Yuma Marriage Records

Searching for marriage records in Yuma starts with the county clerk office. The city itself does not issue marriage licenses or keep these records. Like all Arizona cities, Yuma residents must work with their county government for marriage documents. Yuma County handles all marriage license applications and maintains records of past marriages filed in the area. You can apply for a new license, get a certified copy of an old one, or even have a courthouse wedding. The clerk office sits just blocks from downtown and offers walk-in service during regular business hours. This page shows you how to access Yuma marriage records and what to expect at the courthouse.

Yuma County Handles Marriage Records

If you live in Yuma, your marriage records come from Yuma County. Arizona cities do not issue marriage licenses. This is a county function under state law. The Yuma County Clerk of Superior Court is the office you need. They issue new licenses and keep records of all marriages filed in the county going back many decades.

The clerk office address is 250 West 2nd Street, Suite B, Yuma, AZ 85364. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on state holidays. You can call ahead at (928) 817-4234 if you have questions. Staff will tell you what to bring and help you plan your visit. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours.

Parking near the courthouse is free. A parking garage serves the area. Side streets also have open spots. This makes visits easy since you do not need to pay for a meter or lot. Once inside, security will check your bags. Then head to the clerk window to start your business.

Yuma Marriage License Process

Getting a marriage license in Yuma follows Arizona state rules. Both people must come to the clerk office in person. This is required by A.R.S. 25-121. You cannot send just one person or apply by mail. Plan to visit together during business hours.

Bring valid photo ID for both parties. A driver's license works. So does a passport or military ID. You must also provide your Social Security number. The clerk keeps this private. It does not appear on the public record. Under Arizona law, SSN data stays confidential and is not released to the public. Foreign citizens who lack a Social Security number should write "none" on the form where that field appears.

The legal age to marry is 18. If one or both people are 16 or 17, extra rules apply. You need written consent from a parent or guardian. The other person cannot be more than three years older. No one under 16 can marry in Arizona. This rule took effect in 2018.

The fee for a Yuma marriage license is $98. Cash works fine. Local checks, money orders, Visa, and MasterCard are also accepted. You get the license the same day you apply. No waiting period exists. You can marry right away if you want to. The license stays valid for 12 months. After that, it expires and you would need to apply again.

Note: Arizona requires no blood test or residency to get a marriage license.

Courthouse Weddings in Yuma

Want a simple civil ceremony? Yuma County offers courthouse weddings. A judge performs the ceremony at the courthouse. This is a quick, affordable way to get married without planning a big event.

Weddings take place Monday through Friday at 5:00 p.m. No ceremonies happen on holidays. Arrive by 4:15 p.m. and wait in the 3rd floor lobby. Bring your marriage license with you. If you just got it that same day, that is fine. Arizona lets you marry the same day you apply.

The ceremony fee is $100 cash. You need exact change. Two witnesses must attend. They must be at least 18 years old. If you do not have witnesses, tell the staff. The court can provide them for you. The ceremony itself is short. A judge reads the legal portion, you say your vows, and sign the license. Within minutes, you are married. The judge then files the signed license with the clerk. This creates the official Yuma marriage record.

Finding Yuma Court Information Online

The Arizona Courts website has a locator tool that helps you find any courthouse in the state. You can verify the Yuma County Superior Court address and phone number there. The site also shows other court services at that location.

Click on Yuma County in the locator. Full contact details appear. You will see the clerk office address, fax number, and hours. This is useful if you want to double check the info before your trip. The locator covers all 15 Arizona counties, so it helps if you need to contact a different clerk office later.

Yuma Marriage Record Copies

Need a copy of a past marriage certificate? The Yuma County clerk office can help. They keep records of all marriages filed in the county. A certified copy costs $35. This version has an official seal. Most agencies accept certified copies as legal proof of marriage. Banks, the DMV, passport offices, and employers often need this type of document.

You can request copies in person or by phone. Visit the clerk at 250 West 2nd Street during business hours. Give them the names of both spouses. The date of marriage helps them find the record faster. Staff can often pull the file and make a copy while you wait.

Phone requests work too. Call (928) 817-4234 to start the process. They will explain how to pay and where to send payment. Mailed copies take longer than in-person pickup. Allow extra days for processing and mailing. If you do not know the year of marriage, the clerk charges $35 per year searched. This research fee can add up if they must look through many years.

