Last Updated on May 5, 2025 by Joy Editors
Getting married in Arkansas costs just $60 and doesn’t require a blood test. The Natural State boasts 52 state parks and beautiful landscapes that make it a perfect wedding spot for couples who want to keep things simple.
The marriage process in Arkansas is easy with no waiting period. You can get your license the same day you apply. Both partners need to visit any County Clerk’s Office together. Arkansas has 75 offices throughout the state. Your marriage license stays valid for 60 days, which gives you enough time to plan your wedding. You don’t even need to live in Arkansas to get married there.
Let me explain everything you should know about getting married in Arkansas. We’ll cover the legal requirements and tell you how to return your signed license after the ceremony. This piece has all the important steps you need, whether you want a big celebration or a quiet elopement.
Understand the Legal Requirements to Marry in Arkansas
Getting married in Arkansas means you need to know several legal requirements. These laws cover everything from age limits to special marriage types. Understanding them will help your wedding day go smoothly.
Minimum age and parental consent rules
Arkansas lets people marry on their own at age 18. The state also allows 17-year-olds to marry if they get proper parental consent. A notary must witness the parents sign a verified affidavit.
The state has specific rules about who can give consent for 17-year-olds:
- Both parents of the minor
- The custodial parent if parents are divorced (with latest court order showing custody)
- The custodial parent if the non-custodial parent has abandoned the minor
- The court-appointed guardian of the minor
The state requires all underage applicants to wait five business days. This waiting period stays firm under normal circumstances.
Some special cases exist where couples under the minimum age can marry. The female must be pregnant, and both parties need to see a circuit court judge. The judge can tell the clerk to issue a marriage license after looking at the evidence. Couples who already have a child together can also get special permission.
The state’s marriage age laws have changed over the last several years. Girls who were 16 could marry with parental consent before Governor Asa Hutchinson signed new changes. Now the minimum age is 17 for everyone.
Residency and citizenship requirements
Arkansas makes getting married easy compared to other states. You don’t need to live in Arkansas to get a marriage license. This makes the state perfect for couples planning destination weddings.
Arkansas also accepts marriages from other states or countries that were legal where they happened. This follows the standard practice of states respecting each other’s laws.
Same-sex marriage and covenant marriage options
Same-sex marriage became legal across Arkansas on June 26, 2015. This happened after the US Supreme Court made it legal nationwide. The state had banned same-sex marriage before this, first with a law in 1997 and then with a constitutional amendment in 2004.
Arkansas is a chance to try covenant marriage, which started in 2001 through the Covenant Marriage Act. This option creates a stronger bond between spouses. Couples don’t have to choose it, but it makes their marriage agreement more binding.
Only three states recognize covenant marriages – Arkansas, Louisiana, and Arizona. Couples usually need premarital counseling and face stricter rules for divorce with this special type of marriage.
Gather the Right Documents Before You Apply
Getting the right paperwork is a vital step to get married in Arkansas. Make sure you have all documents ready before you visit the County Clerk’s Office. This helps avoid delays and extra trips.
Valid photo ID and proof of age
Your age determines what documentation you need. A proper ID is required for everyone who applies for a marriage license in Arkansas.
For applicants 21 years and older:
- A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID will work.
For applicants between 18-21 years of age, you’ll need one of these:
- A state-certified copy of your birth certificate
- An active military identification card
- A valid passport
Both parties must be together to apply for the marriage license. Arkansas doesn’t require blood tests or proof of residency to get a marriage license, unlike some other states.
Divorce decree or death certificate if applicable
You’ll need extra documentation to prove the legal end of a previous marriage if you or your partner were married before.
For previously divorced applicants:
- You must bring a certified copy of your divorce decree if your name changed after divorce and your current ID shows a different name.
- The decree must clearly state that your name has been restored to your original name.
For widowed applicants:
- You must provide details about the date, county, and state of your previous spouse’s death.
- Most counties recommend bringing a copy of your spouse’s death certificate.
