How to Get a Marriage License in Phoenix, AZ

Getting a marriage license in Phoenix, Arizona, is a straightforward legal process that marks the official beginning of your marital journey. Whether you're a local resident or traveling from out of state, understanding the requirements, documentation, and procedures ensures a smooth and stress-free experience. A marriage license is not just a formalityit is a legally binding document that validates your union under Arizona state law and enables you to hold a legally recognized wedding ceremony. Without it, your marriage cannot be solemnized or recorded in official records, which can impact everything from tax filings and healthcare benefits to inheritance rights and immigration status.

Phoenix, as the capital and largest city in Arizona, serves as a popular destination for couples seeking to marry due to its year-round sunshine, scenic venues, and accessible government services. The Maricopa County Clerks Office, which handles marriage licenses for Phoenix and surrounding areas, is known for its efficiency and clear guidelines. However, many couples encounter confusion due to outdated online information, conflicting advice, or last-minute surprisessuch as missing documents or incorrect identification. This comprehensive guide eliminates guesswork by providing a complete, step-by-step breakdown of how to obtain a marriage license in Phoenix, AZ, including best practices, essential tools, real-world examples, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Step-by-Step Guide

Obtaining a marriage license in Phoenix involves seven essential steps. Following them in order ensures you meet all legal requirements and avoid delays. Each step is designed to align with Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Title 25, which governs marriage licenses and ceremonies across the state.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before beginning the application process, both parties must meet Arizonas legal criteria for marriage. You must:

• Be at least 18 years of age. Individuals aged 16 or 17 may apply with parental consent and a court order.
• Not be currently married to someone else. Bigamy is illegal in Arizona and invalidates any subsequent marriage.
• Not be closely related by blood. Marriage between siblings, parents and children, or grandparents and grandchildren is prohibited. First cousins may marry if both are over 65 or if one is infertile (with medical documentation).
• Be mentally competent to consent to marriage.

There is no residency requirement. You do not need to be an Arizona resident to obtain a marriage license in Phoenix. Out-of-state and international couples are welcome to apply.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You and your partner must each bring original, government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms include:

• Valid U.S. drivers license
• State-issued ID card
• U.S. passport
• Consular ID card (for non-U.S. citizens)
• Military ID card

If either party has been previously married, you must provide documentation proving the prior marriage ended. This includes:

• Final divorce decree (with court seal)
• Death certificate of former spouse
• Annulment decree

Photocopies are not accepted. All documents must be originals. If documents are in a language other than English, a certified translation must accompany them.

For minors aged 16 or 17:

• Written consent from both legal parents or guardians, notarized
• A court order from a Maricopa County Superior Court judge granting permission to marry

Minors under 16 are not permitted to marry under any circumstances in Arizona.

Step 3: Choose Your Application Location

Marriage licenses in Phoenix are issued exclusively by the Maricopa County Clerks Office. There are three locations where you can apply:

• Central Office: 222 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003 (Main location, open MondayFriday)
• Northwest Office: 12400 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85028 (Open MondayFriday)
• Southwest Office: 1222 W. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 (Open MondayFriday)

While Tempe is technically a separate city, it is part of Maricopa County and serves Phoenix-area residents. All three locations offer identical services and processing times.

There is no online application. Both parties must appear in person together. No exceptions are made for distance, disability, or scheduling conflicts. If one party cannot attend, the license cannot be issued.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

At the clerks office, you will be provided with a marriage license application. This form collects:

• Full legal names (as they appear on ID)
• Date and place of birth
• Current address
• Parents full names (including mothers maiden names)
• Previous marital status and termination details
• Intended marriage date and location

Information must be accurate and match your official documents exactly. Typos or discrepancies can delay or invalidate your application. Clerks will review the form with you before submission.

There is no fee to complete the form. However, payment for the license itself is required at this time.

Step 5: Pay the License Fee

The current fee for a marriage license in Maricopa County is $83. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of application. Accepted payment methods include:

• Cash
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)
• Debit card
• Money order

Personal checks are not accepted. Some offices may have ATM machines on-site for cash withdrawals, but it is recommended to bring exact cash or a card to avoid delays.

