Phoenix City Hall Wedding

At a Glance

What Makes a Phoenix Courthouse Wedding Special

Phoenix is one of the most straightforward cities in the country for a courthouse wedding. Arizona has no waiting period, no blood test requirement, and no residency rules. You can walk into the Maricopa County Clerk’s office, get your marriage license, cross the street to the Downtown Justice Center, and be legally married the same afternoon. For couples who want a civil wedding ceremony without months of planning, Phoenix removes almost every barrier.

Your Maricopa County marriage license stays valid for 12 full months and works anywhere in Arizona. That’s four times longer than many states offer. If your plans change or you decide to hold a private ceremony at a different Arizona venue later, your license won’t expire on you. And because Arizona has no residency requirement for marriage, couples visiting from out of state can get their license and marry here without any extra paperwork or waiting.

One logistical detail catches people off guard: the marriage license office and the wedding ceremony courthouse are in two separate buildings. They’re across the street from each other on West Jackson Street in downtown Phoenix, so it’s a short walk. But you’ll need to visit both locations if you’re getting your license and having your courthouse ceremony on the same day. Plan your afternoon around this, and you’ll complete everything in one trip.

Step by Step: How to Get Married at a Phoenix Courthouse

1. Gather your documents. Both of you need a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID all work. You’ll also need your Social Security numbers (kept confidential, used for a child support affidavit). No birth certificate, blood test, or previous divorce decree is required.

2. Apply for your marriage license at the Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court. Both partners must appear in person, together. The main downtown location is at 601 W. Jackson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003. Three additional Clerk offices operate in Northeast Phoenix, Mesa, and Surprise. Booking an appointment is recommended. Some couples report being the only ones there when they had an appointment, which makes the process significantly faster.

3. Pay the marriage license fee. The Maricopa County marriage license costs $98. Payment is accepted by cash, credit/debit card, or money order. (One source cited a higher fee of $141.50, which may reflect a recent increase or bundled costs. Verify the current fee at clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov before your visit.)

4. Walk to the Downtown Justice Center for your wedding ceremony. The ceremony location is at 620 W. Jackson St., directly across from the Clerk’s office. Arrive by 4:00 PM to clear security and get a good position in line. The building doors lock at 5:00 PM sharp, and civil ceremonies begin after that. If you arrive after the doors lock, you’ll be turned away and will need to come back another day.

5. Have your courthouse wedding ceremony. A Justice of the Peace performs the civil ceremony, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Bring your two witnesses (both must be 18 or older) and cash for the ceremony fee ($100-$120, set by the individual judge). Wedding rings and personal vows are optional.

6. Handle the post-ceremony paperwork. The officiant completes your signed marriage license and mails it to the Clerk of the Superior Court for recording. Processing takes approximately 10 to 20 days. Order at least one certified copy of your marriage certificate. You’ll need certified copies for name changes with Social Security, your driver’s license, insurance, banks, and your passport.

Maricopa County Marriage License Details

What You Need to Bring

• Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID for both partners (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
• Social Security numbers for both applicants
• No birth certificate required
• No blood test required
• No divorce decree required
• For minors aged 16-17: parental consent and a court order are both required

Marriage License Fee

The Maricopa County marriage license fee is $98. Accepted payment methods include cash, credit/debit card, and money order.

Fee verification note: Our research found one source citing a fee of $141.50 as of July 2025, which may reflect a recent increase or include additional costs like a certified copy. We recommend checking the current fee at clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov before your visit.

Where to Apply for a Marriage License in Phoenix

Maricopa County operates four Clerk of the Superior Court locations where you can apply for your marriage license:

You can apply at any of these Clerk locations regardless of where you live or where you plan to hold your wedding ceremony.

Online marriage license application: Arizona residents may be able to apply for their marriage license entirely online. Check clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov for the online application option and eligibility details.

License Validity and Waiting Period

Your Maricopa County marriage license is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. You can use it anywhere in Arizona, not just in Phoenix or Maricopa County. There is no waiting period. The license is valid immediately, and you can have your wedding ceremony the same day you receive it.

Both partners must be at least 18 years old to marry without restrictions in Arizona. Minors aged 16-17 need both parental consent and a court order. Marriage under age 16 is prohibited.

Phoenix Courthouse Wedding Ceremony Details

Justice of the Peace Wedding Ceremony (Downtown Phoenix)

The ceremony schedule is the most important planning detail for a Phoenix courthouse wedding. Civil wedding ceremonies happen only after 5:00 PM on weekdays, and the building doors lock at exactly 5:00 PM. You must be inside the building before they lock. Arriving by 4:00 PM gives you time to clear the security checkpoint and secure your place in line. Anyone who arrives after the doors lock will be turned away and must reschedule.

Alternative Ceremony Location: Chandler

If the downtown Phoenix location doesn’t work for your schedule, the Ocotillo Regional Court Center at 201 E. Chicago St., Chandler, AZ 85284 also performs Justice of the Peace wedding ceremonies. Contact the court directly for their specific ceremony schedule, availability, and fees.