Note: Knowing the approximate year of marriage saves time and money on your request.

Are Yuma Marriage Records Public

Yes. Marriage records in Arizona are public. A.R.S. 39-121 says public records shall be open to inspection by any person during office hours. Marriage licenses and certificates filed with the Yuma County clerk count as public records. Anyone can ask to see them.

You do not need to be the bride or groom. Researchers, family members, and the general public have the same right of access. The clerk may ask for your name and charge a copy fee, but they cannot refuse to show you a marriage record based on who you are or why you want it. Social Security numbers are the exception. That part stays confidential under state law.

The clerk can also issue an abstract of marriage. A.R.S. 25-130 allows this summary document in place of a full copy. An abstract shows the bride's former name, groom's name, marriage date, and recording date. It costs the same as a certified copy and works for most legal needs.

Who Can Perform Yuma Marriages

Arizona law allows several types of people to officiate weddings. A.R.S. 25-124 lists them all. Ordained or licensed clergy can perform marriages. This includes ministers, priests, rabbis, and other religious leaders. They do not register with the state first.

Judges at many levels can marry couples. Superior Court judges, which is why courthouse weddings work. Justices of the peace also qualify. Municipal court judges are on the list too. Arizona even allows notaries public to perform wedding ceremonies. The notary must be commissioned and living in Arizona.

Federal judges can perform marriages in Yuma as well. Bankruptcy court judges and U.S. magistrate judges have this authority. If you know a federal judge, they can legally marry you anywhere in Arizona. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the clerk within 30 days. A.R.S. 25-123 requires this step. The clerk then records the marriage in the official Yuma County files.

Yuma County Marriage Record Resources

Several resources can help with marriage record questions in Yuma. The Yuma County Clerk website has forms and fee info online. Download paperwork before your visit. The site lists current hours and contact details. Check there first for the latest updates.

The Arizona Court Help website explains the marriage license process in plain terms. Run by the Arizona Bar Foundation, this free resource answers common questions. It covers requirements, what to bring, and how things work across Arizona counties. The info applies to Yuma and every other Arizona county.

For old marriage records, the Arizona State Archives may help. They hold historical records dating back to 1864 for some counties. The Arizona State Archives genealogy page explains what they have. Coverage varies by county and time period. Most Yuma County records from the 1900s forward should be at the county clerk office itself.

Tips for Yuma Marriage Records

A few tips can make your visit smoother. Arrive early if you can. Lines tend to grow after lunch. Bring all your documents the first time. Missing paperwork means a second trip. Have your Social Security number memorized or written down. The clerk needs it for the application.

• Bring valid photo ID for both parties
• Have $98 in cash or card for the license fee
• Know your Social Security number
• Plan for 15 to 20 minutes at the clerk window
• Bring two witnesses if you want a courthouse wedding

If you plan a courthouse wedding, stay until after 5:00 p.m. The ceremony happens late afternoon. Be at the 3rd floor lobby by 4:15. Bring $100 in exact cash for the ceremony fee. Your two witnesses must be 18 or older. Let staff know if you need the court to provide witnesses.

For copy requests, having the year saves money. The $35 research fee applies per year if the clerk must search multiple years. Narrow it down to a single year to avoid extra charges. Old records may take longer to find. Plan ahead if you need a copy by a deadline. The staff is helpful and can tell you roughly how long to expect.

Marriage Records Near Yuma

Yuma sits in the southwest corner of Arizona. The city is far from other major population centers. If you live in the Yuma area, the local county clerk is your best option. Driving to another county just for a marriage license rarely makes sense given the distances.

The nearest large city is Phoenix, about 180 miles northeast. Maricopa County handles marriage records there. They charge $98 for a license, same as Yuma. Phoenix has more clerk office locations and an online application option for Arizona residents. But the drive is long for most Yuma area folks.

La Paz County is directly north of Yuma County. The clerk office sits in Parker, roughly 150 miles from Yuma. They charge $83 for a marriage license, which is $15 less than Yuma. This only makes sense if you are already up near Parker for another reason. For most people in Yuma, the local office is the clear choice.