You can get a certified copy of a divorce record or death certificate in Arkansas through these methods:
- Order online through Arkansas Vital Records
- Apply by mail to the Arkansas Department of Health
- Visit the Arkansas Department of Health office in Little Rock
- Call to order death certificates
The process usually takes 7-14 business days, with faster options available.
Parental consent forms for minors
Arkansas law allows 17-year-olds to marry with proper parental consent. Parents must sign a verified affidavit in front of a notary.
For 17-year-old applicants, “parental consent” means approval from:
- Both parents of the minor, or
- The custodial parent if parents are divorced (with proof of custody), or
- The custodial parent if the non-custodial parent has abandoned the minor, or
- A court-appointed guardian of the minor
The underage applicant must also provide a state-certified birth certificate. The law requires a 5-day waiting period before issuing licenses to 17-year-olds.
Planning ahead becomes important if either you or your partner is under 18. The minor and consenting parent(s) or guardian must go together to apply for the marriage license. Make sure to complete all parental consent paperwork before visiting the County Clerk’s Office.
A smooth application process starts with having all your documents ready. Check your paperwork carefully before heading to the County Clerk’s Office for your Arkansas marriage license.
Apply for Your Arkansas Marriage License
You’ll need your essential documents ready before you can get your marriage license from an Arkansas County Clerk’s Office. The process is simple but you must apply in person.
Where to go: County Clerk’s Office
You can get an Arkansas marriage license at any of the 75 County Clerk’s offices in the state. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. You don’t need to apply in your home county or even where you plan to have your wedding. In spite of that, the license must go back to the same county that issued it after your ceremony.
The process takes about 15-20 minutes if you’re applying for the first time.
Fees and payment methods
An Arkansas marriage license costs $60.00[103]. Each county has different payment options:
- Some counties take only cash[103]
- Others accept cash or credit/debit cards
- Credit/debit card payments might include extra fees (usually $1.00 plus 3%)
The Washington County Clerk’s Office needs exact cash and won’t take cards. Pulaski County lets you pay with cash or cards. Benton County asks for exact cash ($60.00) or card payment ($62.80).
Do you need an appointment?
Counties have different rules about appointments:
- Most counties like Craighead, Garland, and Washington don’t need appointments[142][103]
- Benton County works by appointment only
Call your chosen County Clerk’s office or check their website before you go. Some counties let you start your application online, but you still need to show up in person.
How long is the license valid?
Your Arkansas marriage license stays valid for 60 days[142][101][102]. This rule applies everywhere in the state and can’t be extended. You’ll need to apply again and pay another fee if you don’t use it within this time.
The completed license needs to go back to the same County Clerk’s office that issued it[101]. This rule applies whether you used the license or not. Arkansas law says all marriage licenses must come back within the 60-day period.
Some counties let you mail your completed license with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to get your official copy by mail. You can also bring it back in person to have it recorded right away.
Plan and Perform the Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony planning begins after you receive your marriage license. Your special day will run smoothly if you understand Arkansas marriage laws about officiants and ceremony requirements.
Who can officiate in Arkansas
Arkansas requires wedding officiants to register with a County Clerk’s office before they can perform marriages. The minimum age requirement for officiants is 18 years. Several groups can legally perform wedding ceremonies in Arkansas:
- Ordained ministers who have recorded their credentials with any Arkansas County Clerk’s office
- Justices of the Peace, including former JPs with at least two terms of service since 1977
- The Governor, judges, current mayors, and former mayors with 5+ years of service
Ministers need a simple yet mandatory registration process. A visit to any Arkansas County Clerk’s office with your ordination certificate and a $5.00 filing fee completes the process. Registration with any county clerk allows you to perform marriages throughout Arkansas.
Do you need witnesses?
Arkansas stands out from other states because it doesn’t require witnesses for a legal marriage ceremony. The ceremony needs only three people: you, your partner, and the officiant. This makes Arkansas perfect for couples who want intimate ceremonies or elopements.
Many couples choose to include family and friends in their special moment, even though witnesses aren’t required. The marriage license needs only three signatures – yours, your partner’s, and the officiant’s.
What to do with the license on the wedding day
The marriage license must be at the ceremony venue on your wedding day. The officiant fills out their section with name, title, and address after you exchange vows. Both partners then sign the license.
