Arkansas Marriage Laws

Arkansas State's Marriage Ceremony Officiating Requirements

Any one of the regularly ordained minister, priest of any religious sect or denomination may perform marriages. Only thing is that ministers have their ordination credentials filed by the county clerk, who will issue a certificate to the minister. The minister should complete the marriage license and returned to the county clerk within 60 days from the date of license issued.

Information About Arkansas Marriage License Law

The Arkansas marriage license is valid for 60 days anywhere in Arkansas. Following are some rules and requirements for Arkansas marriage license as per Arkansas marriage laws. It is necessary to return it even it is used or unused, within 60 days to the County Clerk's Office where applied for recording or a $100 Bond will be executed against the applicants.

Before one apply for a Arkansas marriage license, what is needed and which documents to bring with is given below. It is better to finish all the legal procedures at least a month prior the wedding date.

Residency Requirement: It is not at all necessary to be resident of Arkansas and license can be used anywhere in Arkansas.

Identification Requirement: Those who are in between 18 to 21 years, must provide ID in the form of state certified birth certificate copy, active Military ID card, or valid passport.

For above 21 years of applicants, both applicants must be present along with a picture identification may be a driving license is required.

If Previously Married: If one getting married after divorce, decree certified copy is necessary to be with applicant or should have the information regarding date, county and state of death of previous spouse. In case of change of the name, a certified copy of the divorce decree of that applicant is must.

Wait Period in Arkansas: You do not have a waiting period in Arkansas.

Covenant Marriages in Arkansas: Yes.

Marriage Fees Required in Arkansas: $35 - $47 approximately and by cash only. But it may vary from county to county.

Any Other Test Required in Arkansas: Blood or other medical tests are not required to get married in Arkansas.

Proxy Marriages in Arkansas: No, proxy marriages are not allowed in Arkansas.

Common Law Marriage Option in Arkansas: No.

Cousin Marriage in Arkansas: No, cousin marriages are not allowed in Arkansas.

Marriage for Same-Sex Option in Arkansas: No, a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage is passed by Arkansas voters in November, 2004.

Marriage Witnesses in Arkansas: At a wedding in Arkansas witnesses are not required.

Under 18 Marriages: In case of under 18 marriages, a parental consent is must and state certified birth certified copy, an active Military ID card, or a valid passport is also required. Both parents must be present to sign the marriage book with the applicants when the license is issued and if not then certified papers for verification of their death, separation, divorce or other circumstances for not signing is must be provided with the proper identification, or in case of having legal guardian, then also they have to be present with a legal court order and the valid identification.

About Marriage Certificate Copy:

it's better if you confirm the information with the Arkansas county clerk or the local marriage license office before finalizing the marriage plans.