Marriage License by County

State guide

Arkansas

Arkansas marriage licenses are issued locally by county clerks, and the license can be used anywhere in the state but must be returned to the issuing clerk within 60 days. Arkansas does not require witnesses, and many county clerk sites state there is no waiting period for adults, though minors have extra rules. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-9/subtitle-2/chapter-11/subchapter-2/section-9-11-201/?utm_source=openai))

Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.

Who issues licenses
County clerk (clerk of the county court). ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-9/subtitle-2/chapter-11/subchapter-2/section-9-11-201/?utm_source=openai))
Waiting period
none for adults; county pages note minor-applicant waiting rules. ([pulaskiclerk.com](https://www.pulaskiclerk.com/departments/marriage-license/?utm_source=openai))
License valid for
60 days. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-9/subtitle-2/chapter-11/subchapter-2/section-9-11-218/?utm_source=openai))
Witnesses
not required. ([marioncounty.arkansas.gov](https://marioncounty.arkansas.gov/Marion-County-Circuit-Clerk?utm_source=openai))
License fee
$60 on current county clerk pages found; state law also permits up to $5 county add-on within the statutory fee structure. ([pulaskiclerk.com](https://www.pulaskiclerk.com/departments/marriage-license/?utm_source=openai))
Friend or one-day officiant
Arkansas has no statewide 'one-day officiant' program found, but state law allows 'any official appointed for that purpose by the quorum court of the county where the marriage is to be solemnized.' ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-9/subtitle-2/chapter-11/subchapter-2/section-9-11-213/?utm_source=openai))

Official resources in Arkansas

Arkansas Code § 9-11-201 and § 9-11-203

Shows that a marriage license is required and that county-court clerks issue licenses.

Arkansas Code § 9-11-213

Lists who may solemnize marriages, including judges, clergy, mayors, justices of the peace, and officials appointed by a quorum court.

Arkansas Code § 9-11-218

States the executed or unused license must be returned within 60 days.

Arkansas Department of Health: Order Marriage Records

State vital-records page for certified marriage record copies after recording.

Washington County Clerk: Marriage Information

Current county clerk page with practical application requirements, fee, and validity details.

Key facts for Arkansas

What to do next

  1. Apply together at a county clerk office and bring current government photo ID; large counties publish walk-in or business-hour instructions. ([pulaskiclerk.com](https://www.pulaskiclerk.com/departments/marriage-license/?utm_source=openai))
  2. If your officiant is clergy, confirm their credentials are recorded with an Arkansas county clerk before the ceremony. ([washingtoncountyar.gov](https://www.washingtoncountyar.gov/government/departments-a-e/county-clerk/marriage-information?utm_source=openai))
  3. If you need a courthouse-style ceremony, check the county’s list of judges, justices of the peace, or other authorized officials rather than assuming the clerk performs ceremonies. ([washingtoncountyar.gov](https://www.washingtoncountyar.gov/government/departments-a-e/county-clerk/marriage-information/officiates?utm_source=openai))

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