Commonly Asked Questions
If
you questions are not answered in this section, feel free to
ask them by email.
How
long does a wedding last?
Do we have to memorize our vows?
We have children, can they participate?
What will my wedding officiant be wearing?
What makes for a smooth wedding ceremony?
Will my wedding officiant direct my wedding?
Do we invite the wedding officiant and their assistant
to our reception?
Can we write our own vows?
We want to include someone special in our service.
How can we do this?
Can we take photos during the service?
What time will the officiant arrive?
Are we expected to tip the wedding officiant?
Can the officiant be male or female?
When I get my license, how soon can I get married?
How soon should we book a wedding officiant?
What are the requirements for a Marriage License?
Does my marriage license mean I am married?
What special circumstance weddings are allowed
in Arizona?
Where can I get a marriage license?
How
long does a wedding last?
The time schedule of
the wedding is up to you. The shortest wedding is a civil ceremony
and performed in about ten minutes and the longest 35 minutes.
This does not include the procession time which will depend
on how many and how fast your party walks up the aisle. I believe
a good average is about thirty minutes, which includes the entrance,
ceremony, signing of the license and the recessional.
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Do we have to memorize our vows?
Never, the vows will
be a "repeat after me" or if desired, read from a
small card which the minister will give to you at the appropriate
time. However, should you want to memorize them, that is perfectly
appropriate.
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We have children, can they participate?
Absolutely, children
are a vital part of the newly formed family and their participation
can be as minor as carrying the rings to the altar to spreading
the rose petals up the aisle or reading a special verse during
the ceremony or lighting a unity candle as part of the family.
Their amount of their involvement is up to you and will be included
into the ceremony.
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What will my wedding officiant be wearing?
That again is up to
you but the most popular selection is a black clerical robe,
with or without collar. If black is not the color of choice,
a wine colored clerical robe is very appropriate.
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What makes for a smooth wedding ceremony?
Rehearsals are very
important for everyone to know just what is expected of them,
especially the maid/matron of honor and the best man. Even children
who always brings that atmosphere of joy and the unexpected
need to have a walk or two down the aisle before the big day.
Having a wedding director
is also vital for a smooth, well designed wedding. They will
make sure everyone is where they are suppose to be prior to
the processional, make sure the mothers and other special guests
are seated, signal the start of the music and the entrance of
the wedding officiant, making sure that the groom is well in
place before the bride and her party make their entrances. A
director will make sure the marriage license is where it is
suppose to be and that there is a working pen to signing. They
will also make sure the rings are securely where they are suppose
to be when it comes to the ring ritual in the service. They
will end the service by setting up the receiving line so the
guest can congratulate the newly wed couple.
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Will
my wedding officiant direct my wedding?
No, unfortunately the
wedding officiant can not direct the wedding from the altar
which is where he or she will be standing, awaiting the bridal
party. Most wedding officiant's work with an assistant who will
help direct the wedding if there is no one else. The assistant
will also help the director that you select if they need help
or feel insure about what is expected of them. This service
is not covered in the fee so if you use the services of the
assistant, please remember them with a tip.
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Do we invite the wedding officiant and their
assistant to our reception?
That again is up to
you and the invitation always makes the officiant feel appreciated.
However, more often than not they will decline for they have
a pretty hectic schedule and may have another wedding, rehearsal
or consultation planned.
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Can we write our own vows?
Vows are a very personal
thing and here at A Custom Designed Wedding, we believe each
couple should write or select their own vows. After all this
is what a bride is vowing to her groom and what the groom is
vowing to his bride. One size fits all, when it comes to wedding
vows, doesn't fit at all. A generic vow may work for some and
if that is what you want, it is appropriate. However, to make
that moment as sacred as it is, we feel a vow given by each
of the couple should be spoken and heard for the first time
during the wedding ceremony. We will help you find or design
that perfect vow for you.
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We want to include someone special in our service.
How can we do this?
Many times the bridal
couple may want to honor someone and include them in the ceremony.
This is easily done by having them do a special reading or a
poem during the ceremony.
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Can we take photos during the service?
Absolutely, most professional
will take pictures from the moment the ceremony starts till
the last moment when the bride and groom depart their celebration.
It is only necessary that they use discretion and don't interfere
with the enjoyment of the guest who are witnessing the ceremony.
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What time with the officiant arrive?
Most officiants arrive
about fifteen to twenty minutes before the ceremony.
Are we expected to tip the wedding officiant?
The old adage "
What we give out, is what we get back" comes into mind.
Many ministers are full time and the fee they receive goes directly
to their church.
It may be that the tip
you give them is what they receive as their personal payment
for their service. A tip is always appreciated and shows the
level of appreciation of the bridal couple.
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Can the officiant be male or female?
Ministers and wedding
officiant come in both genders and each bring their own personality
and caring to your ceremony.
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When I get my license, how soon can I get married?
The moment you have
your license, you can be married for there is no waiting period
in the state of Arizona.
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How soon should we book a wedding officiant?
The sooner the better.
It allows you to focus on the other aspects of your special
day. However, circumstances sometimes make last minute a necessity
and we will certainly be happy to work with you. Same day weddings
are available.
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What
are the requirements for a Marriage License?
In order to get married,
you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the
document in your state that allows you to officially tie the
knot under the law. You'll typically need to apply for your
marriage license before your wedding ceremony. .
ID Requirement: Drivers
license or identification card or other identification showing
current address and date of birth. Bringing a certified copy
of your birth certificate is recommended because some counties
require it if you are younger than 30.
