Chandler Marriage Records

Chandler marriage records are kept by the Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court, not by the city itself. Arizona handles all marriage licenses at the county level. Chandler residents have a nice perk though. The city is one of the few in Maricopa County where local facilities are deputized to issue marriage licenses on behalf of the county. Chandler City Hall and San Tan Justice Court can both help you get a marriage license without driving to downtown Phoenix. This page shows you how to search for Chandler marriage records, where to apply for a license, and what fees you can expect to pay.

Where Chandler Residents File for Marriage

Chandler sits in Maricopa County. The county clerk handles all marriage licenses and keeps the official records. The main Maricopa County Clerk office is at 601 W. Jackson Street in Phoenix. You can go there to apply for a marriage license or get copies of existing marriage certificates. Phone them at (602) 372-5375 if you have questions.

But Chandler folks have it easier than most. Two local spots are set up to issue marriage licenses. Chandler City Hall has been deputized by the county to help residents. The San Tan Justice Court also offers this service. Both can process your marriage license application the same as the main county office would. Call ahead to check hours and confirm they are still offering this service.

The main county site in Phoenix has the longest hours and largest staff. If you need certified copies of old marriage records, the Phoenix office may be faster. They have more resources for record searches. The local Chandler options work best for new marriage license applications when you want to skip the drive downtown.

Chandler City Clerk Office

The Chandler City Clerk's Office provides various services to residents. While the city clerk does not maintain marriage records directly, the office can point you in the right direction. They handle public records requests, business licensing, and city council matters.

The screenshot above shows the City Clerk's Office page. City Clerk Dana DeLong leads this department. Contact them at 480-782-2181 for general questions about city services. For marriage license matters specifically, they will direct you to the appropriate county or deputized facility.

Chandler City Hall is located at 175 S. Arizona Avenue. It sits in the heart of downtown Chandler. Parking is available nearby. The building also houses other city departments if you need to handle multiple errands in one trip. Hours vary by department, so call before you go.

How to Get a Chandler Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Chandler follows the same rules as anywhere in Maricopa County. Both people must show up together. You cannot send a friend or family member. Each person needs valid photo ID. A driver's license works fine. So does a passport or state ID card. Arizona accepts Matricula Consular cards from foreign governments that use biometric verification.

You must provide your Social Security number. This is required by A.R.S. 25-121. The clerk keeps this info private. It is not part of the public record. No blood test is needed in Arizona. There is no waiting period either. You can marry the same day you get your license if you want.

The license fee is $98. Payment methods vary by location. Most accept cash, money orders, and credit cards. Personal checks may not work, so bring a backup form of payment. Once issued, your license is good for 12 months. Use it anywhere in Arizona. It does not matter that you got it in Maricopa County. After the wedding, the officiant has 30 days to return the signed license to the clerk per A.R.S. 25-123.

Online Marriage License Options

Maricopa County offers an online marriage license program. Arizona residents can apply from home without visiting an office. Both people must be Arizona residents with valid ID. Your wedding date needs to be at least 30 days out for this to work.

The Maricopa County Clerk website has the online application. Staff reviews applications within 7 to 10 business days. They mail the approved license to you. This saves a trip to Phoenix or a local facility. It works well if you have planned ahead and have time to spare.

The online option does not work for everyone. Minors cannot use it. Covenant marriage applicants must go in person. If you need the license right away, visit an office instead. Chandler residents who qualify can take advantage of this online program just like any other Maricopa County resident.

Note: Check the county website for the most current processing times and requirements before applying online.

Chandler Marriage Record Copies

To get a copy of an existing marriage certificate, contact the Maricopa County Clerk. The main office in Phoenix handles these requests. You can visit in person or send a request by mail. Include the names of both spouses and the year of the marriage if you know it.

Certified copies cost $35.50 if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Without your own envelope, the fee rises to $43.50. If you do not know the year of marriage, the clerk charges an extra $35 per year to search their records. Bring as much info as you can to avoid extra fees.

Marriage records in Arizona are public. Under A.R.S. 39-121, anyone can request to view public records during office hours. You do not need to be one of the married parties. You do not need to explain why you want the record. This makes searching for Chandler marriage records straightforward for genealogists, attorneys, and curious members of the public alike.

The clerk may issue an abstract of marriage instead of a full copy. An abstract shows the bride's name before marriage, the groom's name, the date of marriage, and the recording date. This summary document works for most purposes and may cost less than a complete certified copy.

Chandler Marriage Age Requirements

The legal age to marry in Arizona is 18. Adults at this age or older can apply on their own. No parental consent is needed. Just bring ID and your Social Security number.

Applicants who are 16 or 17 face extra rules. You need written consent from a parent or guardian. A notarized form from the clerk's office works. You could also provide a certified copy of an emancipation order. Bring your birth certificate and a photo ID. One more limit applies to minors. The person you want to marry cannot be more than three years older than you. This rule aims to protect young people from harmful situations.

No one under 16 can marry in Arizona. This became law on August 3, 2018 under A.R.S. 25-129. Maricopa County follows this strictly. There are no exceptions for anyone below 16 years of age.

Who Can Perform Weddings in Chandler

Arizona law spells out who can marry couples. A.R.S. 25-124 lists the authorized officiants. Licensed or ordained clergy can perform ceremonies. Judges from various courts are allowed. This includes Superior Court judges, justices of the peace, and municipal court judges.

Arizona has a special rule. Notaries public can officiate weddings here. The notary must be commissioned and live in Arizona. This opens up more options for couples planning a wedding in Chandler. You can have a small ceremony with a notary in a park or backyard without needing a minister or judge. Federal judges like bankruptcy court judges and U.S. magistrate judges are also allowed to marry people.

Whoever performs the ceremony must fill out the license, sign it, and have two adult witnesses sign as well. Then they return it to the clerk within 30 days. This makes the marriage official in county records. If the officiant fails to return the license on time, the couple may face problems proving their marriage later.

Nearby Cities for Marriage Records

Several other Maricopa County cities sit close to Chandler. Each uses the same county clerk for marriage records. If one facility has a shorter wait or more convenient hours, you can go there instead. Your marriage license will be valid countywide and statewide.

Gilbert borders Chandler to the east. The Highland Justice Court in Gilbert is deputized to issue marriage licenses. Mesa sits to the north. The Southeast Regional Court Center at 222 E. Javelina in Mesa handles marriage licenses for that area. Tempe is northwest of Chandler and is another option for Chandler area residents, though Tempe itself does not have a deputized local facility.

Phoenix has the main county clerk office. The downtown location at 601 W. Jackson Street offers full services. This is the best choice if you need to handle complex record searches or want the widest range of services. Expect to pay for parking downtown.

Chandler Marriage Records Contact Info

For Chandler marriage records, the Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court is your main contact. Here are the key details you need.

Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court
601 W. Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Email: cocmlp@cosc.maricopa.gov
Website: clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov

Chandler City Hall
175 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, AZ 85225
City Clerk Phone: 480-782-2181

The county clerk office in Phoenix has the most complete records and staff. For basic license applications, Chandler City Hall or San Tan Justice Court can help you locally. Call ahead to confirm hours and services before your visit. The county website has an appointment booking system if you want to secure a time slot at any of their locations.

The Arizona Bar Foundation runs a helpful site called AZ Court Help. It walks through the marriage license process step by step. You can find answers to common questions about Arizona marriage requirements there. Community Legal Services offers help for low-income residents who have family law questions.