Applying for a Marriage License in Arkansas

If you've just set a date for your wedding, this can be an exciting time for the two of you! Don't let the marriage license laws of Arkansas put a dent in your wedding plans.

Listed below are what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for an Arkansas marriage license. We recommend getting this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your wedding date.

Arkansas marriage licenses are issued by the local County Clerk's office, in the county where your wedding will take place. For an interactive list of county office information, including addresses and phone numbers, click here. Congratulations and much happiness as you begin your lifetime journey together!

Requirements may vary as each county in Arkansas could have their own

Residency Requirement

You do not have to be a resident of Arkansas. The license can be used anywhere in Arkansas.

ID Requirement

If you are between 18 and 21, you must provide identification in the form of a state-certified copy of your birth certificates, an active Military ID card, or a valid passport. Both applicants need to be present. A valid driver's license will suffice if you are over 21.

Previous Marriages

If you were previously married, you will need to show your divorce decree, or have information regarding date, county, and state of death of the previous spouse. If your name has changed, you need to bring a certified copy of your divorce decree.

Covenant Marriage Option

Yes.

Waiting Period

Arkansas does not have a waiting period.

Fees

Statewide, the cost of a marriage license in Arkansas is $60. Some counties charge an additional $5 for a certified copy.

Other Tests

No blood or medical tests required to get married in Arkansas.

Proxy Marriages

No. Arkansas does not allow proxy marriages.

Cousin Marriages

No. Arkansas does not allow cousin marriages.

Common-Law Marriages

No. Arkansas does not allow common-law marriages.

Same-Sex Marriages

As of May 10, 2014, the answer is yes. Although in November 2004, Arkansas voters passed a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, it was overturned by Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza. The 1997 state law banning gay marriage was also overturned as a violation of the rights of gay couples.

Under 18

Parental consent is needed if under 18 years of age. You need to present a state-certified copy of your birth certificate, an active Military ID card, or a valid passport. Your parent must be present to sign the marriage book with the applicants when the license is issued. If a parent is unable to sign, due to death, separation, divorce or other circumstances, you must produce certified papers for verification of those circumstances. Males under the age of 17 and females under 16 cannot marry without an Arkansas court order. This is usually given only in extreme circumstances, such as if the female is pregnant or the couple already has a child together.

Officiants

Ministers must have their credentials recorded in one of Arkansas' 75 counties.

Witnesses

Witnesses are not required at a wedding in Arkansas.

Miscellaneous

An Arkansas marriage license is valid for sixty (60) days. It must be returned used or unused, within 60 days to the County Clerk's Office where you applied for recording or a $100 Bond will be executed against all applicants.

Copy of Certificate of Marriage

Obtain a copy of a certificate of marriage by sending a request to the following address:

Arkansas Department of Health

Vital Records, Slot 44

4815 West Markham Street

Little Rock, AR 72205

(501) 661-2336

You can also request a certificate through the state's Public Health Office's vital records portal.

An Important Reminder

Please note that we make every effort to offer you common-sense marriage advice and helpful information about marriage on this website, but we are not attorneys and the articles on the site are not to be construed as legal advice.

The information in this article was accurate when it was published. It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

This site has a worldwide audience, and marriage laws and regulations vary from state to state and country to country. When in doubt, seek legal counsel.