Are you planning your wedding in the Grand Canyon State? If so, you probably have lots of questions. We have the top tips and advice on how to get married in Arizona. Read on to find out everything you need to know to plan your perfect day!
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Previously Married in Arizona?
If you were previously married (in Arizona or elsewhere), you need to make sure that you are no longer married. You cannot get married again unless you divorce your previous spouse. You can also annul your previous marriage. Check this box before booking one of these beautiful Arizona wedding destinations.
How to Get a Wedding License in Arizona
You need a marriage license to get married in Arizona. So here’s a list of everything you need to get a wedding license:
- You must be 18 years or older. You can get one if you’re younger if you have parental permission.
- A government-issued ID card such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Between $75 and $100 to pay for your license.
How to Get Your Arizona Wedding Certificate
Many folks believe that a marriage license and marriage certificate are the same, but they’re not. A marriage license says that you’re legally allowed to get married. However, a marriage certificate proves you are married. So to get married in Arizona, you’ll need a marriage certificate. And for your marriage certificate, you need:
- Two witnesses to be at your wedding (these people can be anyone you choose).
- An officiant to marry you (see more further down.)
First, the officiant and your witnesses need to sign your marriage license. Then, you need to bring it to your local courthouse. At the courthouse, your license will be recorded into their records. Afterward, if you want a certified copy for your personal records, you’ll need to request one. (Some counties charge a small fee for this.) We know it doesn’t seem very easy to get married in Arizona, but we promise it will be worth it!
If you plan to get married in Arizona, keep in mind that:
- In some counties, you need to bring your marriage certificate to the courthouse within 30 days of your wedding.
- If you plan to change your name, you need that certified copy of your marriage certificate.
- A marriage license only lasts one year from the issue date. After that, you’ll need to re-apply. So don’t wait too long to get married in Arizona.
What Types of Marriage Does Arizona Allow?
Several different types of marriage are allowed under Arizona’s laws. Traditional marriages between a woman and a man are permitted, and two other types. They include:
- Same-sex marriage between same-sex or alternative-sex couples.
- Covenant marriages. Arizona is one of only three states that allows covenant marriages.
Are Common Law Marriages Allowed in Arizona?
Interestingly, Arizona does allow people to be in common-law marriages. Arizona recognizes common-law marriages performed in other states. This means that you can’t start a common-law marriage while living in Arizona. But if you are already common-law married, you can stay that way. The states Arizona recognizes for common law marriage include:
- Alabama
- Colorado
- District of Columbia
- Kansas
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Iowa
- Montana
- Utah
- Texas
Who Can Officiate an Arizona Wedding?
Religious figures and public servants can officiate marriages in Arizona. You can also choose a friend or family member. Likewise, you can even officiate your own wedding! So, go ahead and choose your officiant. No matter who it is, this person will need to complete an online ordination to get approved by the state!
How to Move in Together After You Get Married in Arizona?
Unsurprisingly, many couples have far too much furniture after getting married. That’s especially true if one or both were previously married. Renting a Storage Solutions unit is perfect if you have tons of extra stuff.
At Storage Solutions, we have safe, clean, and secure storage units all over Arizona. You can rent them as long or short term as you like because we only offer month-to-month leases. With Storage Solutions, you’ll never get stuck in a long-term rental contract.
If you have questions about renting a storage unit, please chat with us online. You can also drop by your local Storage Solutions self-storage center. There you can meet the onsite manager. They can tell you about the types of storage we offer end help you get the rental process started. Until then, Storage Solutions wishes you the very best wedding! We hope your marriage is loving, joyful, and fun. Finally, we wish you many years of happiness together!