Getting Married in Pinal County: License and Officiant Guide

Step 1: Get the marriage license

Marriage licenses in Arizona are issued by the Clerk of the Superior Court. In Pinal County that's the Clerk's office in Florence, with additional locations that may vary; check the county website for current hours before you go. You can also get a license from any Arizona county and use it anywhere in the state.

Both of you must appear in person with valid government-issued photo ID. There is a fee, payable at the time of issuance. If either of you has been married before, you'll be asked how the prior marriage ended, but you generally don't need to bring the divorce decree.

Step 2: There's no waiting period

Once the license is issued, you can marry the same day. The license is valid for one year, so there's no pressure to rush either.

Step 3: Choose an officiant

Arizona allows ordained or licensed clergy, judges, and certain other officials to perform marriages. An ordained officiant can perform your ceremony anywhere: a courthouse steps, a backyard, a park, a restaurant. You do not need to have the ceremony at a religious venue or a government building.

Step 4: Have the ceremony

Arizona requires the couple, the officiant, and two witnesses who are at least 18. The ceremony itself can be as short as a few sentences or as long as you like. After the ceremony the officiant and witnesses sign the license.

Step 5: Return the license

The signed license must be returned to the Clerk's office that issued it, typically within 30 days. The officiant usually handles this. Once it's recorded, you can order certified copies of your marriage certificate, which you'll need for name changes, insurance, and so on.

What a simple ceremony looks like

Many couples want something meaningful but not elaborate. A typical short ceremony runs 10 to 15 minutes and includes a brief welcome, a few words about the couple, the exchange of vows and rings, and the pronouncement. We write each ceremony for the couple and send a draft ahead of time so nothing is a surprise.

Planning tips

• Bring the license to the ceremony. No license, no wedding.
• Confirm your two witnesses in advance and make sure they'll have ID.
• For outdoor ceremonies in summer, plan for early morning or evening.
• If you want a specific date, book the officiant as soon as you have it.

← Back to all guides