How Laypeople Can Legally Officiate Weddings In Arizona

Arizona is a popular wedding destination, known for its spectacular views and picturesque scenery. If you're planning to get married in the Grand Canyon State, there are a few important things you should know. While Arizona does not require wedding officiants to register with any government office, only certain individuals are legally authorized to perform weddings in the state. These include ordained ministers, judges, and religious leaders. Additionally, the couple must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk's office and the officiant must be at least 18 years old.

Who can officiate a wedding in Arizona?

According to Arizona state law, the following individuals are authorised to perform a wedding ceremony:

• Duly licensed or ordained clergymen, including ministers, elders or other persons who by the customs, rules and regulations of a religious society or sect are authorised or permitted to officiate at marriage ceremonies
• Judges of courts of record
• Municipal court judges
• Justices of the peace
• Justices of the United States Supreme Court
• Judges of courts of appeals, district courts and courts that are created by an act of Congress if the judges are entitled to hold office during good behaviour
• Bankruptcy court and tax court judges
• United States magistrate judges
• Judges of the Arizona court of military appeals

While Arizona law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office, it is important to note that officiants must be ordained ministers to legally perform marriages. Local regulations in Arizona stipulate that wedding officiants under the designation of "Minister" be ordained by a religious organisation.

Additionally, there are some basic steps that individuals must follow to officiate a wedding in Arizona:

• Become ordained online
• Check county marriage requirements
• Obtain a valid marriage license
• Prepare for the wedding

What are the requirements to become an officiant?

To become a wedding officiant in Arizona, you must be an ordained minister. However, there are no laws or procedures requiring officiants to register with any government office.

Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Arizona?

According to Arizona Revised Statutes § 25-124, the following people are authorised to solemnise marriages:

• Duly licensed or ordained clergymen
• Judges of courts of record
• Municipal court judges
• Justices of the peace
• Justices of the United States Supreme Court
• Judges of courts of appeals, district courts, and courts created by an act of Congress (if the judges are entitled to hold office during good behaviour)
• Bankruptcy court and tax court judges
• United States magistrate judges
• Judges of the Arizona court of military appeals

Ordination

Ordination can be done online and is fast, free, and simple. Once ordained, you have the legal ability to officiate weddings anywhere in Arizona.

Minimum Age

In the state of Arizona, officiants must be at least 18 years of age to conduct the ceremony.

Official Paperwork

To guarantee that you have all the proper credentials, you can purchase the Classic Wedding Package, which includes everything an officiant needs to prove officiant status. It is also a good idea to keep personal records of your official Ministry Credentials, as proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

What documents do I need to show to officiate a wedding in Arizona?

In Arizona, the requirements for officiating a wedding depend on the county where the wedding will be held. However, there are some general rules that apply across the state.

Firstly, Arizona law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office. However, to be able to legally perform a marriage, one must be an ordained minister. This means that local regulations require wedding officiants designated as "Minister" to be ordained by a religious organization, such as American Marriage Ministries.

To be a wedding officiant in Arizona, you must be at least 18 years old.

To obtain the necessary credentials to officiate a wedding, you can order an Arizona Minister Ordination Package, which includes an Ordination Certificate and Letter of Good Standing. The Letter of Good Standing is signed by a church officer, dated, and notarized.

Once you have the necessary credentials, you should contact the county clerk's office in the county where the wedding will be held. The officials there will be able to tell you what documents you need to show them to verify your ordination status. These requirements vary from county to county, so it is best to contact them beforehand.

Some counties in Arizona may ask ministers to present an ordination certificate and/or an Official Letter of Good Standing from the church. The Classic Wedding Package offered through the Universal Life Church includes everything an officiant needs to prove their status.

In addition to having the proper credentials, wedding officiants in Arizona should also be familiar with the rules regarding marriage licenses. The couple must obtain the marriage license, but the officiant should understand the relevant rules and unique requirements of the county where the wedding will take place. For example, the marriage license will be valid for one year, and there is no mandatory waiting period after receiving the license before the ceremony can be legally performed. After the ceremony, the signed marriage license must be returned to the clerk's office within 10-30 days.

How do I get ordained in Arizona?

To get ordained in Arizona, you must be at least 18 years old and become a minister by obtaining your minister's license through an online ordination process. This can be done through organisations such as the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries. The ordination process is typically free, quick and easy. Once ordained, you will be able to perform weddings for friends, family or anyone else in need of an officiant.

While there is no state-level registration necessary in Arizona, you must be an ordained minister to be able to legally perform marriages. Local regulations in Arizona stipulate that wedding officiants under the designation of "Minister" be ordained by a religious organisation. It is recommended to keep a personal record of your official Ministry Credentials, as proof of your ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials or the wedding venue.

After obtaining your ordination, you will need to contact the county clerk's office in the county where the wedding will be held to check what documents are required. You may be asked to show a number of items to verify your ordination status, and these requirements often vary from county to county.

What are the rules regarding marriage licenses in Arizona?

Arizona has a few rules regarding marriage licenses that you should be aware of. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

Age and Identification Requirements:

• Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent.
• If either party is under 18, a notarized parental consent form is required, along with proper identification and signatures from the parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
• Each individual must provide a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, state ID card, military ID card, or other government-issued photo ID.
• Matricula Consular ID cards are also accepted as valid identification if issued using biometric identity verification techniques.

Application and Fee:

• The couple must apply for the marriage license in person at the county clerk's office, and both parties must be present.
• Certain counties may allow couples to apply by mail, so check with your county of residence for current protocols.
• The fee for a marriage license is typically $83, but this may vary by location.
• Accepted payment methods vary; some locations accept cash, money orders, debit cards, or credit cards, while others only accept specific forms of payment.

Validity and Expiry:

• The marriage license is valid for one year from the date of issuance. If you do not get married within that year, the license will expire, and you will need to obtain a new one.
• The marriage ceremony can be performed on the same day the license is issued if prior arrangements have been made with an officiant.

Witnesses and Officiants:

• Two witnesses to the marriage ceremony, who are at least 18 years old, must be present and sign the marriage license.
• The officiant must be legally authorized to perform marriages in Arizona and can be any of the following: duly licensed or ordained clergy, judges of various courts, justices of the peace, or other designated officials.
• Online ordained ministers are also recognized as authorized officiants in Arizona.

After the Ceremony:

• The signed marriage license must be returned to the clerk's office within 30 days of the ceremony for it to be officially recorded.
• The newly married couple keeps the remainder of the original license.
• If you plan to change your last name after the marriage, you can pay an extra fee (around $37) to have your marriage certificate mailed to you after the marriage license has been recorded.

These are the essential rules regarding marriage licenses in Arizona. Be sure to check with your specific county for any additional requirements or variations in the process.

Frequently asked questions