There are no discounts for residents, seniors, or military personnel. The fee covers processing, record-keeping, and issuance of the license. No additional fees are charged for blood tests or pre-marital counselingthese are not required in Arizona.

Step 6: Receive Your Marriage License

Once your application is approved and payment is processed, you will receive your marriage license immediately. The license is printed on security paper with a unique serial number, embossed seal, and the signatures of the clerk and deputy. It includes:

• Full names of both parties
• License issue date
• License expiration date (1 year from issue date)
• County of issuance
• Authorized officiants signature line

You are not required to wait a minimum number of days after receiving the license to get married. Arizona has no waiting period. You may hold your ceremony the same day you receive the license.

Important: The license is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you do not marry within that time, the license expires and becomes void. You will need to reapply and pay the fee again.

Step 7: Complete and Return the License After the Ceremony

After your wedding ceremony, your officiant (authorized under Arizona law) must complete and sign the license. The officiant must:

• Sign the license in ink
• Print their full name and title
• Include their license or ordination number (if applicable)
• Provide their contact information

The signed license must be returned to the Maricopa County Clerks Office within 30 days of the ceremony. You may return it in person, by mail, or via a designated drop box at any of the three clerks office locations.

Once recorded, the County will issue a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This is the official document youll need for name changes, Social Security updates, bank accounts, insurance policies, and immigration filings. You can request certified copies for $26 each at the time of return or later through the Clerks website.

Best Practices

Following best practices ensures your marriage license application is processed quickly, accurately, and without complications. Many issues arise from minor oversightsthese strategies help you avoid them entirely.

Apply Early in the Week

The Maricopa County Clerks Office experiences the highest volume of applicants on Fridays and during weekends leading up to holidays. To minimize wait times, apply on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Arrive before 9:00 a.m. when the office opens. Lines can exceed 6090 minutes during peak hours. Scheduling your appointment for early morning reduces stress and increases your chances of completing everything in one visit.

Double-Check All Names and Spellings

Your legal name on your ID must match exactly what you enter on the application. Even small differenceslike a middle initial, hyphenation, or spacingcan cause delays. If youve legally changed your name in the past (e.g., after divorce), ensure your current ID reflects that change. If not, bring court documents proving the name change.

Example: If your drivers license says Maria Lopez, but your birth certificate says Mara Lpez, you must provide a court-ordered name change document to bridge the discrepancy.

Bring Extra Copies of Divorce or Death Documents

Even if youve submitted the original, bring one or two photocopies. Clerks may need to make internal copies for their records, and having extras prevents delays if they misplace your documents.

Confirm Your Officiants Authorization

Not everyone can legally perform a marriage in Arizona. Your officiant must be:

• A judge or justice of the peace
• A current or retired federal or state court judge
• A member of the clergy in good standing with a recognized religious organization
• A licensed wedding officiant registered with the Maricopa County Clerks Office

Before booking your officiant, ask them to confirm their registration status. You can verify this by calling the Clerks Office or checking their online registry. Unregistered officiants cannot legally solemnize marriages, and your license will be invalid if signed by someone unauthorized.

Plan for Weather and Parking

Phoenix experiences extreme heat from May through September. Plan your visit for cooler hours and wear comfortable shoes. The Central Office has limited parking; consider using public transit, ride-sharing, or parking in nearby lots. The Northwest and Southwest offices have more ample parking.

Dont Rely on Third-Party Services

Some websites or vendors claim they can speed up your marriage license process or offer guaranteed approval. These services are unnecessary and often overcharge. The County Clerks Office is the only authorized issuer. Avoid paying for anything beyond the $83 fee.

Save Your License Securely

Once you receive your license, keep it in a safe, dry place. Do not fold, staple, or laminate it. Exposure to moisture, sunlight, or heat can damage the security features. Store it in a protective sleeve or envelope until the ceremony.