A legal wedding in Arkansas must include these two elements:
- The proclamation (the “I do” portion where both parties consent)
- The pronouncement (the officiant declares you married)
The completed license must return to the issuing County Clerk’s office. You have 60 days to submit it or face a $100 fine. Some counties accept mailed licenses, and you can include a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive your copy.
Return the License and Get Certified Copies
Your final legal duty after your wedding ceremony is to return your completed marriage license. This small step is the most important part of making your marriage official.
How and where to return the license
You must return your completed marriage license to the exact same county clerk’s office that issued it—not where you had your ceremony. This rule applies whatever the license status, used or unused. Most counties let you return it two ways:
- In-person return (immediate processing)
- Mail-in return (include a self-addressed stamped envelope to get your copy)
The clerk will record your license and give you your copy right away if you return it in person. Mail-in returns need clear instructions about where to send your certificate.
What happens if you miss the 60-day deadline
Your 60-day window starts the day you get your license. Missing this deadline creates serious problems. The $100 bond you agreed to during application will be charged to both applicants. Your license becomes void after 60 days, and you’ll need to start over with new fees.
The good news? Returning your properly signed license (with the officiant’s signature) quickly removes the bond requirement and finishes your legal duties.
How to order certified copies for name change
The Arkansas Department of Health’s Vital Records Division keeps all marriage records statewide. Certified copies cost $5-$7 each, based on your county. You’ll need these official documents to:
- Change your name with Social Security Administration
- Update driver’s licenses and passports
- Modify bank accounts and other records
You can get copies through these methods:
- Online through the Arkansas Department of Health website
- By mail (include appropriate payment)
- By phone (credit card payment with 3% processing fee)
- In person at either the issuing county office or Arkansas Department of Health
Your request should include both spouses’ names, marriage date, and location details to speed up processing.
Conclusion
Arkansas makes getting married easier than most other states. This piece covers everything from getting your license to saying “I do” and handling paperwork after. The state offers several perks – no waiting periods for adults, zero residency rules, and a reasonable $60 fee that makes it perfect for couples who want to keep things simple.
You can apply at any of the 75 county clerk offices whatever location you pick for your ceremony. The 60-day window gives you plenty of time to plan your special day without stress. The process is simple, but note that you must return your completed license to the same county that issued it to avoid any penalties.
Arkansas caters to all priorities – from traditional ceremonies with family and friends to quiet elopements with just you, your partner and an officiant. The Natural State lives up to its name with beautiful settings for your ceremony in its 52 state parks and scenic spots.
Your marriage record gives you quick access to certified copies that help with practical tasks like name changes. By doing this and being organized, your trip from application to marriage certificate will be as smooth and fun as the celebration itself.
FAQs
Q1. What are the basic requirements for getting married in Arkansas? To get married in Arkansas, you need to be at least 18 years old (or 17 with parental consent), apply for a marriage license at any county clerk’s office, pay a $60 fee, and have a valid government-issued photo ID. The license is valid for 60 days, and there’s no waiting period for adults.
Q2. Do I need to be an Arkansas resident to get married in the state? No, Arkansas does not have any residency requirements for marriage. You can obtain a marriage license and get married in Arkansas regardless of where you live, making it a popular choice for destination weddings.
Q3. Are witnesses required for a wedding ceremony in Arkansas? Arkansas does not require witnesses for a legally valid marriage ceremony. The only people necessary for the ceremony are the couple getting married and the officiant. However, many couples still choose to have family and friends present.
Q4. Who can officiate a wedding in Arkansas? In Arkansas, ordained ministers (registered with a county clerk’s office), justices of the peace, the governor, judges, current mayors, and some former mayors who served 5+ years can officiate weddings. Officiants must be at least 18 years old and register with a county clerk’s office before performing marriages.
Q5. What happens if I don’t return my marriage license within 60 days? If you fail to return your completed marriage license within the 60-day validity period, you may face a $100 fine. Additionally, the license becomes void, requiring you to restart the entire application process and pay new fees. It’s crucial to return the license to the same county clerk’s office where it was issued.
