How To Get a Marriage License In Arkansas
Marriage Licenses…What are they?
From Google: A marriage license is a document, issued by a public authority (usually a county clerk), that grants a couple seeking to marry the permission to do so. The requirements to obtain a marriage license vary by state, but they usually include valid identification, an application, and a fee.
That checks out…But how do I get one in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk, in the respective county you wish to pick up your license from. You do not have to get the marriage license in the county you are getting married in, nor do you have to be from Arkansas.
For a high level view, the process is as follows:
Go with your partner to the county clerk’s office
Each of y’all will present government identification to prove who you are
Pay a fee
Get the marriage license
Get the marriage license signed on your wedding day
Bring it back to the county clerk’s office within 60 days of picking it up
The process is pretty standard across the state. I’ll provide an example below of how to attain one, for the county I live in: Washington County.
Example process…
The first step is to go to the county clerk’s website. I recommend just googling “insert the county you are getting your marriage license in + County Clerk” As stated above, for this exercise, we’re doing Washington County.
The Washington County Clerk Website has a link that takes you directly to their information on marriage licenses. Some counties may require you to book an appointment, such as Benton County, but some don’t, like Washington County. If you aren’t sure, or can’t tell from the website, feel free to call.
The website lines it out pretty well: you and your partner both show up, present valid identification, pay a $60 fee (cash-only), and then receive your marriage license. Since Marriage Licenses are required to be returned within 60 days of picking it up, I recommend getting it the week of your wedding. After getting it signed at your wedding, you will go back to the same county clerk’s office you picked it up at, and then you are legally married!
Seems pretty simple! Is this the way it is across all counties in Arkansas?
While individual requirements may vary per county, a few things are standard in each county of Arkansas.
Both applicants must be present and together when applying for the license
You must present valid government issued photo identification
You must pay a fee
Your marriage license must be signed by a minister who’s credentials are recorded with a County Clerk’s Office in the State of Arkansas prior to a wedding ceremony
Oooo…. I don’t know a minister who’s credentials are recorded with a County Clerk’s Office…What do I do?
Book Leah’s Wedding Services! Leah is an ordained minster who’s credentials are recorded in Benton County Arkansas, and is proud to officiate weddings all over Arkansas. Not only will she write and perform a custom ceremony that is exactly what you and your partner want, she is able to sign your marriage license and get you all squared away legally.