Request Certified Copies Early

After your marriage is recorded, request certified copies of your marriage certificate as soon as possible. Processing can take 26 weeks. If you need copies for a name change or visa application, start those processes immediately after receiving the certificate. Delaying can cause missed deadlines.

Tools and Resources

Several official and reliable tools are available to help you navigate the marriage license process in Phoenix. These resources are maintained by government entities and provide accurate, up-to-date information.

Maricopa County Clerks Office Website

https://www.maricopa.gov/1495/Marriage-License

This is the primary source for all marriage license information in Phoenix. The site includes:

• Current fee schedule
• Office hours and locations
• Downloadable application preview
• Instructions for returning the signed license
• Online request form for certified copies
• FAQs and contact details

Bookmark this page. It is updated regularly and is the most authoritative source for changes in policy or procedure.

Arizona Supreme Court Marriage Laws

https://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/27/Forms/Marriage/MarriageLicense.pdf

This official PDF form, provided by the Arizona Supreme Court, is identical to the one used by the Clerks Office. Download and review it ahead of time to familiarize yourself with the questions youll be asked. This helps reduce anxiety and speeds up the in-person process.

Marriage License Verification Tool

After your ceremony, you can verify that your license has been recorded by using the Clerks online search tool:

https://www.maricopa.gov/1496/Marriage-Certificate-Search

Search by either partys full legal name or the license number. This tool confirms whether your marriage has been officially recorded and is ready for certified copies.

Arizona Department of Health Services Vital Records

https://www.azdhs.gov/vital-records/index.php

If you need certified copies of your marriage certificate after the Clerks Office has recorded it, you can also order through the Arizona Department of Health Services. This is useful if you live outside Maricopa County or need copies for federal purposes.

Wedding Officiant Registry

Use the Countys official list to find registered officiants:

https://www.maricopa.gov/1497/Authorized-Officiants

Filter by location, religion, or language. This ensures your chosen officiant is legally authorized to perform your ceremony in Arizona.

Mobile App: Maricopa County Government

Download the official Maricopa County app (available on iOS and Android). It provides real-time updates on office wait times, holiday closures, and service alerts. While not required, its a helpful tool for planning your visit.

Sample Checklist for Couples

Create your own checklist using these items:

• Both parties government-issued photo ID
• Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable)
• Certified translation (if documents are not in English)
• Payment method (cash or card)
• Wedding date and venue
• Officiants name and contact info
• Address where you want certified copies sent

Print this checklist and bring it with you. Check off each item as you gather it.

Real Examples

Real-life scenarios illustrate how the process works in practice. These examples reflect common situations faced by couples in Phoenix.

Example 1: Local Couple, No Prior Marriages

Jessica and Daniel, both 28 and residents of Tempe, decided to get married in downtown Phoenix. They applied for their license on a Tuesday morning at the Central Office. They brought their Arizona drivers licenses, no prior marriage documents needed. They paid $83 in cash, received their license within 20 minutes, and held their ceremony that afternoon at the Heard Museum. Their officiant, a registered Unitarian minister, signed the license immediately after the ceremony. Jessica mailed the license back to the Clerks Office the next day. Six weeks later, they received their certified marriage certificate in the mail and used it to update Jessicas last name on her bank accounts and health insurance.

Example 2: Out-of-State Couple, Previously Divorced

Sarah from California and Michael from Texas traveled to Phoenix for a destination wedding. Sarah had been divorced two years prior. She brought her original divorce decree, certified by the California Superior Court, along with her California ID and Michaels Texas drivers license. They applied at the Northwest Office on a Thursday. The clerk asked for a certified copy of the divorce decreenot just a photocopy. Sarah had brought the original, which was accepted. They paid the fee, received the license, and married at the Desert Botanical Garden the same day. Their officiant was a friend ordained online through a recognized religious group (Universal Life Church), and his registration was verified on the Clerks website. They requested three certified copies: one for their records, one for Sarahs employer, and one for their tax advisor.

