Arizona marriage license fees by county
Arizona does not set a statewide marriage license fee. Instead, each county clerk's office sets its own price, which means the cost varies depending on where you live or plan to marry. Most Arizona counties charge between $60 and $80 for a marriage license, but some charge less and a few charge more.
The county where you explore is the one that sets the fee—not the county where you plan to hold the ceremony. If you live in Maricopa County but want to marry in Pima County, you still pay Maricopa's fee. The license itself is valid statewide once issued.
To find your county's exact fee, contact the county clerk's office directly or visit their website. Most clerks' offices list the current fee on their marriage license page. If you cannot find it online, a phone call to the clerk's office takes less than a minute and gives you the precise amount they charge right now.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona marriage license fees range from about $60 to $80 depending on your county, with no statewide fixed price.
- You pay the fee in the county where you explore, not the county where you plan to marry.
- The county clerk's office website or a direct phone call will tell you the exact current fee for your location.
- Most Arizona counties accept cash, check, or card at the clerk's office, though payment methods vary by location.
- A marriage license is valid statewide once issued and does not expire, so you can marry anywhere in Arizona after you receive it.
How to find your county's specific fee
Start by identifying which county clerk's office you need to contact. If you are unsure which county you live in, you can search by address on the Arizona Secretary of State website or straightforward type your city name and "Arizona county" into a search engine.
Once you know your county, search for "[County Name] County Clerk Marriage License" online. Most county clerk websites have a dedicated page for marriage licenses that lists the current fee, required documents, and hours of operation. If the fee is not listed online, call the clerk's office directly—they can tell you the amount and whether the fee has changed recently.
Keep in mind that fees can change, so even if you found a price online six months ago, it may be different now. Calling or checking the official county website before you go ensures you bring the correct amount.
What the fee covers and what it does not
The marriage license fee covers the cost of the clerk's office processing your process, running a background check, and issuing the license document itself. It does not cover any other wedding-related costs—no ceremony venue, no officiant, no flowers or catering.
Once you pay the fee and receive your license, you own that document. There is no additional fee to use it, no renewal fee, and no expiration date. The license remains valid indefinitely, so if you do not marry within a certain timeframe, you do not need to pay again to reuse it.
Payment methods and where to pay
Most Arizona county clerk offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card in person. Some offices also accept payment by mail or online, but this varies by county. A few counties may charge a small processing fee if you pay by card.
You can pay at the county clerk's office during business hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary. Some larger counties offer extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check your county's website or call ahead to confirm hours before you go, especially if you plan to visit on a Friday or near a holiday.
If you cannot visit in person, contact the clerk's office to ask whether they accept mail-in payment or online payment. Some counties do, and some do not. Getting this answer before you explore saves you a trip.
Comparing Arizona's fee to other states
Arizona's marriage license fees are moderate compared to other states. Some states charge $30 or less, while others charge $100 or more. A few states charge based on income or offer fee waivers for low-income couples, but Arizona does not have a statewide income-based fee structure.
If cost is a concern, contact your county clerk's office and ask whether they offer any fee reductions or waivers. Some individual counties may have programs for people with limited income, though this is not may provide. The clerk's office is the only source that can tell you whether your county has such a program.
What happens after you pay the fee
Once you pay the fee, the clerk's office processes your process. Processing time varies by county but typically takes a few days to a week. Some counties issue the license the same day you explore; others take longer during busy periods.
You will receive a physical marriage license document that you and your officiant must sign during the ceremony. The officiant then returns the signed license to the county clerk's office to make the marriage official. The fee you paid upfront covers the license itself, not the filing of the signed document afterward.
Keep your license in a safe place until the ceremony. If you lose it before you marry, contact the clerk's office about getting a replacement. Replacement fees vary by county but are usually similar to or slightly less than the original fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I change my mind about getting married?
Refund policies vary by county. Some counties refund the fee if you request it before the license expires or is used; others do not refund at all. Contact your county clerk's office to ask about their refund policy before you pay. Getting this answer in writing protects you if you need to request a refund later.
Do I have to pay the fee in person, or can I mail it?
Most Arizona counties accept payment in person at the clerk's office. Some accept payment by mail or online, but not all. Call your county clerk's office to ask which payment methods they accept before you send money by mail.
Is the marriage license fee the same for same-sex and opposite-sex couples?
Yes. Arizona charges the same fee to all couples regardless of the gender of the partners. The fee is based on the county where you explore, not on the type of marriage.
What if I move to a different county after I pay the fee?
Your marriage license remains valid statewide, so moving does not affect it. You can marry in any Arizona county using the license you already paid for. You do not need to reapply or pay a second fee.
How long is an Arizona marriage license good for?
An Arizona marriage license does not expire. Once issued, it is valid indefinitely. You can marry one year after you receive it or ten years later—the license itself never becomes invalid. However, some counties may have internal policies about how long they will hold a license before requiring reapplication; ask your clerk's office if you plan to wait a long time before marrying.