Carroll County
Marriage License Requirements

Your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable moments of your life, and finding the right wedding officiant is crucial to make it perfect. If you are planning your special day in Arkansas, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll provide you with all the essential information you need to know about Arkansas wedding officiants, marriage license requirements, and more. Let’s dive in!

Introduction

Arkansas, the Natural State, offers a beautiful setting for weddings and vow renewals. Before you walk down the aisle, it’s essential to know the requirements for obtaining a marriage license and choosing the right wedding officiant for your special day.

Marriage Application Requirement Arkansas

To apply for a marriage license in Arkansas, both parties must be 18 years or older and present a valid government-issued identification showing their correct name and date of birth. If either party has undergone a name change through divorce and their driver’s license doesn’t reflect this change, they must bring a certified copy of the divorce decree. The application fee for a marriage license is $60.00 (Sixty Dollars), and the license must be returned to the County Clerk’s office within SIXTY (60) days from the date of issuance.

Marriage ID Requirement Arkansas

When applying for a marriage license in Arkansas, both parties must have one of the following identification documents:

• State-issued I.D.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Indian Card
• Passport, Visa (not expired)
• Military I.D.
• Original Birth Certificate

Marriage Waiting Period Requirement Arkansas

In Arkansas, there is no waiting period required for obtaining a marriage license. If both applicants are aged 18 or over, the marriage license may be issued immediately. However, if one party is male and aged 17, or female and aged 16 or 17, and they are obtaining a marriage license with parental consent, there is a waiting period of 5 business days.

Marriage Residency Requirement Arkansas

Arkansas doesn’t have a residency requirement for obtaining a marriage license. The license can be used anywhere in the state.

Previous Marriages

If either party has been previously married, they must provide the divorce decree or information regarding the date, county, and state of death of the previous spouse. If the name has changed due to divorce, a certified copy of the divorce decree is required.

Marriage License Fees Arkansas

The fee for a marriage license in Arkansas is $60.00 (Sixty Dollars), and cash is an acceptable form of payment. For information on additional payment methods, it is recommended to call ahead to the County Clerk’s office.

Covenant Marriages Arkansas

Arkansas offers the option of Covenant Marriages. A Covenant Marriage requires the couple to declare their intent to contract a Covenant Marriage on their Application for Marriage license. They must also execute a Declaration of Intent to contract a Covenant Marriage. This declaration includes a recitation signed by both parties, an affidavit confirming that they have received authorized counseling about the nature, purposes, and responsibilities of marriage, and the signature of both parties witnessed by a notary. The Declaration of Intent and other related documents must be filed with the official who issues the marriage license.

Authorized counseling for Covenant Marriages can be provided by a variety of professionals, including priests, ministers, rabbis, licensed professional counselors, and licensed clinical psychologists.

Proxy Marriages Arkansas

Proxy marriages are not allowed in Arkansas. Both parties must be present to obtain a marriage license.

Cousin Marriages Arkansas

Cousin marriages are not allowed in Arkansas.

Common Law Marriages Arkansas

Arkansas does not recognize common law marriages.

Marriage Blood Test Arkansas

No blood or medical tests are required to get married in Arkansas.

Name Change Arkansas

Obtaining a marriage license with the new name on it does not automatically change the last name. Couples who wish to change their last name can use an online marriage name change kit.

Marriage Age Requirements Arkansas

In Arkansas, males aged 17 and females aged 16-17 years require parental consent and a mandatory 5-day waiting period. “Parental Consent” includes the consent of both parents, the custodial parent (if the parents are divorced and one parent has custody), a court-appointed guardian, or a court-determined father if paternity has been established.

In cases where one or both parties are underage and the female is pregnant, they can appear before a circuit court judge to obtain consent to marry. Additionally, parties who have given birth to a child together can petition the circuit court for consent to marry.

Marriage Officiants Arkansas

In Arkansas, Justices of the Peace (including former Justices who served at least 2 terms since 1977) are authorized to solemnize marriages. Ministers performing marriages in the state must have their credentials recorded in any county in Arkansas. Both Justices of the Peace and Ministers must complete the necessary information on the Marriage License. The minister is not responsible for returning the license after the ceremony; it is the applicants’ responsibility to return the license to the County Clerk’s office within SIXTY (60) DAYS from the date of issuance.

Marriage Witnesses Arkansas

No witnesses are required for marriages in Arkansas.

Expiration Date of Marriage License Arkansas

The marriage license in Arkansas is valid for sixty (60) days. It can be used anywhere in the state but must be returned to the County Clerk’s office where it was first applied.

Conclusion

Your wedding day should be a reflection of your love and commitment, and choosing the right wedding officiant is a significant part of the process. Understanding the marriage license requirements and available options for your wedding in Arkansas is essential to ensure a smooth and joyous celebration of your love.

Whether you opt for a traditional ceremony or a Covenant Marriage, Arkansas offers a beautiful backdrop for your special day. Remember to obtain your marriage license, choose your wedding officiant wisely, and cherish every moment of your wedding or vow renewal ceremony.

FAQs

Q: How much does a marriage license cost in Arkansas? A: The fee for a marriage license in Arkansas is $60.00 (Sixty Dollars).

Q: Is there a waiting period for obtaining a marriage license in Arkansas? A: There is no waiting period if both applicants are aged 18 or over. However, if one party is aged 17 (male) or 16-17 (female) and obtaining a license with parental consent, there is a waiting period of 5 business days.

Q: Can I get married in Arkansas if I am not a resident of the state? A: Yes, you do not have to be a resident of Arkansas. The marriage license can be used anywhere within the state.

Q: Are Covenant Marriages available in Arkansas? A: Yes, Arkansas offers the option of Covenant Marriages, which requires a declaration of intent and authorized counseling.

Q: Do I need a blood test to get married in Arkansas? A: No, blood or medical tests are not required to get married in Arkansas.