Cochise County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Cochise County are filed at the Clerk of Superior Court. The clerk keeps all marriage licenses, certificates, and related court documents for this southeastern Arizona county. You can apply for a new license at either the Bisbee or Sierra Vista office. Certified copies of past records are also available from these locations. Cochise County has historical marriage records going back to February 1881. This makes it one of the oldest record collections in Arizona. Online access is available through the eAccess portal for those who want to search from home. Whether you need a new license or an old document, the clerk office can help you find what you seek.

Where to File for Cochise Marriage Records

The Cochise County Clerk of Superior Court handles all marriage licenses. They run two offices so you can pick the one closer to you. The main office sits in Bisbee at the county seat. A second location serves Sierra Vista residents. Both can issue new licenses and provide copies of existing records.

The Bisbee office is at 100 Quality Hill Road, Bisbee, AZ 85603. Call them at (520) 432-8600 for hours and to check if you need an appointment. The Sierra Vista office is at 100 Colonia De Salud, Suite 200. This location is more convenient for many residents. Both offices accept the same forms of payment and follow the same rules for issuing licenses.

You can send mail requests for copies to P.O. Box CK, Bisbee, AZ 85603. Include the names of both parties and the date or year of marriage. Add a check or money order for the copy fee. Processing takes longer by mail than in person. For questions, email cochisecountyresearch@courts.az.gov and staff will respond during business hours.

The clerk website above shows their contact details and the range of services they offer. You can find forms, fee schedules, and directions to both offices on their official site.

Cochise County Marriage License Process

Getting a marriage license in Cochise County is straightforward. Both people must come in person. You cannot send just one party. Bring valid photo ID like a driver's license or passport. The clerk needs to verify your identity and age before issuing the license. No blood test is needed. There is no waiting period after you apply.

The license fee is $98. Pay by cash, money order, Visa, or MasterCard. Personal checks are not accepted for marriage licenses. The clerk will have you fill out an application and sign an affidavit under oath. You must provide your Social Security number, but state law keeps this confidential. The whole process takes about 20 to 30 minutes if there is no line.

Once issued, a Cochise County marriage license is valid for 12 months. You can marry anywhere in Arizona with it. The county of issue does not limit where the ceremony takes place. After you wed, make sure the person who performed the ceremony returns the signed license to the clerk within 30 days. This is required under A.R.S. 25-123 for the marriage to be properly recorded.

Note: Both parties must appear together at the same time to apply for a Cochise County marriage license.

Marriage Requirements in Cochise County Arizona

Arizona law sets the rules for who can marry. The legal age is 18. If you are younger, special rules apply. Sixteen and 17-year-olds can marry with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The spouse cannot be more than three years older than the minor. Anyone under 16 cannot marry in Arizona at all. This law took effect in August 2018 to protect minors from harmful situations.

You do not need to live in Cochise County to get a license here. Non-residents are welcome. Out-of-state visitors can apply too. The license works anywhere in Arizona regardless of where you got it. However, it is only valid for marriages performed within state borders. You cannot use an Arizona license to marry in another state.

Under A.R.S. 25-121, applicants must provide certain information on the affidavit. You need to list your name, age, and residential address. Social Security numbers go on a separate form and stay private. The clerk can issue your license the same day you apply. You could marry that very afternoon if you choose. There is no mandated waiting period between getting the license and the ceremony.

Get Cochise County Marriage Record Copies

Need a copy of an old Cochise County marriage record? The clerk can help. You can request copies in person at either office. Bring the names of both spouses. Knowing the approximate date of marriage speeds up the search. Staff can look up the record and make copies while you wait in most cases. Fees are reasonable and copies serve as proof of marriage for legal purposes.

Cochise County has marriage records from February 1881 to the present. This long history makes the clerk a valuable resource for genealogy research. Records include licenses, certificates, affidavits, and consent forms for minors. These old documents contain details about ages, residences, and parents that family historians value. The clerk website explains how to request copies of these historical documents.

The page above walks through the steps for getting copies. You can submit requests in person, by mail, or through the online portal. Different methods have different turnaround times. In-person requests are fastest. Mail takes one to two weeks depending on workload.

Search Cochise Marriage Records Online

Cochise County offers online access to court records through eAccess. This portal lets you search from home at any hour. It runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can look up marriage licenses, divorce records, civil cases, and more. Documents cost $10 each for a one-time fee. Subscription plans are also available for those who need frequent access.

The eAccess system covers records from February 1881 to the present day. Marriage licenses are included along with other court filings. This gives you access to a wealth of historical data without visiting the courthouse. The system shows unrestricted public records only. Sealed or confidential documents are not available online. Visit the Cochise County marriage license page for details on using eAccess.

