Mohave County
Marriage License Requirements

Getting married is an exciting milestone in one’s life, but before you say “I do,” there are certain legal requirements to fulfill. One essential step is obtaining a marriage license. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining a marriage license in Arizona, covering all the necessary details you need to know.

Introduction

Before we delve into the process of obtaining a marriage license, let’s explore some essential information about the marriage license fee and the offices you can visit in Arizona to apply for one.

The marriage license fee in the State of Arizona is $83. This fee covers the processing and recording of your marriage license, an important legal document that proves the validity of your marriage.

To apply for a marriage license, you can visit one of the following office locations:

• Kingman Office
  • Address: 401 E. Spring Street, PO Box 7000, Kingman, AZ 86402
  • Phone: 928.753.0713
  • Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding Court Approved Holidays)
• Bullhead City Office
  • Address: 2225 Trane Road, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
  • Phone: 928.758.0730
  • Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding Court Approved Holidays)
  • Lunch Closure: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Lake Havasu City Office
  • Address: 2001 College Drive, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404
  • Phone: 928.453.0701
  • Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding Court Approved Holidays)
  • Lunch Closure: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Marriage Application Requirements

To obtain a marriage license in Arizona, both parties must meet certain requirements and provide necessary documentation.

Both Parties Must Be Present

Both individuals planning to marry must be present at the time of applying for the marriage license. This ensures that both parties willingly consent to the marriage.

Valid Government-Issued Photo I.D.

Both parties must present a valid government-issued photo I.D. This can be a driver’s license, passport, military I.D., or any other official identification document that confirms their age and identity.

Social Security Numbers

During the application process, both parties are required to provide their Social Security Numbers if they have one. This information is used for identification and record-keeping purposes.

Sworn Affidavits

Before obtaining the marriage license, both parties will be sworn in and must sign two affidavits confirming the accuracy of their personal information.

Divorce Decree Not Required

Unlike some states, Arizona does not require a copy of a divorce decree for individuals who have been previously married. This means you can obtain a marriage license even if you have been divorced in the past.

Ceremony and License Completion

It’s important to note that obtaining the marriage license does not make you legally married. A marriage ceremony must be performed by an authorized individual, such as a Justice of the Peace, clergyman, judge, or magistrate, according to A.R.S. § 25-124. After the ceremony, the officiator will sign the marriage license, and it must be returned to the appropriate authority within 30 days of the ceremony for the marriage to be officially recorded.

Marriage ID Requirements

To apply for a marriage license in Arizona, you must present a valid government-issued photo I.D. as proof of age and identity. Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• Military I.D.

Marriage Waiting Period

Unlike some states that impose a waiting period before a marriage ceremony can take place, there is no waiting period in Arizona. Once you have your marriage license, you can get married on the same day if you wish.

Marriage Residency Requirements

Unlike certain states that require couples to be residents of the state, Arizona allows anyone to apply for a marriage license, regardless of residency.

Marriage License Fees

The marriage license fee in Arizona is $83. This fee is payable at the time of application and covers the processing and recording of your marriage license.

Covenant Marriage Option

In Arizona, couples have the option to enter into a covenant marriage. Covenant marriages have additional requirements and restrictions, and couples must undergo premarital counseling to enter into this type of marriage.

Proxy Marriages

Arizona does not allow proxy marriages. A proxy marriage is a type of marriage where one or both parties are not physically present at the ceremony but are represented by someone else, such as a power of attorney.

Cousin Marriages

First cousins may marry in Arizona if both parties are sixty-five years of age or older. If one or both first cousins are under sixty-five years of age, they can still marry if they provide proof to a superior court judge that one of them is unable to reproduce.

Common Law Marriages

Arizona does not recognize common law marriages. In a common law marriage, a couple is considered legally married without a formal ceremony or marriage license.

Marriage Blood Test

The State of Arizona does not require a blood test as a prerequisite for obtaining a marriage license.

Name Change After Marriage

Obtaining a marriage license with your new name on it does not automatically change your name. If you wish to change your last name after marriage, you will need to follow the appropriate legal process.

Marriage Age Requirements

The age requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Arizona are as follows:

• Under 18: If you are under the age of 18, you must have a notarized parental consent form or have your parent(s) accompany you to the Clerk’s Office, present proper identification, and sign the parental consent form in front of the clerk.
• Age 16 – 17: If you are between the ages of 16 and 17, you need a certified copy of your birth certificate and one of the following government-issued photo I.D.’s: current driver’s license, state or military I.D. card, current passport, or other government-issued photo I.D.
• Age 15 and under: If you are 15 years old or younger, you must obtain a court order from Conciliation Court to get married.

Marriage Officiants

Marriages in Arizona can be performed by various authorized individuals, including:

• Members of the clergy (minister, priest, bishop, rabbi, imam)
• Judges
• Magistrates
• Clerks of the circuit court
• Clerks or clerk-treasurers of a city or town

Ministers who officiate a marriage must record the marriage on the marriage license and return it to the clerk of the Superior Court within 20 days after the ceremony.

Marriage Witnesses

For a marriage to be legally recognized, it must be witnessed by two individuals who are 18 years of age or older. These witnesses, along with the couple and the officiating minister, must sign the marriage license.

Expiration Date of Marriage License

A marriage license in Arizona is valid for up to twelve (12) months from the date of issuance. This means you have one year to have your marriage ceremony and have the officiating authority sign the license.

Using Marriage License Across Arizona

Once you have obtained a marriage license in Arizona, you can use it anywhere within the state.

Obtaining Copies of Marriage Records

If you need copies of your marriage records for any reason, you can order them through info tracer. They will provide you with the public Arizona marriage records related to your marriage license.

In conclusion, obtaining a marriage license is a vital step in the journey towards matrimony. Remember that the license itself does not make you married; it’s the ceremony performed by an authorized individual that seals the deal. So, make sure to follow the proper procedure, gather the required documents, and celebrate your love with a legally binding marriage in the beautiful state of Arizona.

FAQs

1. Can we apply for a marriage license online?

As of now, Arizona does not offer an online application process for marriage licenses. Both parties must be present at the Clerk’s Office to apply in person.

2. Is premarital counseling mandatory for a covenant marriage?

Yes, premarital counseling is a requirement for couples choosing to enter into a covenant marriage in Arizona. It aims to strengthen the marital bond and prepare couples for a lifelong commitment.

3. How long does it take to receive a certified copy of the marriage license after the ceremony?

Typically, it takes a few weeks to receive a certified copy of your marriage license after the ceremony. You can request the copy from the Clerk’s Office where you obtained the original license.

4. Can same-sex couples apply for a marriage license in Arizona?

Yes, same-sex marriage is legal and recognized in Arizona. All couples, regardless of gender, can apply for a marriage license following the same requirements.

5. What if we lose our marriage license after the ceremony?

If you lose your marriage license, you can obtain a certified copy by contacting the Clerk’s Office where the original license was issued. Keep your marriage license safe, as it is a valuable legal document.