What Are Arizona Marriage Records?

Marriage marks the beginning of a lifelong partnership, but it also involves legal processes that ensure the union is recognized. In Arizona, these legal aspects are captured in official marriage records.

Governed by the Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 25, marriage records help individuals prove their marital status, assist with name changes, and provide critical information for legal matters like inheritance or benefits claims. Arizona has maintained marriage records since 1864 when it was a U.S. territory.

Arizona marriage records include two key documents: marriage licenses and marriage certificates. A marriage license is a legal permission for a marriage to take place. In contrast, a marriage certificate is issued after the ceremony as proof that the marriage has been officially performed and recorded.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

In Arizona, marriage records are typically classified as public records by the Arizona Public Records Law. While generally accessible to the public, these records omit some details to protect the privacy of the individuals named in the records.

The publicly available details in marriage certificates usually include the couple's names, the date and location of the marriage, and the officiant's name. Sensitive information found in marriage records, such as Social Security numbers, home addresses, contact details, financial information, and other personal identifiers, is typically redacted.

Certified copies of marriage records, however, are only available to authorized individuals or those with a legitimate interest in the document. These authorized parties include:

• The individuals named on the record
• Immediate family members such as parents, children, and siblings
• Authorized government officials like law enforcement personnel
• Legal representatives

Obtaining a full, certified copy of a marriage certificate often requires proof of authorization.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Arizona?

Marriage records in Arizona are managed differently than in many other states. Instead of being stored in one central location, like a state Bureau of Vital Records, they are kept at the county level.

Each county's clerk of the superior court is responsible for maintaining marriage records, which generally go back to 1950. These same offices also maintain divorce records, such as divorce certificates and dissolution of marriage documents.

To locate or obtain a marriage record in Arizona, certain details are usually required, such as:

• The full names of both people listed on the record
• The date or approximate year of the marriage
• The county where the marriage license was issued

Obtaining a marriage record usually involves contacting the clerk of the superior court in the relevant county. Depending on the county, requests can often be made in person, by mail, or online. Requesters may need to fill out a form, provide valid identification, and pay a fee.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Marriage certificates in Arizona can be requested or searched in certified copies or informational copies.

A certified copy is an official, legal document. Signed by the clerk of the superior court and bearing an official seal, it is valid for legal purposes, such as changing a name, applying for benefits, or proving marital status.

Meanwhile, an informational copy is a non-certified version. It provides the same details as a certified copy but lacks legal standing and cannot be used for official purposes.

The process for obtaining certified copies of marriage certificates may differ slightly by county, but the general steps to follow are as outlined below:

• Determine the county and the clerk of the superior court.
• Collect the necessary information, such as spouses' full names and the date the marriage took place.
• Request the certificate from the clerk of the superior court in person, by mail, or online by completing a request form.

• • Some counties, like Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court, offer online services for records requests.

• Pay the associated fees. Payment can often be made via credit card, check, or money order.
• Provide a valid government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport.
• Wait for Processing. Processing times can vary depending on the county.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Marriage licenses in Arizona are issued and maintained by the clerk of the superior court in the county where they were originally obtained.

Licenses also include covenant marriages, which have additional legal requirements. These licenses are issued and recorded like standard ones but are marked with a covenant marriage designation, which will appear on the record. When requesting a marriage license copy, individuals must note whether the license pertains to a covenant marriage.

To request a copy of a marriage license, individuals will need to follow these general steps:

• Determine the county of issuance.
• Gather the required information and any additional details that may help locate the record.
• Submit a request in person, by mail, or online.
• Complete the request form. Most counties provide downloadable forms on their official websites.
• Pay the fees. Verify the specific fee structure on the county's website before submitting a request.
• Provide a valid photo ID, which is required to confirm the requester's identity.
• Wait for processing. Processing times may differ depending on the county and the method of request.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to online resources offered by county clerks of the superior court, there are other online options for searching Arizona marriage records.

The Arizona State Archives is a valuable resource for historical marriage records, especially for marriages predating 1950 in certain counties. These archives can often be accessed online, though some searches may require registration or fees. Always review the terms and costs associated with each platform before proceeding.

Commercial record retrieval services like RecordsFinder also provide access to public records, including marriage records. While these platforms often require a subscription or fee, they can quickly offer details such as the individuals' names, date of marriage, and the county where the license was issued.

Non-government services are still required to follow state laws regarding public records. While these online methods cannot replace certified copies of marriage records, they are a convenient way to verify marital details or gather preliminary information.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage is a type of union where the marriage record is not publicly accessible. Couples may choose this option to protect sensitive personal information, avoid public scrutiny, or maintain discretion about their marital status.

