Yell County
Marriage License Requirements
Marriage is a beautiful journey that starts with a license. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the crucial details of obtaining a marriage license in Dardanelle, Arkansas, covering requirements, fees, waiting periods, and more. Whether you’re planning your wedding or a vow renewal ceremony, this article will be your ultimate resource for navigating the process.
Introduction
Before you say “I do,” you need a marriage license, and in Dardanelle, Arkansas, the process is both straightforward and important. Let’s dive into the key aspects that you need to know.
Marriage Application Requirements
Valid Identification
To apply for a marriage license, both parties must be 18 or older and present valid government-issued identification that shows their correct name and date of birth. If you’ve changed your name due to divorce and your driver’s license doesn’t reflect this, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree.
Application Fee
A fee of $60.00 is required for the marriage license application. This fee ensures the processing of your application and is a necessary step on your journey to marital bliss.
Return of License
After your wedding, whether you used the license or not, it must be returned to the County Clerk’s office within sixty (60) days from the date of issuance. This helps keep official records accurate and up-to-date.
Marriage ID Requirements
For a successful marriage license application, you must have one of the following forms of identification:
- 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
Arkansas doesn’t impose a waiting period for marriage licenses. If both applicants are over 18, the license can be issued immediately. However, if one party is 17 (male) or 16-17 (female) and parental consent is provided, there’s a mandatory waiting period of 5 business days.
Marriage Residency Requirement
Unlike some states, Arkansas doesn’t require residency to obtain a marriage license. You can tie the knot anywhere within the state.
Previous Marriages
If you were previously married, you need to provide your divorce decree or information about the date, county, and state of your previous spouse’s death. If your name has changed, a certified copy of your divorce decree is necessary.
Marriage License Fees
Arkansas charges a marriage license fee of $60.00, payable in cash. If you’re curious about alternative payment methods, don’t hesitate to reach out in advance.
Covenant Marriages
In Arkansas, couples have the option to choose a Covenant Marriage. This requires a Declaration of Intent to contract a Covenant Marriage and authorized counseling that emphasizes marriage’s nature, purposes, and responsibilities.
Proxy Marriages
Unfortunately, Arkansas doesn’t allow proxy marriages, meaning both parties must be physically present for the marriage ceremony.
Cousin Marriages
Cousin marriages are not permitted in Arkansas.
Common Law Marriages
Common law marriages are not recognized in Arkansas.
Marriage Blood Test
Arkansas doesn’t require a blood or medical test to get married.
Name Change
Getting a marriage license with your new name doesn’t automatically change your name. If you want to change your last name, consider using an online marriage name change kit.
Marriage Age Requirements
For males aged 17 and females aged 16-17, parental consent is required, along with a mandatory 5-day waiting period. “Parental Consent” involves various scenarios, such as both parents’ consent, custodial parent consent, or court-appointed guardianship.
Marriage Officiants
Marriages can be solemnized by Justices of the Peace and ministers who have recorded their credentials in any Arkansas county. Ministers must complete marriage license information, but they aren’t responsible for returning the license after the ceremony.
Marriage Witnesses
No witnesses are required for marriages in Arkansas.
Expiration Date of Marriage License
Your marriage license is valid for sixty (60) days. It can be used anywhere within Arkansas but must be returned to the County Clerk’s office where you applied initially.
Copy of Certificate of Marriage License
For a copy of your marriage license certificate, you can contact the Division of Vital Records. Make sure to keep this record safe—it’s an important part of your marital journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can we get married immediately after receiving the license? Yes, if both parties are over 18. Otherwise, a waiting period of 5 business days applies.
- Can we apply for a marriage license if we’re not Arkansas residents? Yes, you don’t need to be a resident to obtain an Arkansas marriage license.
- Is counseling necessary for a Covenant Marriage? Yes, authorized counseling is a requirement for a Covenant Marriage.
- Can we change our names immediately after marriage? No, a marriage license with a new name doesn’t automatically change it. Consider using a marriage name change kit.
- Can we have a proxy marriage in Arkansas? No, Arkansas doesn’t allow proxy marriages.
