Arizona Marriage Records
Arizona marriage records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court in each of the state's 15 counties. The state health department does not handle marriage licenses or certificates in Arizona. You must contact the county where the marriage took place or will occur to get these records. Each county clerk office can issue new licenses and provide copies of past marriage certificates. This guide shows you how to search Arizona marriage records, what fees to expect, and where to find the right office for your needs.
Arizona Marriage Records Quick Facts
Where Arizona Keeps Marriage Records
Arizona handles marriage records at the county level only. This is different from many states where a central health department stores vital records. The Arizona Department of Health Services does not issue or keep marriage certificates. Their office deals with birth and death records. For marriage records, you go straight to the county.
The Clerk of Superior Court in each county is the keeper of all marriage licenses and certificates. When a couple gets married in Arizona, the officiant must return the signed license to the clerk within 30 days. The clerk then records it and files the original. This creates a permanent public record that anyone can request later. You can visit the Arizona Courts Locator to find the clerk office in your county.
The Clerk of Superior Court serves as the official record keeper. They handle all marriage license applications. They also provide certified copies of past marriage records. Each county sets its own fees within state guidelines.
You can search Arizona marriage records by visiting the clerk office in person. Some counties also let you request copies by mail. A few larger counties offer online search tools for basic case information. Call ahead to check what options your county provides.
Note: The Arizona DHS page above confirms that marriage records must be obtained from the Superior Court in the county where the marriage occurred.
Arizona Marriage License Requirements
Arizona law sets clear rules for who can get a marriage license. Under A.R.S. § 25-121, both people must appear in person at a clerk office to apply. You cannot send someone else. You cannot apply by mail for new licenses. Both parties sign an affidavit under oath confirming their information is true.
The basic requirements are simple. Both people need valid photo ID. A driver's license works. So does a passport or military ID. You must provide your Social Security number to the clerk, though this stays confidential under state law. No blood test is needed. There is no waiting period after you apply. You can marry the same day you get your license in Arizona.
Age rules apply to all applicants. The legal age of consent is 18. If you are 16 or 17, you can marry with written consent from a parent or guardian. The person you marry cannot be more than three years older than you. Under state law passed in 2018, anyone under 16 cannot marry at all in Arizona. This protects minors from forced or harmful marriages.
Once issued, an Arizona marriage license is valid for 12 months. You can use it anywhere in the state. It does not matter which county issued it. The license expires after one year if you do not use it. You would then need to apply again and pay the fee once more.
Who Can Perform a Marriage in Arizona
A.R.S. § 25-124 lists who may perform marriages. Arizona allows several types of officiants. Licensed or ordained clergy can marry couples. So can judges from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Superior Court. Justices of the peace work too. Municipal court judges are also authorized.
Arizona has a unique rule. Notaries public can perform marriages here. The notary must be duly commissioned and live in Arizona. This gives couples more options for their ceremony. Federal judges like bankruptcy court judges and U.S. magistrate judges can also officiate weddings in Arizona.
After the wedding, the officiant fills out the marriage license. They sign it and have two adult witnesses sign as well. Under A.R.S. § 25-123, the officiant must return the signed license to the clerk within 30 days. The clerk then records it. This step makes the marriage part of the official county records. If the officiant fails to return the license, it creates problems for the couple later when they need proof of marriage.
How to Search Arizona Marriage Records
Searching for Arizona marriage records starts at the county level. You need to know which county handled the marriage. If you know the county, contact that clerk office directly. They can search their records for you. Most clerks charge a search fee if you do not know the year the marriage took place.
In-person visits offer the fastest results. Go to the Clerk of Superior Court in the right county. Bring the names of both spouses. Knowing the approximate date helps narrow the search. Staff can look up the record and make copies while you wait. You can walk out the same day with what you need in many cases.
The Arizona Courts website helps you find the right courthouse. Pick the county from their list. You will see the address, phone number, and hours for that clerk office. Some counties have multiple locations. Call to confirm which one handles marriage records.
Mail requests work for many counties. Send a letter with the names of both parties. Include the date or year of marriage if known. Add a check or money order for the copy fee. Each county has its own mailing address. Processing takes longer by mail, usually one to two weeks.
