Surprise Marriage Records

Surprise marriage records are filed through the Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court. This fast-growing city in the west valley does not have its own marriage license office. All Surprise residents must go to the county clerk for marriage licenses and copies of past marriage certificates. The good news is that Maricopa County runs a regional court right in Surprise. The Northwest Regional Court at 14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane handles marriage licenses for local couples. You can walk in during business hours or book an appointment online. This makes it easy for Surprise residents to get a marriage license without driving all the way to downtown Phoenix.

Maricopa County Handles Surprise Marriage Records

Surprise is part of Maricopa County, the most populous county in Arizona. All marriage licenses for Surprise residents come from the Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court. The city does not have a separate office for marriage records. This is how it works across Arizona. Counties keep all marriage records. Cities just refer people to the county clerk.

The Maricopa County Clerk maintains marriage records going back decades. They can issue new licenses and provide certified copies of past marriages. Anyone who got married in Maricopa County can request their records from this office. Surprise residents have a local option at the Northwest Regional Court, which saves a long drive to Phoenix.

Marriage records in Arizona are public. Under A.R.S. 39-121, anyone can request to see these records. You do not need to be one of the parties. You do not need to give a reason. The clerk must let you view the records during office hours. Copies cost extra, but looking is free.

Northwest Regional Court in Surprise

The Northwest Regional Court is the nearest place for Surprise residents to get a marriage license. It sits at 14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane in Surprise, just off Grand Avenue. This county facility serves the entire west valley, including Surprise, Sun City, Sun City West, El Mirage, and parts of Peoria. The court handles many types of cases, but also offers full clerk services for marriage licenses.

Both people who want to marry must show up at the court together. You cannot send a friend or family member in your place. Bring valid photo ID for each person. A driver's license works. So does a passport or state ID card. Arizona also accepts Matricula Consular cards that use biometric checks. You must give your Social Security number to the clerk, but they keep it private under state law.

The license fee is $98. Pay with cash, credit card, debit card, or money order. Personal checks may not work, so bring another form of payment. The clerk issues your license the same day you apply. You can marry right away if you choose. The license stays valid for 12 months from the date you get it.

Note: Call ahead or check online for current hours at the Northwest Regional Court before you make the trip.

Finding Surprise Marriage Records Online

The Arizona Courts Locator helps you find the right courthouse for marriage records. This state tool shows contact info for every court in Arizona. Pick Maricopa County from the list. You will see the main Phoenix office plus all regional locations including the one in Surprise. The screenshot below shows this useful resource.

Online search options for Surprise marriage records are limited. The Maricopa County Electronic Court Records system offers some case lookups. Basic searches are often free. Full document views may need a fee or subscription. For complete marriage record searches, calling or visiting the clerk office gives you the best results. Staff can search records by name and date to find what you need.

Maricopa County also runs an online marriage license program for Arizona residents. You can apply from home without visiting the court. The clerk reviews your info within 7 to 10 business days. Your ceremony date must be at least 30 days out to use this method. Once approved, the license arrives by mail. This works well for couples who plan their wedding in advance.

Surprise Marriage License Requirements

Arizona law sets the rules for marriage licenses. A.R.S. 25-121 requires both people to appear in person. You sign an affidavit under oath at the clerk office. The law also requires your Social Security number, though this info stays confidential.

There is no blood test. No waiting period exists in Arizona. You can get your license and marry on the same day if you want. The license works anywhere in the state. Get it in Surprise. Marry in Flagstaff. It does not matter. Arizona licenses are valid statewide for 12 months from issue date.

Here is what to bring when you apply in Surprise:

• Valid government photo ID for both parties
• Social Security numbers for both parties
• $98 in cash, credit card, or money order
• Names of two witnesses who are 18 or older

The two witnesses sign your license at the ceremony, not at the clerk office. But you should know who they will be before you apply. The officiant and witnesses all sign the license after your wedding. Then the officiant sends the signed license back to the clerk within 30 days. Per A.R.S. 25-123, this return step makes your marriage part of the official county records.

Age Rules for Surprise Marriages

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

Teens aged 16 or 17 can marry with extra steps. You need written consent from a parent or guardian. The consent form must be notarized. You can also show a certified emancipation order instead. Bring your birth certificate and photo ID. There is one more rule. The person you want to marry cannot be more than three years older than you. This protects teens from much older partners.

Under A.R.S. 25-129, no one under 16 can marry in Arizona. This law took effect in August 2018. The clerk cannot issue a license to anyone under 16 years old. There are no exceptions. This rule protects children from forced marriages.

