State guide
Arizona
Arizona requires a marriage license plus a ceremony; the state does not recognize a self-uniting marriage created only by agreement. Licenses are issued through the superior court clerk system, and many counties also publicize courthouse civil ceremonies through justice courts.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- Clerk of the superior court in any county.
- Waiting period
- none
- License valid for
- 1 year
- Witnesses
- 2 required, both age 18+
- License fee
- Arizona Judicial Branch fee schedules list $98; A.R.S. 12-284 lists $83 for marriage license and return
Official resources in Arizona
Core statute on who issues licenses and the one-year expiration period.
Statute requiring a ceremony, an authorized officiant, and two adult witnesses.
Lists who may solemnize marriages in Arizona.
Large-county official page stating same-day issuance and same-day use if an officiant is arranged.
State judicial fee schedule page showing the current marriage-license fee amount used by courts.
Key facts for Arizona
- Arizona licenses are issued by the clerk of the superior court in any county.
- The license expires one year from issuance.
- Arizona requires a ceremony; marriage by agreement alone is not valid.
- At least two witnesses age 18 or older must participate in the ceremony.
- Maricopa County’s clerk page says applicants receive the license the same day and may marry the same day.
- Arizona Judicial Branch fee schedules list the marriage-license fee at $98; A.R.S. 12-284 lists an $83 marriage-license-and-return fee.
Courthouse ceremonies in Arizona
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Maricopa County | Justice courts offer civil ceremonies; page lists seven ceremony locations and says the marriage license is separate. |
| Pima County | Justices of the Peace offer no-cost courthouse weddings on limited schedules and private weddings by arrangement. |
| Coconino County | Flagstaff Justice Court conducts weddings and tells couples to provide the marriage license to the Justice Court Clerk before 4:45 p.m. |
| Yavapai County | Justice courts offer weddings by appointment only; the page says to bring a marriage license and two witnesses. |
What to do next
- Apply through a superior court clerk office and plan the ceremony anytime after issuance; Maricopa’s official page says same-day use is allowed.
- Bring two adult witnesses for the ceremony and make sure the officiant returns the signed license within 30 days.
- If you want a courthouse civil ceremony, check the justice court’s wedding page first because schedules, witnesses, and ceremony charges vary by judge.
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?