What Are Arkansas Marriage Records?

Marriage records in Arkansas serve as comprehensive documentation of matrimonial unions within the state. Since 1917, Arkansas has maintained official records of marriages, though some counties have preserved records dating back to their formation.

Marriage records exist in two main forms: marriage licenses and marriage certificates. Per Arkansas Code Section 9-11-201(a), a marriage license is a legal requirement for couples to obtain permission for a wedding ceremony. On the other hand, a marriage certificate, issued after the ceremony, stands as official proof that the marriage took place.

When accessed, these documents contain essential information, including the full names of both parties, their ages, places of residence, date and location of marriage, names of witnesses, and the officiant's information.

Marriage records serve multiple important public purposes, from proving marital status for legal proceedings to conducting genealogical research. They are essential for name changes, inheritance claims, and establishing spousal benefits. These documents also help maintain accurate historical records of family relationships and social demographics.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

Marriage certificates in Arkansas exist as public documents under the state's Freedom of Information Act, but their accessibility follows specific rules. The Rules for Administration of Vital Records establish clear guidelines for public access to these records.

For marriage records less than 50 years old, access remains limited to qualified individuals. These authorized parties include the married couple, their children, parents or legal guardians, and authorized legal representatives. Each request must come with proper identification and documentation to prove the relationship to the record subjects.

After 50 years, these records become open to the general public. Available information in publicly accessible marriage records includes the names of the couple, the date of marriage, the location where the marriage took place, and the names of witnesses. Some sensitive details, such as Social Security Numbers, remain protected even in public records.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Arkansas?

A successful search for Arkansas marriage records starts with knowledge of the correct agencies. The Arkansas Department of Health's Vital Records Division maintains marriage records from January 1917 to the present.

Meanwhile, county clerk offices across Arkansas hold marriage records both before and after 1917, which makes them valuable resources for historical research.

To request a marriage record, applicants must provide essential details about the marriage. These include the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, the county where the marriage occurred, and the reason for the request. Valid photo identification becomes necessary to complete the application process.

The state offers multiple methods to obtain these records. Requestors can submit applications in person to the appropriate office, through mail, or via authorized third-party vendors. Each request requires payment of a fee, which varies based on the method of request and number of copies needed.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

In Arkansas, a marriage certificate comes in two forms: a certified copy and an informational copy. A certified copy bears an official seal and signature, which makes it valid for legal purposes like name changes or benefits claims. Conversely, an informational copy lacks legal validity but proves useful for genealogical research.

For centralized services, the Arkansas Vital Records Division provides several options for obtaining an official certified copy of a marriage certificate:

Online

Obtaining Arkansas marriage certificates online can be performed through the steps below:

• Visit the Arkansas Vital Records Online Service website and then click "Continue".
• On the next page, select "Marriage Certificate".
• Applicants must enter their personal details, including their full name, address, phone number, and date of birth.
• Applicants must also provide the following information about the marriage record:

• • The names of the groom and bride
  • The date and county of the marriage
  • Their relationship to the record subject
  • The purpose for requesting the record

• Agree to the attestation statement and proceed to submit the request.

Fees:

• $10 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy
• A $5 processing fee and a $1.85 identity verification fee (non-refundable) apply
• Accepted payments are via Visa, Discover, American Express, or MasterCard

Delivery Timeline:

Processing typically takes 7 to 14 business days, not including shipping time. Delivery times may vary based on the volume of requests.

In-Person

Individuals may visit the Arkansas Department of Health's Vital Records Office to request a marriage certificate in person.

Location:

4815 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205 (across from War Memorial Stadium)

• Office hours are 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday to Friday, excluding state holidays.
• Customers arriving by 4:00 P.M. may receive their certificate the same day if the request is routine (standard or typical request that doesn't require additional processing or special circumstances) and all requirements are met.

By Mail

Certified Arkansas marriage certificates can be requested by mail by following this process:

• Complete an application form, which is available on the department's website or at local health units.
• Enclose a check or money order payable to the Arkansas Department of Health (temporary checks or cash are not accepted).
• Include a copy of valid or acceptable identification.

• Mail all items to:

  Arkansas Department of Health

  Vital Records, Slot 44

  4815 West Markham Street

  Little Rock, AR 72205

Processing takes 10 to 14 business days, with additional time needed for mail delivery.

By Phone

Marriage certificates in Arkansas can also be requested by calling toll-free at (866) 209-9482. Here are the key steps:

• Provide the required information about the marriage record and identification details.
• Pay the applicable fees using a debit or credit card (Visa, Discover, American Express, or MasterCard).
• Choose from multiple expedited shipping options.

