Marriage license Laws in the state of Arkansas, here is what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the Arkansas marriage laws before filling out the Arkansas marriage license form.

You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.

When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.

And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement: Picture id such as Drivers License, and Birth Certificate. If no Birth Certificate is available, you will need 3 forms of identification with name and birth date available on the document.

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.

Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Arkansas.

Waiting Period: No waiting period.

Fees: Cash Only! $35

Other Tests: No tests.

Age Requirement: Under 18 requires consent of both sets of parents.

Officiants: Any regularly ordained minister or priest of any religious sect or denomination may perform marriages. Ministers must have their ordination credentials filed by the county clerk who will then issue a certificate to the minister. The marriage license must be completed by the minister and returned to the county clerk within 60 days from the date the license was issued.

Valid: License is valid for 60 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Arkansas.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.
Arkansas County Clerk's Office