Hiring a Private Officiant in Arizona

You don’t have to use the courthouse for your ceremony. Any legally ordained minister, judge, or justice of the peace recognized in Arizona can officiate your wedding. Choosing a private officiant gives you the freedom to hold your ceremony at a park, resort, private venue, or any location you prefer. You’ll also have full control over your guest count, vow wording, and photography.

Witness Requirements for Arizona Weddings

Arizona law requires exactly two witnesses at every marriage ceremony. Both witnesses must be 18 or older and physically present during the ceremony. They’ll sign your marriage license as part of the official process.

Arrange your witnesses before your wedding day. Courthouse staff are not available to serve as witnesses, and you should not count on other couples or bystanders being willing to help. Ask two friends or family members to join you at the ceremony.

Photography and Guest Tips for Phoenix Courthouse Weddings

Photography Rules Inside the Courthouse

Photography is generally prohibited inside the Phoenix courthouse. Some judges may allow photos in the courtroom if you ask before the ceremony begins, but this is at the judge’s discretion and is not guaranteed.

Verification note: Our research found limited sourcing on the current photography policy (one source citing the official Justice Courts website). We recommend confirming the policy directly with the court before hiring a professional photographer for indoor courthouse photos.

Your best opportunity for wedding portraits is right after the ceremony outside the courthouse. The courthouse exterior and surrounding downtown Phoenix streets provide good backdrops. If professional photography is a priority for your wedding day, hiring a private officiant removes all indoor photography restrictions and gives you full freedom to choose your location.

Guest Capacity at Phoenix Courthouse Ceremonies

No published guest limit exists for Justice of the Peace wedding ceremonies beyond the two required witnesses. Standard courtroom capacity limits apply. Contact the Maricopa County Justice Courts directly at justicecourts.maricopa.gov to confirm how many guests you can bring.

If you’re planning to have a larger group present, a private officiant at an alternative venue gives you complete control over your guest list without courthouse restrictions.

Practical Tips for Your Phoenix Courthouse Wedding

Arrive at the Downtown Justice Center by 4:00 PM, not 4:30. This is the single most important timing detail for a Phoenix courthouse wedding. The doors lock at exactly 5:00 PM, and security screening takes time. Getting there an hour early puts you at the front of the line and eliminates the risk of being locked out.

Bring cash for the ceremony fee. The Justice of the Peace ceremony costs $100-$120, and it’s cash only. The Clerk’s office accepts cards for the marriage license, but the ceremony fee at the Justice Center requires cash. Bring at least $120.

Plan for Phoenix heat. If you’re getting married between May and October, daytime temperatures in downtown Phoenix regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep your time outdoors minimal, bring water, and save wedding photos for a shaded spot or a cooler time of day. Even in the winter months, midday sun can be strong enough to affect outdoor photos.

Remember the two-building detail. The marriage license office (601 W. Jackson) and the ceremony courthouse (620 W. Jackson) are across the street from each other. If you’re doing both the same day, get your license first (allow 30 to 60 minutes with an appointment), then walk to the Justice Center and wait for the 5:00 PM ceremony window.

Review your marriage license before leaving the Clerk’s office. Check every name, date, and detail on your license. Corrections after issuance carry significant fees and processing delays. Catching a mistake at the counter takes seconds.

Book an appointment at the Clerk’s office. Walk-ins are accepted at all four Maricopa County locations, but couples with appointments report much shorter wait times. Some report being the only applicants there during their appointment window.

Verify all fees and policies before your visit. The fees and hours listed in this guide were researched in March 2026. Government offices update their pricing and schedules periodically. Check clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov and justicecourts.maricopa.gov for the most current information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we get our Phoenix marriage license and have the ceremony on the same day?

Yes. Arizona has no waiting period. Your marriage license is valid immediately after issuance. You can get your license at the Clerk’s office (601 W. Jackson) and walk across the street to the Downtown Justice Center (620 W. Jackson) for a ceremony the same afternoon. The key timing detail: be inside the Justice Center before 5:00 PM, since that’s when the doors lock and ceremonies begin.

How much does a Phoenix courthouse wedding cost in total?

The marriage license is $98 and the Justice of the Peace ceremony is $100-$120 (cash only), for a total of approximately $198-$218. Verify the current license fee at clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov before your visit, as one source cited a higher amount that may reflect a recent fee change.

Do we need to live in Arizona to get married in Phoenix?

No. Arizona has no residency requirement for marriage. Couples from any state or country can apply for a Maricopa County marriage license and have a courthouse wedding ceremony here. Arizona residents also have the option of applying for their marriage license online.

What happens if we arrive at the Downtown Justice Center after 5:00 PM?

You will not be allowed in. The Downtown Justice Center locks its doors at exactly 5:00 PM, and anyone who hasn’t cleared security by then cannot enter for a ceremony. You’ll need to return another weekday. We recommend arriving by 4:00 PM to give yourself enough time for security screening and to get a good position in line.

Planning a city hall wedding in another state? Check out our guides for New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Boston, Atlanta, and Detroit city hall weddings.