Yes, you can get a marriage license and get married the same day in Arkansas. Under Arkansas law, couples can obtain a marriage license and get married on the same day. The law allows this with a few exceptions.
First, both applicants must appear in person and be at least 18 years of age or older. Second, both applicants must show valid IDs and proof of age. Third, there are no waiting periods and no blood tests required to get a license.
Lastly, the marriage license is only valid for 60 days after it is issued, so it is important to plan accordingly and get married within that time frame.
Table of Contents
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Arkansas?
The process of obtaining a marriage certificate in Arkansas can take from 2-5 business days, depending on the county and the process. The first step is to obtain a marriage license from the County Courthouse.
This requires both individuals to be present and bring appropriate identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate. Once the license has been issued and the wedding ceremony performed, the officiator must fill out and sign the marriage certificate.
The certificate must then be sent to the County Clerk’s office, which will process the paperwork and issue the marriage certificate. Generally, the certificate can be picked up and paid for at the County Clerk’s office, although some counties may issue it electronically.
How much is a courthouse wedding in Arkansas?
The cost of a courthouse wedding in Arkansas depends on the county in which the ceremony is taking place. Typically, the cost can range from less than $100 in some counties, to over $200 in others. The cost will also depend on the type of ceremony you are requesting.
In most Arkansas counties, a basic marriage licensing fee should be expected. This fee typically ranges from $50 to $60, with an additional fee of around $20 for an official marriage certificate. However, some counties may offer more comprehensive services for additional fees.
For a small fee, couples may be able to have a courthouse marriage ceremony. This typically includes a brief service and is conducted by a court clerk or justice of the peace. Depending on the county and type of ceremony, this fee can range from $50 to $100.
What are the requirements to get married in Arkansas?
In order to get married in Arkansas, both you and your partner must meet a number of requirements. First, you will both need to be at least 18 years of age or 16 with parental consent. If you are 16 or 17, you must also provide proof of age with either a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate.
You will both need to present valid IDs with photos.
In addition to age requirements, both you and your partner must be unmarried at the time of marriage. If either of you were previously married, you will need to present the divorce decree.
You and your partner will need to bring the necessary documents to the county clerk’s office where you wish to get married. The county clerk will facilitate the marriage and provide you with the marriage license.
You will also need to provide valid Social Security numbers, or if you do not have one, you will need to provide a form requesting an exemption. In Arkansas, you can have your marriage ceremony anywhere in the state, regardless of the county you purchased the marriage license (unless instructed otherwise by the county clerk).
It is also important to note that Arkansas recognizes common law marriages, if the couple has met the requirements previously established under AR § 9-11-108. Those requirements are that the man and woman must be living together as husband and wife, holding themselves out to the public as such, and present themselves as married according to community standards.
Once the marriage is complete, you and your partner will need to provide certified copies of your marriage license in order to change your name, for any legal documentation, or for sponsor/beneficiary benefits.
In order to successfully get married in Arkansas, it is important to review these requirements and make sure that you and your partner meet them.
Do you have to have a witness to get married at the courthouse in Arkansas?
Yes, the state of Arkansas requires that at least one witness in addition to the officiant be present at the ceremony when exchanging marriage vows at a courthouse. The requirement is mandatory, and the couple cannot be legally married without the witness present.
The witness must be 18 years of age or older. Depending on the county, the marriage license may need to be signed by the ceremony witness before the couple can be allowed to be officially married. Otherwise, some counties may require that the marriage license is signed and returned to the county office within a certain time frame.
Can you get married in Arkansas without a license?
No, it is not possible to get married in Arkansas without a license. In order to be legally married in Arkansas, couples must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk’s office in the county in which the ceremony will take place.
Couples must also provide appropriate identification as well as proof of age and other necessary documentation. Once the license is issued, couples must wait seventy-two hours before they can have their ceremony, although they may choose to waive the waiting period by obtaining a waiver from the county clerk.
The marriage license remains valid for sixty days from the issue date, after which time the marriage may no longer be legally recognized, and a new license must be obtained.
Do you have to have a blood test in Arkansas to get married?
No, in Arkansas you do not have to have a blood test to get married. The only requirement for getting married in Arkansas is that both individuals must be at least 18 years old and have valid photo identification.
If either person is younger than 18, they must have parental consent and the signature of a judge in order to get the marriage license. Furthermore, the current marriage laws in Arkansas do not require individuals to provide proof of having a blood test before they can receive their marriage license.
How much does it cost to get married by papers?
The cost of getting married by paper varies from state to state, so it’s important to do some research online or ask a local government official for a definitive answer. Generally speaking, however, most states will require couples to pay a court fee, a marriage license fee, and in some cases, fees for a marriage service.
The court fee is usually around $50 to $100, and marriage license fees vary anywhere from $20 to $200. If a couple wishes to hire someone to perform the marriage, then they may also have to pay additional fees depending on the individual or company they hire.
Additional costs may also include hiring witnesses and creating and filing any necessary documents. It’s important to note that some states may also offer discounts or waivers of certain fees to couples who meet certain criteria.
It’s also important to be aware of any additional state or local taxes that may need to be paid at the time of the marriage. All in all, the cost of getting married by paper varies, but typically ranges from about $100 to $500.
What’s considered a cheap wedding?
A cheap wedding is one that can be achieved without breaking the bank or creating significant financial strain. Depending on the wishes of the couple and the type of wedding they are looking for, prices can range greatly.
