Arizona marriage licenses are issued by the county recorder in the county where you plan to marry
You do not need to live in Arizona to marry there. You and your partner visit the county recorder's office together, bring the required documents, pay the fee, and receive your license on the same day. The license is valid when ready and lasts 120 days — you must marry within that window or the license expires and you start over.
Arizona has no waiting period between getting the license and the ceremony, no blood test requirement, and no parental consent rules for adults. The process takes about 15 minutes in person at the recorder's office.
Key Takeaways
- Both partners must appear together at the county recorder's office in the county where you want to marry, with valid ID and proof of age.
- Arizona charges a flat fee for the license; the exact amount depends on which county you choose, ranging from roughly $50 to $75.
- Your license is valid for 120 days from the date issued, so you must complete the ceremony before that important date.
- You can marry when ready after receiving the license — there is no waiting period in Arizona.
- If either partner was previously married, bring the divorce decree or death certificate to prove the prior marriage ended.
What documents you need to bring
Both you and your partner must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. This can be a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. The ID must not be expired.
You also need proof of your date of birth. If your ID shows your full birth date, that counts. If it does not, bring a birth certificate, passport, or other document that shows the month, day, and year you were born.
If either of you was married before, bring the divorce decree or the death certificate of the former spouse. If you were divorced, the decree must show the date the divorce became final. Arizona will not issue a license until it has proof the prior marriage ended.
Which county recorder to visit and what it costs
You can marry in any Arizona county, regardless of where you live. Most couples choose the county where they plan to hold the ceremony, but that is not required. You could get your license in Maricopa County and marry in Pima County if you wanted to.
The fee varies by county. Maricopa County (Phoenix area) charges around $75. Pima County (Tucson area) charges around $60. Smaller counties may charge $50 or less. Call the county recorder's office before you go to confirm the exact fee and whether they accept cash, card, or both.
Most county recorders are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some larger offices have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the recorder's website or call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
How to find your county recorder's office
Search online for "[County name] Arizona recorder" or "[County name] Arizona clerk" — the office may be called either one. The recorder's website will list the address, phone number, and hours.
If you are not sure which county to contact, the Arizona Secretary of State website lists all 15 county recorders with links to their offices. You can also call your county's main government line and ask for the recorder's marriage license section.
What happens after you receive your license
Your license is a single document that both you and your partner sign at the recorder's office. You keep the license and bring it to your ceremony. Your officiant — whether a judge, religious leader, or authorized person — signs it during or when ready after the ceremony.
After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the county recorder. The recorder files it and issues you a certified copy. You can request additional certified copies from the recorder for a small fee, usually $5 to $10 each. Many couples order a few copies at the time of marriage to use for name changes, insurance updates, and other paperwork.
If your 120-day window expires before you marry, the license is void. You cannot extend it. You must return to the recorder and pay the fee again to get a new license.
Name changes and what to do after marriage
Arizona does not require you to change your name after marriage. You can keep your current name, take your spouse's name, hyphenate, or use any combination you choose. This is entirely your decision.
If you do change your name, you will need a certified copy of your marriage license to update your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, and other documents. The recorder can provide certified copies on request. Start with Social Security — once you have a new Social Security card in your new name, updating other agencies is easier.
If one partner cannot appear in person
Arizona requires both partners to appear together at the county recorder's office. There is no exception for military deployment, illness, or distance. If one partner cannot travel to Arizona, you cannot get an Arizona marriage license.
If you are a U.S. service member stationed overseas, some military installations have chaplains who can perform ceremonies that are recognized in your home state. Contact your installation's chaplain office to learn what options exist where you are stationed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a marriage license in Arizona if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Arizona does not require citizenship. You need a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of age. A passport from any country counts as both ID and proof of age. If your passport is expired, you may still use it as ID if your state or country accepts expired passports for identification purposes — call the recorder to ask.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
Bring any document that shows your full date of birth. This can be a passport, military ID, school records, or a hospital record. The recorder will tell you whether the document you have is acceptable. If you have no documents at all, contact the county recorder before you visit — they can advise you on what to do.
Can I marry someone of the same sex in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona marriage licenses are issued to any two people, regardless of sex or gender. The process is identical to different-sex marriages.
What if I was married before but cannot find my divorce papers?
Contact the court in the county where you were divorced and request a certified copy of your divorce decree. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes a few days to a week. You can also ask the county recorder — they sometimes have access to divorce records and may be able to help you locate yours.
Do I need a witness to sign the marriage license?
No. Arizona does not require witnesses. Only you, your partner, and your officiant need to sign the license.