Officiating a wedding in Arkansas
Registration, the license, and who returns it — the essentials for officiants.
Informational only. Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm the current rule with the county clerk or issuing office that handles the license.
Reviewed August 2026 · Issuing office: pulaskiclerkar.gov
Can you officiate, and is registration required?
Arkansas asks ministers to record their credentials with a county clerk before performing a ceremony, and recording in any one county counts statewide. The clerk issues a certificate that the credentials are on file, and the officiant states the county and filing date on the marriage certificate. Officiating without that recording is a misdemeanor, so record well before the date and ask the clerk in advance whether your credential will be accepted.
Who returns the license, and by when
The officiant signs the license and hands it back at the ceremony, and the couple files it with the county clerk. The clock runs from the date of the license rather than from the wedding: it goes back to the office of the clerk within 60 days of the license date, used or unused. Confirm the count with the issuing clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to register to officiate in Arkansas?
Yes. A minister records credentials with an Arkansas county clerk before the ceremony and keeps the clerk’s certificate that they are on file. One county’s recording works statewide. Ask that clerk in advance whether your credential will be accepted.
Who files the marriage license in Arkansas?
The officiant signs and returns the license to the couple at the ceremony, and the couple files it with the county clerk.
When is an Arkansas marriage license due back?
Within 60 days of the date on the license, not 60 days after the wedding, and it goes back whether or not it was used. Confirm the count with the issuing county clerk.
Never miss a return deadline
RiteBinder's license tracker keeps every state's note in front of you (free, no card). On Solo it also turns the signed license into a task and reminds you before the deadline.
Confirm the current rule with the issuing office:pulaskiclerkar.gov.