For statewide searches, the Arizona eAccess Portal provides court records from multiple counties. This can help if you are not sure which county handled a marriage. The search tool covers Superior Court records across Arizona. Registration is required but the basic search is often free.

Note: Online records show basic case info; certified copies still require a request to the clerk office.

Officiants for Cochise County Weddings

Arizona law is flexible about who can perform your wedding. A.R.S. 25-124 lists the authorized officiants. Clergy members who are licensed or ordained can marry couples. Judges at all levels are authorized. Justices of the peace work too. Municipal court judges are included on the list.

Arizona allows notaries public to perform marriages. The notary must hold a valid commission and reside in the state. This gives Cochise County couples more choices for their ceremony. Some choose a notary for a simple, quick service. Federal judges like bankruptcy court judges can also officiate if you prefer a courtroom setting.

Two witnesses are required at the ceremony. Both must be at least 18 years old. They sign the marriage license along with the officiant. The officiant then returns the completed license to the Cochise County Clerk within 30 days. This deadline is set by state law. Failing to return the license on time can cause problems proving your marriage later. Make sure your officiant knows this rule.

Cochise County Marriage Records Are Public

Marriage records in Cochise County are public documents. Anyone can request to see them. You do not have to be one of the parties named on the record. You do not need to state a reason for your request. A.R.S. 39-121 guarantees the right to inspect public records during office hours. This includes marriage licenses filed with the Superior Court clerk.

Some information stays private. Social Security numbers are kept confidential under state law. But names, dates, and other basic facts are available to the public. This openness helps researchers, background check companies, and family members find the information they need. It differs from birth and death records, which have more restrictions on who can access them.

Under A.R.S. 25-130, the clerk can issue an abstract of marriage instead of a full copy. This summary includes the bride's maiden name, the groom's name, the marriage date, and when the clerk recorded it. An abstract works as proof of marriage for most purposes. It may cost less than a certified copy of the complete license. Ask the clerk which option fits your needs.

Cochise County Marriage Record Fees

Knowing the fees helps you prepare for your visit. Cochise County charges $98 for a new marriage license. This is the standard rate for larger Arizona counties. Smaller counties charge $83. The fee covers issuing the license and recording it after the ceremony. Pay by cash, money order, Visa, or MasterCard at either office location.

Certified copies have separate fees. The eAccess portal charges $10 per document. This is often cheaper than other counties. Mail requests may include extra handling fees. If you need a certified copy sent to you, add postage costs to your payment. Research fees apply when you do not know the year of marriage. Staff will search multiple years but charge for the extra time involved.

• Marriage license: $98
• eAccess document fee: $10
• Payment accepted: cash, money order, Visa, MasterCard
• Personal checks: not accepted for licenses

Note: Fees may change, so confirm current costs with the clerk before submitting your request.

Nearby Counties for Marriage Records

If Cochise County is not the right fit for your needs, nearby counties can help. Arizona couples can get a license from any county. Each office follows the same state rules but fees vary slightly. Here are the counties that border Cochise or sit close by. Consider their locations if one is more convenient for you.

Pima County lies to the west. Its main office is in Tucson at the Superior Court building. The fee is also $98. Pima handles a high volume of licenses and has efficient service. Santa Cruz County is southwest of Cochise. The clerk office is in Nogales. They charge $83 for a license, which is lower than Cochise. Spanish translation services are available there if needed.

Graham County sits to the north. The clerk office is in Safford. They charge $83 for a marriage license and have records going back to the 1880s. Graham is a smaller county with shorter wait times. Any of these options work if you want to explore beyond Cochise County for your marriage license needs.

Tips for Cochise County Marriage Records

A few tips can make your visit smoother. Arrive early to avoid crowds. The clerk offices handle many services beyond marriage records. Mornings tend to be less busy than afternoons. Bring exact payment if paying by cash since change may be limited.

Fill out any forms you can find online before your visit. This saves time at the counter. Double-check that your ID is current and matches the name you will use on the license. If your name changed due to a prior marriage or divorce, bring proof of that change. The clerk may need to see a divorce decree or court order for a legal name change.

• Both people must appear together
• Bring valid government photo ID
• Know your Social Security number
• No blood test or waiting period needed
• License is valid for 12 months statewide
• Return signed license within 30 days of ceremony

For questions about Cochise County marriage records, contact the clerk at (520) 432-8600. Staff can answer questions about fees, requirements, and how to get copies. They deal with these requests daily and know the process well. You can also email cochisecountyresearch@courts.az.gov for less urgent matters.