Officiating a wedding in Arizona
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: azleg.gov
Can you officiate, and is registration required?
Arizona sets no officiant registration or filing. Licensed or ordained clergy, including ministers, elders and others authorized by the customs and rules of a religious society, and a long list of judges may solemnize. The couple gets the license from the Clerk of the Superior Court in any Arizona county, and it stays valid one year from issuance.
Who returns the license, and by when
The person who solemnizes endorses the act of solemnization on the license and returns it to the issuing Clerk of the Superior Court within 30 days after the solemnization. Confirm the window with that clerk.
Suggested return window: about 30 days after the ceremony. Confirm the current deadline with the issuing clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to register to officiate in Arizona?
No. Arizona imposes no registration or filing on officiants; the statute keys authority to the customs and rules of a religious society. Confirm any local expectations with the Clerk of the Superior Court.
How long is an Arizona marriage license good for?
One year from the date of issuance, which is unusually long. Nothing asks an Arizona officiant to prove anything in advance, so the practical failure is the return rather than the authority.
Who returns the marriage license in Arizona, and by when?
The person who solemnized, to the issuing Clerk of the Superior Court, within 30 days after the ceremony. Confirm the window with that 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:azleg.gov.