How to get married at the courthouse in Arizona is a common question for couples who prefer a simple, legally recognized, and cost-effective way to tie the knot. Courthouse weddings are increasingly popular in Arizona due to their convenience, affordability, and legal simplicity. Whether you're an Arizona resident or someone traveling to the state for a wedding, the process for getting married at the courthouse in Arizona is straightforward—but it’s crucial to follow the correct procedures and meet state requirements. With warm weather, beautiful backdrops, and accommodating court systems, Arizona is an ideal state for a courthouse marriage. This article provides a detailed step-by-step guide to help you understand the requirements, process, and key considerations involved in getting married at the court in Arizona.
Requirements to Get Married at the Courthouse in Arizona
Before planning a courthouse wedding in Arizona, you must meet the legal requirements set forth by the state.
1. Minimum Age: Both individuals must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. Individuals aged 16 or 17 may marry with parental consent and approval from a superior court judge. Arizona does not allow anyone under 16 to marry under any circumstances.
2. Identification: Both parties must present valid, government-issued photo identification—such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID—when applying for a marriage license.
3. Marital Status: Each applicant must be currently unmarried. If previously married, you’ll need to provide the exact date of divorce or death of a previous spouse, although documentation is typically not required unless there is a legal discrepancy.
4. Residency: You do not need to be an Arizona resident to get married in the state. This makes Arizona a great choice for destination courthouse weddings.
5. Blood Tests: Arizona does not require a blood test or medical examination to obtain a marriage license.
6. Marriage License Fee: The marriage license costs approximately \$83 (subject to county variation) and must be paid when applying. Most clerks accept cash, credit, or debit cards.
7. Waiting Period & Expiration: There is no waiting period in Arizona. You can marry the same day the license is issued. The license is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
All Steps to Get Married at the Courthouse in Arizona
1. Visit the Clerk of the Superior Court
To start the process of how to get married at the courthouse in Arizona, both parties must appear in person at a Clerk of the Superior Court location. This includes counties like Maricopa (Phoenix), Pima (Tucson), Coconino (Flagstaff), and others. When you arrive, you’ll complete the marriage license application and present your IDs. The clerk will review your details and issue the license after the \$83 fee is paid. For instance, if you’re in Phoenix, you can walk into the Downtown Justice Center and complete this step within an hour.
2. Obtain the Marriage License
After your IDs and application are approved, the court will issue your marriage license on the spot. It becomes valid immediately—there is no waiting period—so you may proceed with your marriage ceremony the same day if you wish. Arizona provides a standard marriage license and a confidential one. The standard license is public record, while the confidential one keeps your marriage details private, which some couples may prefer. Once issued, this license must be used within 12 months, or it becomes void.
3. Schedule Your Courthouse Ceremony
Next, contact the courthouse or Justice of the Peace to schedule your marriage ceremony. Most courthouses require an appointment and do not perform walk-in weddings. You’ll need to bring your marriage license and at least two adult witnesses who can sign the certificate. The ceremony itself is typically short, formal, and may last only 10–15 minutes. For example, in Pima County, couples can schedule a civil ceremony at the downtown courthouse by calling ahead and selecting a time that works for both parties and the officiant.
4. Attend the Ceremony with Witnesses
On the scheduled date, arrive early at the courthouse with your witnesses, IDs, and marriage license. Arizona law requires two witnesses, each at least 18 years old, to observe and sign your marriage certificate. If you don’t have personal witnesses, some courthouses may provide staff as witnesses for a fee or by request, though this is not always guaranteed. During the ceremony, a judge or Justice of the Peace will officiate and pronounce you legally married, followed by the signing of the marriage license by all parties present.
5. File the Completed Marriage Certificate
Once your marriage has been legally performed, the officiant will complete the marriage license and submit it to the Clerk’s Office for official registration. It’s your responsibility to ensure the license is returned and filed properly. After filing, you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate, which is essential for legal name changes, immigration processes, insurance, taxes, and other documentation. Certified copies cost around \$37 and can be obtained online or by mail.
Things to Consider When Deciding to Get Married at the Courthouse in Arizona
1. Arizona’s Heat and Seasonal Climate
Arizona is known for its hot desert climate, especially during the summer months. If you're planning a courthouse wedding in cities like Phoenix or Yuma, be aware that outdoor photos or post-ceremony celebrations could be affected by extreme temperatures exceeding 110°F (43°C). Consider scheduling your courthouse wedding during cooler seasons—fall or spring offer more comfortable conditions. Also, dress accordingly to ensure your ceremony remains enjoyable.
2. Courthouse Availability and Scheduling
Not all Arizona courthouses offer wedding ceremonies every day, and many require appointments that must be made days or even weeks in advance. Some counties only perform ceremonies during certain hours or on specific days of the week. For example, in Coconino County, the Justice of the Peace may only perform weddings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Make sure to call your desired courthouse early and confirm their policies, availability, and any additional fees for the ceremony.
3. Cost-Saving Benefits
Getting married at the courthouse in Arizona is significantly cheaper than a traditional wedding. Besides the \$83 license fee and optional certified copies, there are minimal costs. Most courthouse ceremonies are free or under \$100. This makes it a great option for couples who are on a budget, eloping, or saving for a honeymoon or future home. For example, a couple in Tucson might spend under \$150 for the entire process including the license, ceremony, and copies—compared to thousands for a large event.
4. Legal Recognition and Paperwork
Marriage in Arizona is legally binding and recognized across all U.S. states and internationally. After your marriage is registered, you can use your certificate to change your legal name, apply for joint bank accounts, or update your immigration status. If you plan to move abroad, be sure to obtain a certified copy and, in some cases, an apostille to verify your marriage in foreign countries. Keep extra copies on hand to avoid delays with social security, DMV, and employer records.
5. Witnesses Must Be Present
Unlike some states that allow private ceremonies without witnesses, Arizona law requires two adult witnesses during your marriage ceremony. You must ensure these individuals are present and able to sign your certificate. If you are eloping or new to the area, you may need to ask courthouse staff if they provide witnesses, or consider inviting friends, relatives, or even hiring a witness service. Lack of witnesses can cause last-minute delays, so confirm this detail before your ceremony date.
6. Courthouse Weddings Are Quick but Meaningful
Some people believe that courthouse weddings lack romance or personalization—but this isn’t always true. You can still dress formally, bring flowers, invite close loved ones, and plan a private celebration afterward. Judges often allow short personalized vows or readings, and you can take pictures before or after the ceremony on courthouse grounds. In Maricopa County, for example, couples often pose for photos outside the historic courthouse downtown to commemorate the day. Even with a short ceremony, the moment remains legally and emotionally significant.
Conclusion
Understanding how to get married at the courthouse in Arizona can help couples navigate the legal process with ease and confidence. From obtaining your marriage license to attending your civil ceremony with witnesses, the steps are clear and accessible to both residents and non-residents. With Arizona’s flexible marriage laws, warm climate, and simple courthouse procedures, couples can enjoy a legally binding and cost-effective wedding experience. Whether you're eloping, renewing vows, or simply seeking a no-fuss option, getting married at the court in Arizona offers a reliable and memorable alternative to traditional weddings.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
