Izard County
Marriage License Requirements

Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life, and choosing the right officiant to lead your ceremony is crucial. Arkansas offers a diverse range of wedding officiants to make your day truly unforgettable. From traditional ceremonies to modern and unique ones, Arkansas has something to cater to every couple’s preferences. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of finding the perfect Arkansas wedding officiant for your special day.

Introduction

Your wedding is a celebration of love and commitment, and selecting the right officiant plays a vital role in making your ceremony memorable. Arkansas provides a diverse range of options for couples seeking to tie the knot, with wedding officiants catering to various preferences and styles.

Marriage Application Requirements

Valid Identification

To apply for a marriage license in Arkansas, both parties must be 18 years or older and present a valid government-issued identification that displays their correct name and date of birth. If either party has undergone a name change due to a divorce, a certified copy of the divorce decree is required.

Application Fee

A marriage license application fee of $60.00 (Sixty Dollars) is applicable. This fee covers the processing of your marriage license.

Returning the Marriage License

After the wedding ceremony, whether the license is used or unused, it must be returned to the County Clerk’s office within SIXTY (60) days from the date of issuance for recording.

Marriage ID Requirements

To prove identity and age, both parties must possess one of the following:

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

Marriage Waiting Period Requirement

In Arkansas, there is no waiting period for obtaining a marriage license if both applicants are age 18 or over. However, for males age 17 and females age 16 or 17 who seek a marriage license with parental consent, a waiting period of 5 business days must be fulfilled.

Marriage Residency Requirement

You do not need to be a resident of Arkansas to obtain a marriage license in the state. The marriage license can be used for ceremonies anywhere within Arkansas.

Previous Marriages

If you were previously married, you must provide your divorce decree or information about the date, county, and state of death of your previous spouse. In case of a name change, a certified copy of the divorce decree is necessary.

Marriage License Fees

The marriage license fee in Arkansas is $60.00 (Sixty Dollars), payable in cash. For information about alternative payment methods, it’s advised to contact the relevant authorities beforehand.

Covenant Marriages

Arkansas offers an option for Covenant Marriages. A Covenant Marriage involves a formal declaration of intent and authorized counseling.

Proxy Marriages

Proxy marriages are not allowed in Arkansas.

Cousin Marriages

Cousin marriages are not permitted in Arkansas.

Common Law Marriages

Common law marriages are not recognized in Arkansas.

Marriage Blood Test

Unlike some states, Arkansas does not require blood or medical tests for obtaining a marriage license.

Name Change

Obtaining a marriage license with your new name does not automatically change your name. For changing your last name, online marriage name change kits are available.

Marriage Age Requirements

Males aged 17 and females aged 16-17 require parental consent for marriage, which involves a mandatory 5-day waiting period. Various scenarios are covered, including parental custody and pregnancy.

Marriage Officiants

Justices of the Peace and authorized ministers can officiate marriages in Arkansas. Proper credentials are required, and responsibilities include completing marriage license information. The marriage license must be returned to the County Clerk’s office within SIXTY (60) DAYS from the date of issuance.

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 sixty (60) days and can be used anywhere in the state. It must be returned to the County Clerk’s office where it was obtained.

Copy of Certificate of Marriage License

For obtaining a copy of your marriage license, you can contact the Division of Vital Records in Little Rock, Arkansas.