Before you can officially say “I do,” there’s one very important detail every couple needs to check off the list: securing your marriage license. If you’re wondering how to get an Arkansas marriage license, don’t worry. The process is much simpler than it seems!
Whether you’re planning a weekend celebration in Northwest Arkansas or a destination wedding in the Ozarks, we’re here to make sure every part of your day feels effortless (including the legal details!). Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your marriage is recognized and ready for that perfect walk down the aisle.
Where to Get a Marriage License in Arkansas
In Arkansas, marriage licenses are issued through local county clerk offices. That means you can apply in any county, even if you’re tying the knot somewhere else in the state. Most couples simply choose the county where they’re getting married or staying during their wedding weekend for convenience.
You will need to appear in person to apply, as Arkansas does not accept online or mail-in applications. Here are a few commonly used clerk offices in Arkansas:
- Benton County Clerk (Bentonville)
- Washington County Clerk (Fayetteville)
- Pulaski County Clerk (Little Rock)
- Garland County Clerk (Hot Springs)
Please note: In some counties, like Benton County, you will need to schedule an appointment in advance. You can do this through the Clerk’s website.
For our couples getting married in Northwest Arkansas, applying locally in Bentonville or Fayetteville is typically the easiest option.
What to Bring for Your Arkansas Marriage License
Before you head to the county clerk’s office, make sure you have everything you’ll need to complete your application. Arkansas keeps the requirements simple, but both partners must come prepared with:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- Proof of age (you must be 18 or older; under 18 requires special consent)
- Your full legal names, Social Security numbers, and current addresses
- Payment for the license fee (typically around $60, varies by county)
To make this step effortless (and avoid forgetting anything important!), we recommend keeping these documents in your wedding binder or a shared digital planner. That way, you’ll have everything ready before you head to the courthouse!
How the Application Process Works
Once you have your documents ready, the application process is actually quite simple. Both partners must appear in person together at the county clerk’s office. You’ll complete a brief application form, pay the license fee, and your marriage license is issued on the spot! Arkansas has no waiting period, which means you can use it immediately.
Your Arkansas marriage license is valid anywhere in the state for 60 days from the issue date. Just make sure your ceremony takes place within that window. Then, after you say “I do,” your officiant will sign the license and return it to the clerk’s office, officially recording your marriage. That’s it!
Getting a Marriage License as an Out-of-State or Destination Couple
If you’re planning your celebration from another state (or another country!), the good news is that Arkansas makes the process simple for destination couples! You do not need to be an Arkansas resident to apply for a marriage license here.
We recommend arriving in Arkansas at least a day or two before your wedding weekend so you can apply in person at the county clerk’s office. Many of our out-of-state couples make this a fun, intentional part of their weekend, stopping by the clerk on their way to check in at their hotel or rehearsal dinner.
With Great Love Events is always happy to guide you toward the closest office, help you plan timing around your itinerary, and ensure everything flows smoothly from the moment you land to the moment you head home as newlyweds.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Arkansas
Choosing the right officiant is such a meaningful part of your ceremony, and in Arkansas, you have several options. Your wedding can be legally officiated by:
- Ordained ministers or clergy members (including those ordained online)
- Judges
- Justices of the peace
- Certain court officials authorized to perform marriages
Your officiant must complete their portion of the marriage license immediately after the ceremony, then return it to the county clerk’s office within the required timeframe. At With Great Love, we help our couples confirm that their chosen officiant meets all state requirements and understands the process.
Common Questions About Arkansas Marriage Licenses
Can we get married the same day we apply?
Yes! Since Arkansas has no waiting period, you can use your marriage license immediately after it’s issued. That doesn’t mean you have to squeeze it in on your wedding morning — you can certainly get it during the week of your wedding to check off that box!
Do we have to live in Arkansas to get a marriage license?
Nope! Non-residents are welcome to apply for a marriage license and get married anywhere within the state. The same guidelines apply.
Who can officiate the wedding?
Ordained ministers, justices of the peace, judges, and certain court officials can legally officiate weddings in Arkansas. (We can help confirm your officiant meets the requirements!)
How long is an Arkansas marriage license valid?
Your license remains valid for 60 days. Your ceremony must take place within that timeframe. Otherwise, you will need to reapply for a new license.
What happens to the license after our wedding ceremony?
Your officiant is responsible for signing and returning it to the county clerk’s office to make your marriage official.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though the process is straightforward, there are a few easy-to-miss details couples overlook. Here’s how to avoid the most common hiccups:
- Applying too early: Your license is only valid for 60 days. Don’t apply months in advance or it may expire before your ceremony.
- Applying too late: Clerk offices can have limited hours (especially on weekends and holidays), so give yourself enough cushion to avoid last-minute stress.
- Forgetting proper ID: Both partners must bring valid photo identification to secure a marriage license.
- Misspelling names on the application: Double-check everything before signing. Even a small typo can create delays down the road.
- Not confirming your officiant’s credentials: Make sure your officiant is legally authorized in Arkansas before the ceremony.
A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your wedding weekend running effortlessly. We’re always here to guide you through each step with confidence!
How to Change Your Name After the Wedding
If you’re planning to change your name, your Arkansas marriage license is just the first step. After the ceremony, once your officiant returns the signed license, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the county clerk’s office.
These certified copies are what you’ll need to update your:
- Social Security card
- Driver’s license or state ID
- Passport
- Bank accounts
- Insurance policies
- Employer records
Every county handles this slightly differently, but most certified copies cost a small additional fee.
How to Make the Process Stress-Free
Even though getting your marriage license is a simple step, it’s one of those details that’s easy to overlook when you’re juggling guest lists, vendors, timelines, and all the joyful chaos of planning a wedding. That’s where having a seasoned planning team makes all the difference.
At WGL Events, we help our couples stay organized and confident from start to finish — including making sure your marriage license is secured on time and that your officiant has everything they need to ensure the legal side is handled seamlessly.
For our destination couples planning from out of state, we can also provide guidance on where to apply, when to schedule your appointment, and how to keep everything running smoothly throughout your wedding weekend.
With our team, you can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time soaking in every beautiful moment of your engagement and wedding day!
We’d love to walk alongside you on this journey. Reach out to start planning your Arkansas celebration with ease.
