A step by step list to get legally married in Arizona
You’ve decided to get married- Yay! Now you need to know what steps you need to take, and in what order, to get legally married in Arizona.
Arizona requires a MARRIAGE LICENSE, an OFFICIANT and TWO (2) WITNESSES to sign your marriage license.
The process
- First, both partners must go down to a Superior Courthouse anywhere in Arizona with your legal IDs to obtain a marriage license which will run you approximately $85. (Check HERE for locations throughout Arizona)
- You do NOT need to be an Arizona resident to apply for a marriage license!
- There is no waiting period to obtain a license, so you can get married immediately after leaving the courthouse, or anytime up to 12 months after the license is issued.
- If you prefer to do it by mail- As of writing this post, you can obtain a license by mail from Maricopa County if you live within Arizona, or Mohave County if you live anywhere in the U.S. They ask for at least 6 weeks to process you application.
- You will need an officiant. This can be a friend, a family member, or a professional. Prefer your elopement ceremony to be just the two of you exchanging vows? Good news- I am ordained through Universal Life Church (non-denominational)- so I am able to sign your license as your officiant at no additional charge.
- You will need Two (2) Witnesses. If you are looking forward to an elopement day with just the two of you with no guests- don’t sweat it! We can always do the legal part before or after (witnesses could be your hair and makeup artist, caterer, guests at a restaurant), or anywhere along the trail we find a couple fellow hikers.
- Once your license is signed, you just mail it in to the court (I highly recommend sending with a tracking number) and they will send the official sealed document to the address you listed when applying for your license within 7-14 days. This can be done either by you (the couple) or by your officiant. I personally let my couples mail this in so that you can follow up if there are any delays.
Now that I’m legally married, what do I do next?
Once you have done all the steps to get legally married in Arizona, and you have received your certified copy of your marriage certificate back from the court, what you do next depends on your personal legal and financial situation.
Changing your Name
If either of you are changing your last name, then you will need to take your marriage license, ID, and social security card down to the Social Security Office nearest to you to apply for a new social security card. Once you receive your new card, you can take it to have your state ID or DL changed, followed by any other IDs like passports, travel ID cards etc.
Legal and Financial Accounts
When it comes to legal and financial accounts, it is always best to consult with your financial advisor and/ or accountant. Every couple’s situation will be different based on what assets both spouses have, whether there are children or other familial obligations, and a number of other factors that a professional can advise you on for your specific circumstances.
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Resources and Inspiration
Jen & Orin’s Western meets Boho Sedona Elopement
Kim & Scott’s Hot Air Balloon Sedona Elopement
Sara & Ryan’s 5 Cs of Arizona Mountain Elopement
Moira & Jake’s Sedona Heritage Museum Micro Wedding & Scottsdale Reception
The Top Outdoor Sedona Wedding Venues
