{"id":371569,"date":"2019-01-03T16:51:53","date_gmt":"2019-01-03T21:51:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-marriage-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-09-18T14:41:32","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T19:41:32","slug":"arizona-marriage-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-marriage-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Marriage Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Arizona Marriage Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

When a couple decides to get married<\/a>, they may get so caught up in other aspects of the relationship that they lose sight of the legality of the union. Whenever parties form a contractual relationship, they have certain rights and responsibilities. Sometimes, conditions must be met before entering into the contract.<\/p>\r\n

This is true for the marriage contract. The engaged couple must follow certain requirements that enable them to get married. These include specific age, consent, and capacity requirements<\/a>. Although there’s uniformity in state marriage requirements, the laws do vary by jurisdiction. Getting married in Arizona requires familiarity with Arizona law to ensure a smooth road to matrimony.<\/p>\r\n

Arizona Marriage Laws Synopsis<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

While an attorney’s advice is important when you must know every facet of the law, a plain-language explanation of a statute can give a great introduction. See the chart below for a brief synopsis of marriage laws in Arizona.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Statutes<\/th>\r\n

Arizona Revised Statutes:<\/p>\r\n

Valid marriage<\/th>\r\n

For a valid marriage in Arizona:<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
  • The couple must get a marriage license<\/li>\r\n
  • Take part in a marriage ceremony<\/li>\r\n
  • The marriage must be solemnized (by a person legally authorized to do so) before the license expires<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    Marriage Licenses Requirements<\/b><\/p>\r\n

    To get a license:<\/p>\r\n

      \r\n
    • The couple must appear together at one of the Justice Court offices and must provide a valid form of I.D., such as a driver\u2019s license.<\/li>\r\n
    • There is no blood test and no waiting period.<\/li>\r\n
    • The license is valid for 12 months.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

      If either party is under the legal age of 18, they must give a court order and sworn statement from the minors\u2019 parents or guardians to the county clerk.<\/p>\r\n

      In cases involving minors, the court may need more documentation to ensure the marriage is in the best interest of the minors.<\/p>\r\n

      Marriage Ceremony<\/b><\/p>\r\n

      The wedding ceremony doesn’t have to be traditional, but a person authorized to solemnize marriages in Arizona must perform it.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Covenant marriage<\/th>\r\n

You have two options: a standard marriage or a covenant marriage because Arizona recognizes "covenant marriages<\/a>." That’s a marriage contract where the couple promises to remain married for life and not to get a divorce.<\/p>\r\n

Covenant Marriage Requirements<\/b><\/p>\r\n

Other types of marriages\/ prohibited marriages<\/th>\r\n

Same-Sex Marriage<\/b><\/p>\r\n

Same-sex marriage is legal<\/a> in all states including Arizona.<\/p>\r\n

Common-Law Marriage<\/b><\/p>\r\n

Common-law marriages created within the state aren’t valid. But Arizona recognizes common law marriages that are valid in other jurisdictions.<\/p>\r\n

Prohibited Marriages<\/b><\/p>\r\n