Hempstead County
Marriage License Requirements

Getting married is a significant life event that involves not only a union of hearts but also a legal process. If you’re planning to tie the knot in Arkansas, understanding the marriage license requirements and procedures is crucial. From the necessary documents to the application process, let’s dive into the details of obtaining a marriage license in Arkansas.

Introduction

Getting married in Arkansas is a straightforward process, but it involves several steps and requirements that couples must meet before they can legally wed. From application fees to identification documents, we’ll cover all the necessary information you need to know.

Application Requirements

To apply for a marriage license in Arkansas, both parties must meet certain requirements. Both individuals must be 18 years or older and must present valid government-issued identification that shows their correct name and date of birth.

Identification Documents

If you’ve undergone a name change due to a divorce, and your driver’s license does not reflect this change, you’ll need to provide a certified copy of your divorce decree along with your application. The application fee for a marriage license in Arkansas is $60.00.

Marriage Waiting Period

Fortunately, Arkansas does not have a waiting period for couples seeking a marriage license. If both applicants are age 18 or over, the marriage license can be issued immediately.

However, if a male is 17 years old or a female is 16 or 17 years old, obtaining a marriage license with parental consent requires a mandatory waiting period of 5 business days.

Residency Requirement

Unlike some states, Arkansas does not have a residency requirement. This means that you don’t have to be a resident of Arkansas to obtain a marriage license that can be used anywhere within the state.

Previous Marriages

If you have been previously married, you’ll need to provide your divorce decree or information about the date, county, and state of death of your previous spouse. If your name has changed due to the divorce, you’ll also need to bring a certified copy of your divorce decree.

Marriage License Fees

The marriage license fee in Arkansas is $60.00, payable in cash. If you need information about other payment methods, it’s a good idea to call ahead and inquire.

Covenant Marriages

Arkansas offers an option known as a Covenant Marriage. This is a special type of marriage that requires couples to declare their intent to enter into a Covenant Marriage on their marriage license application.

A Covenant Marriage involves receiving authorized counseling, and both parties must provide an affidavit confirming that they have received this counseling.

Proxy Marriages

Unfortunately, Arkansas does not allow proxy marriages, where one party is absent and represented by someone else during the marriage ceremony.

Cousin Marriages

Cousin marriages are not allowed in Arkansas.

Common Law Marriages

Common law marriages are not recognized in Arkansas.

Marriage Blood Test

Arkansas does not require any blood or medical tests to get married.

Name Change

Obtaining a marriage license with your new name on it does not automatically change your name. To change your last name, you may need to use an online marriage name change kit.

Marriage Age Requirements

In Arkansas, males must be at least 17 years old, and females must be 16 or 17 years old to get married. If they’re under the age of 18, parental consent is required, along with a mandatory 5-day waiting period.

Marriage Officiants

Justices of the Peace in Arkansas and authorized ministers can solemnize marriages. Ministers must have their credentials recorded in any Arkansas county.

Marriage Witnesses

Unlike some states, Arkansas does not require witnesses for marriages.

Expiration Date of Marriage License

A marriage license in Arkansas is valid for 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 for.

Obtaining a Copy of Certificate

If you need a copy of your marriage certificate, you can contact the Division of Vital Records in Little Rock.

In conclusion, getting married in Arkansas involves specific requirements and steps to ensure the legality of your union. From application fees to identification documents, understanding the process will help you navigate through the journey of becoming legally married in this state.

FAQs

1. Can I get married immediately in Arkansas? Yes, if both parties are 18 or older, you can obtain a marriage license and get married immediately.

2. Is there a waiting period for younger couples? Yes, if one of the parties is 17 years old (male) or 16-17 years old (female), a waiting period of 5 business days with parental consent is required.

3. Can I change my last name through a marriage license in Arkansas? Obtaining a marriage license with your new name does not automatically change it. You may need to use a marriage name change kit.

4. Are cousin marriages allowed in Arkansas? No, cousin marriages are not allowed in Arkansas.

5. How long is a marriage license valid in Arkansas? A marriage license is valid for 60 days in Arkansas and can be used anywhere within the state.