Example 3: Minor with Parental Consent

Emily, 17, and Jake, 19, wanted to marry after graduating high school. Emilys parents agreed but required court approval. They filed a petition with the Maricopa County Superior Court, attended a hearing, and received a court order permitting the marriage. They then brought the court order, notarized parental consent forms, Emilys birth certificate, and both their IDs to the Clerks Office. The clerk reviewed all documents, confirmed the court order was valid, and issued the license. Emily and Jake married two days later. Their case highlights the importance of legal documentation for minorswithout the court order, the license would have been denied.

Example 4: International Couple

Lina from Brazil and David from Canada applied for their license in Phoenix. Lina presented her Brazilian passport and a certified English translation of her birth certificate, notarized by a Brazilian consulate. David used his Canadian passport. They had never been married before. The clerk accepted both documents without issue. They paid the fee and received their license. Their wedding was held at a private villa in Scottsdale. The officiant, a local judge, completed the license. They mailed the signed license back to the Clerks Office and later requested certified copies to file with Canadian immigration authorities for spousal sponsorship.

FAQs

Can I get a marriage license in Phoenix if Im not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Non-U.S. citizens can obtain a marriage license in Phoenix as long as they present valid, government-issued photo identification from their home country (such as a passport) and any required translations. There is no requirement to have a visa or green card.

Do I need a blood test or pre-marital counseling?

No. Arizona abolished the blood test requirement in 1999. Pre-marital counseling is optional and not required by law. Some couples choose it for personal or religious reasons, but it has no legal bearing on the license process.

Can I change my name on the marriage license application?

You can indicate your desired name change on the application, but the license itself will reflect your current legal name as shown on your ID. Your new name will be officially recognized once you file the certified marriage certificate with the Social Security Administration and other institutions.

What if I lose my marriage license before the ceremony?

If you lose the license, you must return to the Maricopa County Clerks Office and request a duplicate. Youll need to provide proof of identity and pay a $10 fee. Its best to keep the original in a secure place and carry a photocopy as a backup.

Can I get married in Phoenix if one of us is intoxicated?

No. Arizona law requires both parties to be mentally competent and sober at the time of application and ceremony. If a clerk suspects intoxication, they may refuse to issue the license. This is rare but enforceable.

Is a witness required for the ceremony?

No. Arizona does not require witnesses to be present at the ceremony. Only the officiant must sign the license. However, many couples choose to have witnesses for personal or cultural reasons.

How long does it take to get a certified marriage certificate after the ceremony?

Processing time is typically 26 weeks. You can request expedited service for an additional fee if needed for urgent matters like immigration or name changes.

Can I use the marriage license in another county or state?

The license is valid statewide in Arizona. It cannot be used in other states. If you plan to marry outside Arizona, you must obtain a license from that states jurisdiction.

What happens if I dont return the signed license within 30 days?

Your marriage will not be officially recorded. While the ceremony may have taken place, your union will not be legally recognized by the state. Youll need to reapply for a new license and pay the fee again.

Can I get married on a weekend or holiday?

The Clerks Office is open Monday through Friday only. You cannot apply on weekends or holidays. However, you can have your ceremony on any day, including weekends. Many couples apply on Friday and marry on Saturday.

Conclusion

Obtaining a marriage license in Phoenix, AZ, is a simple, efficient process when you understand the requirements and prepare in advance. By following the seven-step guide, adhering to best practices, using official tools, and learning from real examples, you eliminate the uncertainty that often accompanies legal procedures. Whether youre a local couple planning a backyard ceremony or an international pair choosing Phoenix as your destination wedding site, the Maricopa County Clerks Office is equipped to serve you with professionalism and clarity.

The marriage license is more than a piece of paperits the foundation of your legal union. Taking the time to get it right ensures your marriage is recognized not just in Arizona, but across the United States and internationally. Once your license is signed, returned, and recorded, youll receive the certified marriage certificate that unlocks your rights as a married couple: from joint banking and healthcare decisions to tax benefits and family protections.

Dont leave this critical step to chance. Review the official resources, gather your documents early, and schedule your appointment with confidence. Your love story begins with a signatureand with the right preparation, that signature will be the first of many lasting milestones youll share together.