Residency Requirement:
Do not have to be a resident of Arizona.
Waiting Period: No waiting
period.
Previous Marriages:
Copies of divorce decree are not required.
Fees:
$50.00 - Cash or money order.
Other Tests: No tests.
Under 18: If you are
16 or 17 years old, you must have the notarized consent of your
parents or legal guardian. If you are under 16, you must have
the notarized consent of your parents or legal guardian as well
as a court order.
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Does
my marriage license mean I am married?
Believe it or not, just
because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail
does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a
justice of the peace, wedding officiant or a religious clergyman
sign the document
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What
special circumstance weddings are allowed in Arizona?
Proxy Marriages: No.
Cousin
Marriages: Yes, first
cousins may marry if both are sixty-five years of age or older.
If one or both first cousins are under sixty-five years of age,
they can marry if they show proof to a superior court judge
that one of them is unable to reproduce.
Common Law Marriages:
No.
Same Sex Marriages:
No.
Officiants:
Marriages may be performed by a member of the clergy,including
a minister, priest, bishop, rabbi, and imam, a judge, a magistrate,
a clerk of the circuit court, or a clerk or clerk-treasurer
of a city or town. Ministers must record the marriage on the
marriage license and return it to the clerk of the Superior
Court within 20 days after the marriage.
Please Note:
State and county marriage license requirements often change.
The above information is for guidance only and should not be
regarded as legal advice.
It is important that you verify all information with your local
marriage license office or county clerk
before making any wedding or travel plans.
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Marriage
licence locations by county
Apache
County
Honorable Sue Hall
P.O. Box 365
St. Johns, AZ 85936
928-337-7550/FAX 928-337-2771
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Cochise
County
Honorable Denise Lundin
P.O. Drawer CK
Bisbee, AZ 85603
520-432-8570/FAX 520-432-4850
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Coconino
County
200 North San Francisco Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-779-6535/FAX 928-556-0530
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Gila County
Honorable Margaret Toot
1400 East Ash Street
Globe, AZ 85501
928-425-3231
FAX 928-425-7802
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Graham
County
Honorable Darlee Maylen
800 Main Street
Safford, AZ 85546
928-428-3100/FAX 928-428-0061
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Greenlee
County
Honorable Cheryl Bowen
P.O. Box 1027
Clifton, AZ 85533
928-865-4242/FAX 928-865-5358
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La Paz
County
Honorable Sheri Newman
1316 Kofa Ave., Ste.607
Parker, AZ 85344
928-669-6131/FAX 928-669-2186
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Obtain Marriage Licenses at this location:
601 West Jackson
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-506-3360/FAX 602-506-5649
Hours:
8am - 5pm /Mon. - Fri.
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Northeast Regional Court Center
18380 N. 40th St. Suite 120
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. / Monday - Friday
602-506-3360
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Northwest Regional Court Center-
Surprise
14264 West Tierra Buena Lane
Surprise, AZ 85374
Hours: 8am - 5pm /Mon. - Fri.
602.506.3360
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Southeast Court Complex, Mesa
222 E. Javelina, Mesa, Arizona 85210
Hours: 8am - 5pm /Mon. - Fri.
602.506.3360
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Chandler City Hall
55 N. Arizona Place
Suite 203
Chandler, Arizona 85225
Hours: 8am - 4:30pm /Mon. - Fri.
480.782.2180- (cash only accepted
for marriage licenses)
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Agua Fria Justice Court
9550 W. Van Buren #6
Tolleson, Arizona 85353
Hours: 8am - 4pm /Mon. - Fri.
623.936.1449
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Estrella Mountain Justice Court
100 N. Apache #C
(623) 386-4289
Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. / 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wed. / Noon - 4 p.m.
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Hassayampa
155 N. Tegner, Suite D
Wickenburg, AZ
602.506.1554
Tues. Only / 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Ironwood Justice Court
209 E. Pima Gila Bend, Arizona 85337
Hours: 8am - 5pm /Mon. - Fri.
602.506.1589
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Maryvale Justice Court
4622 W. Indian School #10, Phoenix, Arizona 85031
Hours: 8am - 4pm /Monday, Thursday, Friday
8am - 12pm/ Wednesday
Does not issue licenses on Tuesday
623.245.0432
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Mohave
County
Honorable Virlynn Tinnell
P.O. Box 7000
Kingman, AZ 86402-7000
928-753-0713 EXT 4377
FAX 928-753-0781
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Navajo
County
Honorable Juanita Mann
P.O. Box 668
Holbrook, AZ 86025
928-524-4188/FAX 928-524-4261
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Pima County
Honorable Patti Noland
110 West Congress, 1st Floor
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-740-3201/FAX 520-798-3531
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Pinal
County
Honorable Kristi Youtsey Ruiz
P.O. Box 2730
Florence, AZ 85232
520-866-6296/FAX 520-866-6252
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Santa
Cruz County
Honorable Delfina E. Bauch
2150 North Congress Drive
Nogales, AZ 85628
P.O. Box 1265
Nogales, AZ 85628
520-375-7700/FAX 520-761-7857
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Yavapai
County
Honorable Jeanne M. Hicks
Yavapai County Courthouse
120 South Cortez Street
Prescott, AZ 86303
928-771-3312/FAX 928-771-3111
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Yuma County
Honorable Beverly Frame
168 South Second Avenue, Ste. B
Yuma, AZ 85364
928-329-2170/FAX 928-329-2007
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