Getting a Marriage License in Arkansas
Where to apply for a marriage license in Arkansas, what to bring, the waiting period, how long it's valid, and the minimum marriage age.
Short answer: Couples must first get a license from the county clerk of any Arkansas county (in counties with two judicial districts, circuit clerks may also issue them). Ark. Code Ann. §§ 9-11-201, 9-11-203, 9-11-209, 9-11-102(b)(6)
| Getting a marriage license | Couples must first get a license from the county clerk of any Arkansas county (in counties with two judicial districts, circuit clerks may also issue them). The clerk issues the license on application, once satisfied the applicants are legally entitled to marry, and on payment of the fee. The clerk records each applicant's Social Security number (or notes that the applicant has none). If the clerk doubts an applicant's age or a parent's consent, the clerk may require birth certificates or sworn affidavits. For a license issued to a 17-year-old with parental consent, there is a five-business-day waiting period. Mirror: Arkansas Code text was read on FindLaw (codes.findlaw.com), a mirror of the official code. FindLaw states the text is current as of March 28, 2024. |
|---|
Where to get help in Arkansas
More Arkansas divorce & family law
- Adopting a Child in Arkansas
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Arkansas
- Establishing Paternity in Arkansas
- Changing Your Name in Arkansas
- Child Custody Laws in Arkansas
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Arkansas
- Divorce Records in Arkansas
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Arkansas
- How to File for Divorce in Arkansas
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Arkansas
- All Arkansas divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you get a marriage license in Arkansas?
Couples must first get a license from the county clerk of any Arkansas county (in counties with two judicial districts, circuit clerks may also issue them). The clerk issues the license on application, once satisfied the applicants are legally entitled to marry, and on payment of the fee. The clerk records each applicant's Social Security number (or notes that the applicant has none). If the clerk doubts an applicant's age or a parent's consent, the clerk may require birth certificates or sworn affidavits. For a license issued to a 17-year-old with parental consent, there is a five-business-day waiting period.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.