Note: Not all Arizona counties have online marriage record search tools, so calling or visiting may be your only option.
Historical Arizona Marriage Records
Old marriage records exist for much of Arizona's history. The Arizona State Archives holds historical marriage records dating back to 1864. Coverage varies by county. Some rural counties have gaps in early records. The Archives can help with genealogy research for marriages from the territorial period through 1972.
Several types of historical documents exist. These include marriage licenses, affidavits, consents, and certificates. Consent forms show when a minor needed parent permission to wed. Affidavits list ages and residences of both parties. These old documents offer rich details for family history research.
Free online databases can help you find older Arizona marriage records. FamilySearch has Arizona county marriages from 1871 to 1964. This free resource includes both images and an index. Ancestry also has Arizona marriage records from 1865 to 1972, but requires a subscription. The BYU Idaho Western States Marriage Index covers mostly pre-1900 records for the region.
Arizona Marriage Record Fees by County
Fees differ across Arizona's 15 counties. Most charge between $83 and $98 for a new marriage license. The larger counties like Maricopa and Pima charge $98. Smaller counties like Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pinal, and Santa Cruz charge $83. Call your county to confirm the current fee before you go.
Certified copies of existing marriage records also have fees. Most counties charge $30 to $35 for a certified copy. Some add handling fees for mailed requests. If you do not know the year of marriage, expect to pay an extra research fee. This ranges from $30 to $35 per year searched.
Payment methods vary by location. Most accept cash and money orders. Many now take credit and debit cards. Personal checks are often not accepted for marriage licenses. Check with your county clerk before your visit to avoid surprises at the counter.
Note: Fees can change, so verify current costs with the county clerk office before submitting your request.
Online Options for Arizona Marriage Records
VitalChek is the official expedited ordering partner for Arizona vital records. However, they only handle birth and death certificates for Arizona. Marriage records are not available through VitalChek. You must go to the county for marriage documents.
Some counties offer their own online tools. Maricopa County has an online marriage license program for Arizona residents. You can apply from home without visiting the office. The clerk reviews your application within 7 to 10 business days. This works only if your ceremony is at least 30 days away. Visit the Maricopa County Clerk website to learn more about this option.
For searching existing records online, options are limited. The Arizona eAccess Portal provides statewide court records access. You can search some marriage-related documents there. Cochise County offers eAccess with documents for a $10 one-time fee. Other counties may have similar tools for looking up public court records.
Are Marriage Records Public in Arizona
Yes, marriage records are public in Arizona. A.R.S. § 39-121 states that public records shall be open to inspection by any person during office hours. Marriage licenses filed with the clerk are public records. Anyone can request to see them. You do not need to be one of the parties. You do not need to give a reason.
This openness differs from birth and death records in Arizona. The health department limits who can get copies of those. But marriage records at the Superior Court are treated as regular court documents. The public has broad access rights. Social Security numbers are kept confidential, but most other details are available to view.
A.R.S. § 25-130 allows clerks to issue an abstract of marriage. This summary document includes the bride's name before marriage, the groom's name, the date of marriage, and the recording date. An abstract serves as official proof of marriage for most purposes. It is often cheaper than a full certified copy of the original license.
Legal Help for Arizona Marriage Questions
The Arizona Bar Foundation runs a helpful website called AZ Court Help. It explains the marriage license process step by step. You can find answers to common questions there. The site covers requirements, fees, and what to bring to the clerk office.
If you have complex legal questions about marriage in Arizona, consider consulting a family law attorney. The State Bar of Arizona offers a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with an attorney in your area who handles family matters. Some lawyers offer free initial consultations.
For low-income Arizonans, legal aid organizations may help with marriage-related issues. Community Legal Services and Arizona Legal Center provide free legal help to those who qualify. They focus on civil matters including family law concerns.
Browse Arizona Marriage Records by County
Each of Arizona's 15 counties has its own Clerk of Superior Court. This office handles all marriage licenses and keeps the records. Pick a county below to find local contact info, fees, and resources for marriage records in that area.
Marriage Records in Major Arizona Cities
Arizona cities do not issue marriage licenses. Residents file at their county Superior Court. Pick a city below to learn about marriage records in that area and which county office serves it.