How to Get a Marriage License in Arkansas

Arkansas is called the Natural State for a reason—this South Central region of the United States is known for its breathtaking state parks and wilderness areas. Filled with mountains, caves, rivers, streams, and hot springs, Arkansas provides the most dreamy backdrop to say “I do,” whether it’s framed by lush rolling hills, overlooking a vast body of water, or nestled in a dense woodland.

In addition to the botanical terrains that this locale offers, Arkansas is also home to bustling cities, such as Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville. With annual food festivals and state fairs, world-class museums, and Southern-inspired staples, like fried catfish and possum pie, the Natural State embodies rich history and culture guaranteed to bring energy and vitality to any affair. Sounds like the quintessential location to say "I do," right?

Before you can officially wed in the region, though, you must apply for a marriage license no matter if you’re a local resident or you’re traveling to Arkansas for a destination wedding. But if you're unsure where to start, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you out. Ahead, here's how to get a marriage license in Arkansas.

Types of Arkansas Marriage Licenses

In order to properly apply for a marriage license, you’ll need to request the right type of document based on your future union—that is, a regular marriage license or a covenant marriage license. Unsure which one to choose? The biggest distinguishing factor between them is the premarital procedures and divorce guidelines each requires.

More specifically, a regular marriage license follows all state marriage laws and doesn’t call for certain stipulations needed to prepare for the wedding or attend to in the case of a divorce. With a covenant marriage license, on the other hand, you must attend premarital counseling before the big day. Having a covenant license also means that you’re required to seek a marriage counselor if you’re considering ending your marriage—an attempt to lower divorce rates.

Where to Apply for an Arkansas Marriage License

Since you can’t apply for your Arkansas marriage license online, you’ll need to pay a visit to any county clerk’s office in the state. You can schedule an appointment at one of the 75 offices across Arkansas, so you won’t need to get a license from the county that you reside in or the county where you’ll be getting married. Keep in mind, however, that you and your partner will both need to be present in order to secure your license.

When to Get an Arkansas Marriage License

There’s no waiting period for marriage licenses in Arkansas if you’re of legal marrying age, but the document does have an expiration date, so you’ll need to get married within 60 days of obtaining it. Meaning, for those who are at least 18 years old, you’ll receive your license on the same day that you apply. However, 17-year-old males and 16-year-old females tying the knot will have to wait five days before receiving theirs.

Legal Documents Needed for an Arkansas Marriage License

There are a variety of documents that you’ll need to bring to your appointment, which we list below. Unlike other states, proving your residency or getting a blood test aren’t prerequisites. 

• Proof of Identity and Age: You and your partner must verify your name and date of birth. If you’re older than 21 years old, a valid driver’s license will suffice, but if you are between the ages of 18 and 21, you’ll need to provide a state-certified copy of your birth certificate, an active military identification card, or a valid passport.
• Divorce Decree: If you or your significant other changed your name due to a previous divorce, but your form of identification doesn’t reflect that change, you must present a divorce decree to your county clerk. If your former spouse is deceased, you’ll need to bring information regarding the date, county, and state of their death.
• Parental Consent for Minors: The legal marrying age in Arkansas is 18 years old. That said, 17-year-old males and 16-year-old females can wed if they provide parental consent.
• Money: The fee for an Arkansas marriage license is $60. The state doesn’t accept credit or debit cards, so make sure to bring enough cash. If you want a copy of your marriage license, some counties charge an additional $5.

How to Get Married in Arkansas

Once you secure your Arkansas marriage license, don’t forget to bring it with you to your venue. On the big day, your officiant will fill out the license and sign it before asking for you and your future spouse’s signatures. Unlike many other states, Arkansas doesn’t require any additional signatures from witnesses. Keep in mind that a valid officiant in the Natural State is a justice of the peace or any ordained minister with state-approved credentials.

Receiving Your Arkansas Marriage License

After the wedding, you and your significant other will return the signed marriage license back to the same county clerk’s office before the 60-day period ends. Although this is usually the officiant’s responsibility in other states, in Arkansas, the task falls on the two of you. If you pass the deadline, you’ll need to pay a $100 fine.

The county clerk’s office will process your request and mail the original document to you. You’ll probably also want to request copies (costing $5 each), which will help change your name and marital status for legal documents, like your passport or social security card. You can get a copy online through the Arkansas government’s Vital Records service or mail an order to the Arkansas Department of Health. Either route takes up to 14 days to receive a copy. If you live near Little Rock, you’re also welcome to walk into the Arkansas Department of Health, which has less of a wait time: You’ll get your copy in the mail or you can pick it up the following day.