For those seeking certified copies of marriage certificates from the county clerk's office, contacting the appropriate office by phone or email to confirm the process is advisable, as available methods may vary.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

A person seeking marriage license records in Arkansas can access this information through county-level resources, as these documents are managed by individual county clerks rather than the state's Vital Records office. Most Arkansas marriage licenses can be searched online using the search tools provided by county clerks.

For example, Clark County provides a comprehensive online portal where individuals can search for marriage licenses. Their system allows searches using the names of the bride or groom, and users can narrow results by specifying date ranges, either the marriage issue date or the recording date. If no dates are entered, the system will display all available records.

Likewise, in Pulaski County, the clerk's office maintains a similar but simplified search system. Users can locate marriage licenses by entering the first and last name of either spouse or the marriage date. The system allows searches with minimal information, but using multiple fields helps narrow results for more precise matches.

While online searches through county portals like Clark and Pulaski are often free, obtaining official copies requires payment.

For the availability of a marriage license search tool and the current fee schedule for a specific county, contact the appropriate clerk's office where the marriage license was issued.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to the Arkansas Vital Records Online Service and online services offered by some county clerks, various online resources can help search Arkansas marriage records.

The Arkansas Digital Archives preserves microfilms of marriage records from 1933 to 1939. Genealogical societies, such as the Arkansas Genealogical Society (AGS) and the Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society (NAGS), also provide valuable resources.

AGS collaborates with FamilySearch to digitize and index Arkansas marriage records, while the NAGS offers a Marriage Bonds Index for Benton County.

For a convenient way to search public marriage records, commercial online platforms like RecordsFinder can be useful. These services help users verify whether a marriage occurred and provide key details about the event.

Note that marriage records obtained from sources not officially endorsed by the Arkansas Department of Health's Vital Records Division are unofficial and uncertified. Additionally, while these services can help locate specific details, they often require payment, with fees varying by provider and requested information.

To maximize the effectiveness of a search, users should gather essential details beforehand, such as the full names of the individuals involved, the marriage date, and the county or city where the license was issued.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

In Arkansas, confidential marriages, where marriage records are sealed from public view, are not legally recognized or permitted. A confidential marriage typically allows couples to keep their union private for various reasons: (A) to protect personal privacy, (B) to avoid public attention or scrutiny, or (C) to maintain discretion for professional or personal reasons.

Unlike states like California that offer confidential marriages, Arkansas marriage records cannot be sealed from public view except under extraordinary circumstances through a court order.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

To apply for a marriage license in Arkansas, individuals must fulfill specific requirements and follow a simple process:

Identification Required:

• Valid government-issued photo ID showing correct name and birth date (driver's license, passport, or military ID)
• Divorced females with name changes must provide a certified divorce decree showing name restoration

Age Requirements:

• Both parties must be 18 or older to marry without parental consent
• Special provisions exist for underage applicants (under 18) with a five-business-day waiting period

Residency Requirement:

• No residency requirement; couples don't need to be Arkansas residents

License Validity:

• Valid for 60 days from the date of issuance
• Must be returned to the clerk's office within 60 days, whether used or unused

Waiting Periods:

• No waiting period for adults
• Five business day waiting period for underage applicants
• No waiting period after divorce

Officiants:

• Ministers must have credentials recorded with an Arkansas county clerk's office before performing ceremonies

Blood Test:

• No blood test required

Proxy Marriage:

• Not allowed; both parties must appear together in person
• Power of Attorney is not acceptable under any circumstances

Fee:

• $60 (cash or credit card only, no checks)
• No refunds issued

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

In Arkansas, if a couple discovers an error on their marriage certificate, it is possible to correct it, depending on the type of mistake. Common errors include:

• Misspelled names
• Incorrect dates (such as birth or marriage dates)
• Clerical mistakes (such as mixing up digits in a birth date or Social Security number)

If the error is identified before the certificate is filed, it can be corrected by contacting the county clerk's office.

However, if the certificate has already been issued, a court order may be necessary to correct the mistake. The couple must file a petition with the court explaining the error and present the court order to the county clerk to amend the certificate. Depending on the county's procedures, the process may involve fees and could require in-person attendance.

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

Marriage records in Arkansas are not protected under the Arkansas Address Confidentiality Program (ACP). The Arkansas ACP only ensures confidentiality for individuals with safety concerns, such as domestic violence victims, regarding their driver's licenses. This program does not apply to marriage records.

These records remain publicly accessible unless a court order seals them. Individuals wishing to keep their marriage records confidential must obtain a court order, as the ACP does not offer protection for marriage records.

Arkansas Marriage Statistics and Trends

Marriage and cohabitation trends in the U.S. show evolving dynamics, with 59% of adults aged 18-44 cohabiting, surpassing the 50% who marry. In Arkansas, marriage patterns differ from national averages. Here are key marriage statistics for the state:

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