In Arizona, however, confidential marriages are not permitted. All marriages in the state are documented as public records, and marriage licenses and certificates are generally accessible under Arizona's Public Records Law.

If a marriage record contains legally sealed or restricted information, access to such details typically requires a court order. To obtain this access, an individual must file a petition with the relevant court, explain their need for the information, and provide legal justification for the request.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

Obtaining a marriage license in Arizona requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and adhering to state guidelines. The process also accommodates covenant marriages, which come with additional legal obligations.

Identification Requirements

Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification to verify their identity and age. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport.

Age Requirements

The minimum age to apply for a marriage license in Arizona is 18. However, individuals aged 16 or 17 may marry with the signed consent of at least one parent or legal guardian and proof of age. Applicants under 16 must obtain approval from a superior court judge, which is granted only under specific circumstances.

Residency Requirement

Arizona does not impose residency requirements for marriage license applicants. Individuals from any state or country may apply, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.

License Validity

A marriage license issued in Arizona is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. The couple must solemnize their marriage within this period. Otherwise, they must reapply for a new license.

Waiting Period

Arizona does not have a waiting period. Couples may marry immediately after obtaining their marriage license.

Officiants and Witnesses

The marriage ceremony must be performed by a recognized officiant, such as a judge, clergy member, or other authorized individual. At least two witnesses must also be present at the ceremony to sign the marriage license.

Blood Test Requirement

Arizona does not require blood tests or medical examinations to apply for a marriage license.

Proxy Marriage

Proxy marriages, where one or both parties are not physically present for the ceremony, are not permitted in Arizona. Both parties must appear in person before the clerk of the superior court to apply for the license and participate in the marriage ceremony.

Covenant Marriage Requirements

According to Arizona law, couples to be wed under a covenant marriage must complete premarital counseling and sign a declaration of intent to enter a covenant marriage.

Applicants must present a notarized attestation affidavit from a counselor or clergy confirming they have completed the required counseling. The affidavit confirms that couples:

• Have discussed the importance of marriage with their counselor
• Acknowledge that covenant marriages are intended to be lifelong commitments
• Recognize the need for marriage counseling if issues arise
• Are aware of the limited grounds for divorce in a covenant marriage
• Have gone over the covenant marriage pamphlet with their counselor or the officiant performing the ceremony

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Mistakes on a marriage certificate or license, such as misspelled names, incorrect dates, or missing information, can be corrected in Arizona through a formal court process. The steps below outline how individuals can address these errors:

• Complete the necessary forms, which may vary depending on the county.
• File the forms with the clerk of the superior court.
• Schedule a hearing at least four business days after applying with the Court Administration.
• Attend the hearing. The filer must also be present if the marriage date is to be corrected. Attendees must bring the following:

• • Two copies of the "Order Correcting Marriage License" for the judge to sign
  • A certified copy of the original marriage license
  • Government-issued photo identification for anyone requesting the correction
  • A birth certificate for the individual whose information is being corrected
  • If applicable, a copy of a death certificate (for a deceased spouse) or prior name change orders

• Obtain a certified copy of the corrected record once the judge signs the correction order.

Applicants must retain copies of all submitted documents for their personal records. While there are fees associated with the process, options for fee deferrals or payment plans are available for those who qualify. The county packets for these corrections and amendments are typically not used for a legal name change and change of identity of either spouse.

Are Marriage Records Under the Arizona Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Arizona Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is designed to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking by shielding them from being found through public records. Since its establishment in 2011, the ACP has helped over 5,600 survivors, with nearly 2,600 people actively enrolled.

Victims who are part of the ACP can use it to keep some of the personal details in their marriage records confidential. When someone enrolls in the program, their personal address is replaced with the substitute address provided by the ACP so they can receive mail safely without revealing their actual location.

Those who need access to marriage records under the ACP may need to contact the program or legal authorities directly.

Arizona Marriage Statistics and Trends

Marriage trends in the U.S. have changed a lot in recent years, with fewer people getting married and more choosing to live together instead.

Currently, 53% of adults in the U.S. are married, down from 58% in 1995. The biggest drop in marriage rates has been among younger adults. Only 18% of people under 30 are married today, compared to 31% in 1995. For adults aged 30 to 49 and those 50 and older, the marriage rate is 62%, lower than it was in 1995, when it was 68% and 65%, respectively.

For Arizona, the state's marriage statistics and trends reveal the following:

Related Articles

What Different Types of Marriages Are There? 

What Is Civil Marriage: Pros and Cons