and older. However, if one party is 16 or 17 years old, a waiting period of 5 business days applies when parental consent is provided.
Marriage Residency Requirement
Arkansas does not require residency for obtaining a marriage license. The license is valid throughout the state.
Previous Marriages
Individuals who were previously married need to provide divorce decrees or information about the date, county, and state of death of their former spouse. A certified copy of the divorce decree is necessary if there has been a name change.
Marriage License Fees
The fee for an Arkansas marriage license is $60.00, payable in cash. Other payment methods may be available; it’s advisable to inquire in advance.
Covenant Marriages
Arkansas offers Covenant Marriages, a special option where couples declare their intent to enter a Covenant Marriage on their marriage license application. This entails receiving authorized counseling to emphasize the responsibilities of marriage.
Proxy Marriages
Proxy marriages are not permitted in Arkansas.
Cousin Marriages
Cousin marriages are not allowed in Arkansas.
Common Law Marriages
Arkansas does not recognize common law marriages.
Marriage Blood Test
No blood or medical tests are required to obtain a marriage license in Arkansas.
Name Change After Marriage
Obtaining a marriage license with your new name does not automatically change your name. An online marriage name change kit can assist with this process.
Marriage Age Requirements
Males must be at least 17 years old, and females must be 16 or 17 years old with parental consent. Parental consent requires a mandatory 5-day waiting period.
Marriage Officiants
Justices of the Peace and ministers can solemnize marriages in Arkansas. Ministers must have their credentials recorded in any Arkansas county. They are responsible for completing the Marriage License Certificate.
Marriage Witnesses
Witnesses are not required for Arkansas marriages.
Expiration Date of Marriage License
An Arkansas marriage license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in the state. It must be returned to the County Clerk’s office where it was initially obtained.
Copy of Certificate of Marriage License
For a copy of the marriage license certificate, contact the Division of Vital Records in Little Rock.
Conclusion
Selecting the right wedding officiant is a crucial step in ensuring your wedding day is perfect. Arkansas offers a range of options to suit various preferences and needs, making your special day even more memorable.
FAQs
- Can we get married immediately in Arkansas? Yes, if both parties are 18 or older.
- Do we need parental consent for marriage if we’re under 18? Yes, parental consent is required along with a 5-day waiting period.
- Are proxy marriages allowed in Arkansas? No, Arkansas does not permit proxy marriages.
- Is counseling required for Covenant Marriages? Yes, authorized counseling is required to enter a Covenant Marriage.
- Can ministers officiate marriages in Arkansas? Yes, ministers can solemnize marriages after recording their credentials.
