This is everything you need to know about legally eloping in the state of Arizona from an Arizona Elopement Photographer.
Elopements are becoming more and more popular for that small and intimate wedding experience! But many do not know where to even begin with the legalities of it… That’s where your local Elopement Photographer can help!
Two ways to go about legally eloping
First Option: If you are flying in from out-of-state you can obtain your marriage license in your home state!
Second Option: Obtain everything in Arizona.
Getting married in your home state first
There are so many options when it comes to legally eloping! An option that a lot of elopers are not aware of is getting there marriage license in their home state before traveling to their desired location for the actual ceremony!
For Example:
If you live in Montana but wish to elope in Arizona, you can pick up your marriage license in Montana and then have a quick ceremony in there before coming to Arizona. After completing all the legal requirements and becoming “legally married” in Montana, you can then travel to Arizona to elope and have the ceremony of your dreams while technically already being married.
Pros:
- You do not need to hire an Arizona officiant
- You won’t need to dedicate a day to obtaining your marriage license in Arizona
- You do not need to provide witnesses at your elopement
Cons:
- Your elopement date will not match the marriage date on your license
- You’ll technically have two ceremonies
- You will not have an Arizona marriage license
Eloping in Arizona with Kiera Raye Photography
To elope in Arizona, you need a marriage license, an officiant, two witnesses, and possibly a permit, depending on your location.
Marriage License
In Arizona, you must get your marriage license in person within a year of your elopement date. There is no waiting period, so you can go to any Justice Court office in the state on the day of your elopement and pick it up. You both need to be present to get your license, and you’ll need $83 and your IDs.
Officiant
Arizona requires an officiant to sign your marriage license and perform the ceremony. You can hire an elopement officiant who will join you on your adventure, or if you like the idea of having a friend or family member perform your ceremony, getting ordained on Universal Life Church is super easy! Anyone (over 18) can become a minister in seconds, and will be able to legally officiate your ceremony.
Witnesses
To legally elope in Arizona, you will need two witnesses. The only requirement is that they be over the age of eighteen – so if you’re not inviting guests to your elopement, don’t fret! Your photographer or any other vendors can act as witnesses, or you can ask anyone you run into at your trailhead or ceremony spot – everyone is usually thrilled to sign the papers and help out.
For detailed instructions on obtaining a marriage license and contact information for county offices, please refer to the official websites for Arizonas county clerk’s offices.
