Tempe Marriage Records

Tempe marriage records are kept at the Maricopa County Superior Court, not at city hall. Arizona law places all marriage license duties with county clerks. Tempe itself has no local office for marriage filings. To get a license or look up an old record, you visit a Maricopa County location. The closest facility to Tempe is the Southeast Regional Court Center in Mesa. You can also go to the main downtown Phoenix office. Both handle marriage licenses and copies of past certificates. This page explains where to go and what to expect when dealing with Tempe area marriage records.

Where Tempe Residents File for Marriage

Tempe does not have its own marriage license office. The city never has. Under A.R.S. 25-121, marriage licenses come from the Clerk of Superior Court at the county level. For all Tempe residents, that means Maricopa County.

The Maricopa County Clerk runs four locations. Each one can issue a new marriage license. Each one can make copies of old records. Tempe residents can pick whichever office works best for them. Geography favors the Southeast Regional Court Center. It sits in nearby Mesa at 222 E Javelina Avenue. The drive from central Tempe takes about 15 minutes. This location has parking and shorter wait times than the main downtown office.

The downtown Phoenix location is at 601 W. Jackson Street. It is the largest and busiest. Call ahead at (602) 372-5375 if you plan to visit. The clerk also has offices in Surprise and north Phoenix. Those are farther from Tempe but still serve all county residents.

Getting a Marriage License in Tempe

Both people must appear in person. This is not optional. Arizona law requires both parties to sign an affidavit under oath at the clerk office. You cannot send a friend. You cannot do it by phone. Both of you must be there together at the same time.

Bring valid photo ID. A driver's license works fine. A passport or military ID also works. You need your Social Security number too. The clerk keeps this private under state law. It goes in a separate file, not on the public marriage record. No blood test is needed in Arizona. There is no waiting period at all. You can marry the same day you get your license if you want.

The fee is $98 in Maricopa County. Pay by cash, money order, or credit card. Personal checks are not accepted for marriage licenses. The license stays valid for 12 months. Use it anywhere in Arizona during that time. If you wait too long and it expires, you must apply again and pay the full fee once more.

Note: Maricopa County offers an online marriage license program for Arizona residents whose ceremony is at least 30 days away.

Searching Tempe Marriage Records

Looking for an old Tempe marriage record? Start with the Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court. They keep all marriage records for the county going back many years. You can search in person at any of their four locations. Bring the names of both spouses if you know them. The date or year of marriage helps narrow things down fast.

The Maricopa County Clerk website has details on how to request records. You can also submit a request by mail. Send a letter with the names of both people and the approximate date of marriage. Include a check or money order for the copy fee. Mail takes one to two weeks for a response.

The Arizona Courts Locator helps you find the right courthouse. Use it to get addresses, phone numbers, and hours for all Maricopa County court locations. The page above shows the statewide tool that works for any Arizona county.

Tempe Marriage Certificate Copies

A certified copy of a marriage record costs between $35.50 and $43.50 in Maricopa County. The lower price applies if you send a self-addressed stamped envelope with your mail request. The higher price includes postage and handling done by the clerk office. In-person requests may cost $35.50 with immediate pickup.

You can also get an abstract of marriage instead of a full copy. Under A.R.S. 25-130, an abstract shows the key facts: names of both spouses, date of marriage, and recording date. It works for most purposes where you need proof of marriage. Some people prefer the full certified copy that shows all details from the original license.

If you do not know the exact year of the marriage, expect to pay a research fee. Maricopa County charges $35 per year searched. Come to the office and search the records yourself at no extra cost. This takes more time but saves money when you are not sure of the date.

Tempe Marriage License Requirements

The rules are the same across all of Maricopa County. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. If you are 16 or 17, you can marry with parental consent. Your spouse cannot be more than three years older than you in that case. No one under 16 can marry in Arizona. This law took effect in August 2018.

What you need to bring:

• Valid government photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID)
• Social Security number (kept confidential)
• Payment of $98 (cash, credit card, or money order)
• Parental consent form if under 18
• Birth certificate if under 18

Matricula Consular ID cards from Mexico are accepted. This has been true since May 2021. The card must come from a government that uses biometric verification. Copies of divorce decrees are not required. You do not need to prove a prior marriage ended. Just provide true answers on the affidavit.

After the Tempe Wedding Ceremony

The wedding happens. Now what? The person who performed the ceremony must sign the license. Two adult witnesses must also sign. Then the officiant has 30 days to return the signed license to the Maricopa County Clerk. This step is critical. Under A.R.S. 25-123, the clerk cannot record the marriage until they get the signed license back.

Once recorded, the marriage becomes part of the official public record. You can then request certified copies anytime you need them. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies often ask for these. Keep one certified copy in a safe place at home. Order extras if you plan to change your name on multiple accounts.

What happens if the officiant forgets to return the license? Contact them first. Most will fix it right away when reminded. If you cannot reach them, contact the Maricopa County Clerk office at (602) 372-5375. They can guide you through the process to resolve a missing or late license return.

Note: The marriage is still legally valid even if the paperwork is delayed, but having the recorded license makes proving your marriage much easier.

Who Can Marry Couples in Tempe

A.R.S. 25-124 lists all authorized officiants. Ordained or licensed clergy can perform weddings. Judges from state and federal courts can too. Justices of the peace and municipal court judges are authorized. Arizona also allows notaries public to perform marriages. The notary must be commissioned and living in Arizona.

Some Tempe couples choose courthouse weddings at the county level. Yuma County, for example, offers ceremonies at the courthouse for $100. Maricopa County does not have an official courthouse wedding program, but many justices of the peace will perform ceremonies for a fee. Call ahead to find one who serves the Tempe area.

Religious ceremonies happen at churches, temples, and other houses of worship throughout Tempe. Many wedding venues have relationships with officiants who can come to the location. You can also have a friend or family member become ordained online to perform your ceremony. Arizona accepts online ordinations from recognized organizations.

Are Tempe Marriage Records Public

Yes. Marriage records are public documents in Arizona. A.R.S. 39-121 says public records must be open for anyone to inspect during office hours. This includes marriage licenses on file at the Maricopa County Superior Court. You do not need to explain why you want to see them.

Some parts stay private. Social Security numbers are never released under state law. But names, dates, and other basic marriage details are available to anyone who asks. Researchers, attorneys, and family members all have equal access. Background check companies also search these records legally.

The Maricopa County Clerk may charge for copies but cannot deny access to the records themselves. You can go to the office, ask to see a marriage record, and review it on the spot. Making a photocopy costs $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost more but carry official weight for legal and administrative uses.

Maricopa County Offices Near Tempe

Tempe residents have four options. The Southeast Regional Court Center is closest. It handles all marriage license services. Here are the full details for each location:

Southeast Regional Court Center
222 E Javelina Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210
This is the closest to Tempe. About 15 minutes by car. Handles marriage licenses and copies. Often less crowded than downtown.

Downtown Customer Service Center
601 W. Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-5375
The main office. Busiest location. Full services available. Parking costs around $12 in the downtown area.

Northeast Regional Court
18380 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032
North Phoenix location. Good for those who work or live in the north valley.

Northwest Regional Court
14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane, Surprise, AZ 85374
West valley option. Farther from Tempe but may have shorter waits.

Marriage Records in Nearby Cities

Several cities near Tempe also fall within Maricopa County. They use the same clerk offices. Check these guides for specific local details:

All of these cities work with the same Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court. Fees and rules are identical across the county. The only difference is which office location is most convenient for you to visit.