However, some ways to save money on a wedding include opting for a smaller guest list and a more intimate setting, using decorations, flowers and/or rentals that are simple and affordable, and having the ceremony and/or reception at a cost-friendly location such as a local park or community center.
Also, consider DIY projects, such as creating Save the Dates, invitations and centerpieces. When it comes to food and beverages, you may want to serve hors d’oeuvres or light snacks rather than a full meal or opt for an open bar.
Additionally, limit the number of wedding cake tiers or opt for cupcakes instead for an even lower price. Shopping for discounted wedding gowns and selecting an alternative metal for wedding rings are additional ways to save on costs.
Who can legally marry a couple in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, the person conducting a legal marriage ceremony is required to be authorized by the state in order to solemnize the union. Only ordained or licensed ministers or priests of any religious faith, judges, retired judges, or justices of the peace can perform the ceremony.
It is illegal in the state of Arkansas for anyone other than the previously listed individuals to solemnize a marriage.
The officiant must obtain a valid marriage license in the state of Arkansas, often known as a marriage registration certificate. The license is issued by the county circuit court clerk in the county where either of the parties resides.
After the ceremony, the officiant will have up to 30 days to return the certification of marriage form to the court or clerk. This form serves as official evidence of the marriage.
In addition, the officiant must provide identification at the time the marriage license application is signed and proof of the authority to perform a marriage. The identification must include name, address, date of birth and the name of the organization through which their ordination was obtained.
Can you elope in Arkansas?
Yes, you can elope in Arkansas. Eloping in Arkansas is a great option for couples who want to get married in a more intimate, low-key setting. Typically, couples who elope in Arkansas will attend the county clerk’s office where they will fill out paperwork to get their marriage license.
Once they receive the marriage license, they will be able to find a marriage officiant to perform their ceremony. Couples wishing to elope in Arkansas can also find local outdoor venues or find a romantic inn to hold their ceremony.
As such, couples can elope in Arkansas with ease. Depending on the county and venue, couples may be required to fulfill certain requirements to get married including witnesses and certain documentation.
It is important to check with the county clerk’s office before eloping in Arkansas to determine any applicable county requirements.
How long is the validity of a marriage license?
The validity of a marriage license can vary from country to country and state to state, but generally speaking, most marriage licenses are valid for a period of at least 30 days. Some countries only require the license to be valid for 15-30 days before it expires.
In the United States, laws vary from state to state but typically require the marriage license to remain valid for 30 days after the date of purchase. However, some states have shorter validity periods, with some valid for as little as 15 days or as long as 6 months.
In certain states, couples are required to obtain their marriage license several days before the date of their wedding ceremony in order for it to remain valid. It is important to note that in order for a marriage to be considered legal, couples must obtain their marriage license prior to the wedding ceremony.
It is also important to note that some states require couples to wait several days after obtaining their license before the marriage ceremony can take place. It is generally recommended that couples consult with the county clerk’s office in their state to determine the exact details regarding their marriage license’s validity.
Does Arkansas have common law marriage?
Yes, Arkansas does recognize common law marriage. Common law marriage is a legally recognized marriage that does not require a ceremony or a license. To establish a common law marriage in Arkansas, the couple must live together, must represent themselves to the public as a married couple, and must have the intention of remaining a married couple.
To prove common law marriage, it may be necessary to produce evidence of actions that display the couple’s intent to be married, such as using the same last name, filing joint state tax returns, or having life insurance policies with both spouses named as beneficiaries.
If a couple who has been living together in Arkansas attempts to prove that they have a common law marriage, they should be aware that Arkansas law sets forth specific criteria that must be met in order for a common law marriage to be established.
How do I change my last name after marriage in Arkansas?
In order to legally change your last name after marriage in Arkansas, you must first obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk in the county where you will marry. Once you have obtained your marriage license, you must attend your wedding ceremony, and the officiant must submit the license to the County Clerk after the ceremony.
The County Clerk will then record your marriage on a certificate of marriage, which will serve as proof of your marriage and name change.
You can then change your last name on government documents and other official records. To officially change your last name with the Social Security Office, you must fill out Form SS-5 and submit it in person to the SSA.
When you submit the form, you must bring identification (such as your driver’s license) and a copy of your marriage certificate. After the SSA receives your application, they will issue a new Social Security card with your new name.
You must also notify your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Generally, this is done by submitting a copy of your marriage certificate and updating your license. Other documents such as your passport and birth certificate may also require name change forms, so be sure to check with the appropriate government agency in order to change those records.
You may also need to update your bank accounts, credit cards, utility bills, insurance policies, and other documents which require your name information. Contact the appropriate companies or offices that have your records to inform them of your name change.
When did they stop doing blood tests for marriage?
The practice of using blood tests to determine whether couples were allowed to marry began in the late 19th century and officially ended in the United States in the 1970s. The blood tests were used to confirm the legitimacy of a couple’s relationship, ensuring the marriage was not incestuous.
In 1905, the state of Pennsylvania passed the first law requiring medical tests, including a blood test, for couples seeking to marry. As other states and countries began enacting similar legislation, the practice became commonplace.
During the 1950s and 1960s, many states caught on to the inaccuracy and discrimination of such a practice. In 1967, the Supreme Court ruled that requiring medical tests as a prerequisite to marriage was unconstitutional.
This ruling marked the beginning of the end of the use of blood tests for marriage. By the 1970s, laws limited their use to detect evidence of disease and no longer required them for couples seeking a license to marry.
Though these laws have been repealed in many states, some jurisdictions still require various forms of testings as a prerequisite to marriage.