Who Can Perform Marriages in Surprise

A.R.S. 25-124 lists who can legally marry couples in Arizona. Ordained or licensed clergy can do it. Judges from state courts can officiate. This includes Superior Court judges, justices of the peace, and municipal court judges. Federal judges are also allowed.

Arizona has a unique rule. Notaries public can perform weddings here. The notary must hold a valid Arizona commission. This option gives Surprise couples more choices for their ceremony. You are not limited to clergy or judges.

After your wedding, the person who performed the ceremony signs the license. They note the date and place of your marriage. They must return the signed license to the Maricopa County Clerk within 30 days. This step is required by law. If the officiant fails to return the license, it creates problems for you later when you need proof of marriage.

Note: Make sure your chosen officiant knows they must return the license to the clerk within 30 days.

Getting Copies of Surprise Marriage Certificates

Need a copy of a marriage certificate for someone who married in Maricopa County? The clerk can help. Certified copies cost $35.50 if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Without the envelope, expect to pay $43.50 total. The extra $8 covers postage and handling. You can visit the Northwest Regional Court in person to get copies faster.

To request copies, you need some basic info. Know the names of both spouses. The date or year of marriage helps narrow the search. If you do not know the year, the clerk charges $35 per year searched. This research fee adds up if you have to check multiple years. Try to find the approximate date before you submit your request.

The Maricopa County Clerk website has forms for mail requests. You can also go online to start the process. For walk-in requests at the Surprise location, staff can often pull records and make copies while you wait. Call ahead to confirm hours and check if any wait times are expected.

Main Maricopa County Clerk Office

The main Maricopa County Clerk office sits in downtown Phoenix at 601 W. Jackson Street. This is the largest location with the most staff. If the Surprise location is busy or closed, Phoenix is another option. The drive from Surprise takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.

Contact the main office at (602) 372-5375. You can also call (602) 37-CLERK for easy recall. Email goes to cocmlp@cosc.maricopa.gov. Staff can answer questions about marriage license requirements, fees, and record searches. They handle requests for Surprise marriages since all Maricopa County records stay in the same system.

Parking downtown costs around $12. Factor this into your trip if you go to the Phoenix office. The Northwest Regional Court in Surprise may have free or cheaper parking. For many west valley residents, the Surprise location saves time and money both.

Other Maricopa County Clerk Locations

Maricopa County has four total locations for marriage license services. Besides the Surprise and downtown Phoenix offices, two others may work for you. The Northeast Regional Court at 18380 N. 40th Street in Phoenix serves the north valley. The Southeast Regional Court Center at 222 E. Javelina in Mesa covers the east valley.

All four locations offer the same services. License fees are $98 everywhere. Any location can issue a new license or look up existing records. Pick the one closest to where you live or work. A license from any Maricopa County location works anywhere in Arizona.

You can book appointments at any location through the county's online system. Picking a time slot cuts down on wait times. Walk-ins are welcome too, but you may wait longer during busy periods. Fridays and days before holidays tend to be busiest for marriage licenses.

Nearby Cities for Marriage Records

Surprise sits in the northwest part of the Phoenix metro area. Several other major cities are close by. All of them fall under Maricopa County for marriage records. No matter which west valley city you live in, you use the same county clerk system.

Peoria shares a border with Surprise to the south and east. Many Surprise residents work or shop in Peoria. The Northwest Regional Court in Surprise serves both cities. Goodyear is southwest of Surprise along the I-10 corridor. Buckeye sits further west and has grown fast in recent years. Buckeye has a municipal court that can issue marriage licenses on behalf of the county.

Phoenix is the major hub to the east. The main county clerk office downtown handles the most marriage licenses of any location. Glendale, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Chandler are also in Maricopa County. All use the same clerk of court for marriage records.

More Maricopa County Marriage Info

For full details on Maricopa County marriage licenses, fees, and clerk services, visit our county guide. It covers all four office locations, the online license program, and how to request copies by mail. The county page also explains rules for minors, covenant marriages, and who can perform ceremonies in Arizona.

Surprise Area Marriage License Contacts

Here is the contact info for the clerk locations that serve Surprise residents.

Northwest Regional Court (Surprise)
14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane
Surprise, AZ 85374

Downtown Customer Service Center (Phoenix)
601 W. Jackson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Email: cocmlp@cosc.maricopa.gov

Hours vary by location. Check the Maricopa County Clerk website for current schedules. The online appointment system shows open times for each office. Booking ahead can save you a long wait at the counter.