Gilbert Marriage License Information
Marriage licenses for Gilbert residents come from Maricopa County, not the Town of Gilbert. The town clerk's office does not issue marriage licenses or handle any part of the wedding license process. Gilbert sits in the southeast corner of the Phoenix metro area. It falls entirely within Maricopa County. That means you need to visit a Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court location to apply. The closest office to Gilbert is the Southeast Regional Court Center in Mesa, just a short drive from most Gilbert neighborhoods. Both people must appear in person. Bring valid photo ID and your Social Security number. The fee is $98. There is no waiting period and no blood test required.
Gilbert Marriage License Quick Facts
Where Gilbert Residents Get Marriage Licenses
Gilbert does not have its own marriage license office. Arizona law places this function at the county level. The Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court handles all marriage licenses for Gilbert residents. You cannot apply at the Gilbert Town Clerk's office or any other town department. The town clerk handles records like business licenses and public meeting minutes, not wedding documents.
The Southeast Regional Court Center sits at 222 E Javelina Avenue in Mesa. This is the closest Maricopa County location for most Gilbert residents. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to drive there from central Gilbert. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted. Appointments are recommended but not required. You can schedule an appointment online through the Maricopa County website to reduce your wait time.
Maricopa County operates four marriage license locations total. Besides the Southeast office in Mesa, there are locations in downtown Phoenix, northeast Phoenix, and Surprise. Gilbert residents can visit any of these offices. The downtown Phoenix location tends to be busiest. The Mesa location serves the East Valley and sees steady traffic from Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and Tempe residents.
Gilbert Marriage License Application Steps
Applying for your Gilbert marriage license takes just a few steps. Both people must go to the clerk's office together. You cannot send one person ahead. Arizona law requires both applicants to sign an affidavit under oath in front of the clerk. Each person fills out their portion of the application with name, age, and residential address. The form includes a statement that you know information about sexually transmitted diseases is available from the county health department.
You need to bring valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license works. So does a passport, state ID card, or military ID. Since 2021, Maricopa County also accepts Matricula Consular ID cards. Your ID must show your name, photo, and date of birth. You also need your Social Security number. The clerk records this separately from the public marriage record. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can indicate that on the form.
The clerk reviews everything on the spot. If your paperwork is in order, you walk out with your license that same day. Most visits take 20 to 30 minutes. Busy times may take longer. Scheduling an appointment helps you skip the line.
Note: The Maricopa County office does not arrange wedding ceremonies for you.
Marriage License Fees for Gilbert Couples
The fee is $98 for a marriage license. This is the standard Maricopa County rate. Payment is due when you apply. The Southeast Regional Court accepts cash, money order, debit cards, and credit cards. The fee covers the license and recording once your officiant returns the signed document after your ceremony.
Certified copies cost $43.50 each. You need certified copies for name changes at the DMV, Social Security office, banks, and employers. Order extras to save trips later. If you mail your request with a self-addressed stamped envelope, the cost drops to $35.50 per copy. The clerk cannot issue copies until your officiant returns the signed license and the office records your marriage. This usually takes a few business days after the wedding.
Maricopa County also offers an online marriage license option for Arizona residents. You complete the application at home and receive your license by mail. The fee is the same $98 plus $8 for postage and handling. You can also prepay for a certified copy. This option takes longer but saves a trip to the office. Both applicants still need to provide ID copies and sign a notarized affidavit.
Arizona Marriage License Requirements
Arizona has simple requirements for marriage. No blood test. No waiting period. No residency requirement. You can apply on Monday and marry on Tuesday if you want. The license stays valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. You can use it anywhere in Arizona. Many Gilbert couples get their license in Maricopa County and then marry in Sedona, the Grand Canyon, or another scenic spot.
The minimum age to marry is 18 without parental consent. Under ARS 25-102, applicants who are 16 or 17 can marry with parental consent or a court emancipation order. The future spouse cannot be more than three years older than the minor. Anyone under 16 cannot marry in Arizona. The clerk will verify ages using your photo ID before issuing any license.
Certain relationships cannot marry in Arizona. Under ARS 25-101, marriages between close relatives are void. This includes parents and children, siblings, aunts and nephews, uncles and nieces, and first cousins. First cousins can marry only if both are 65 or older, or if one proves to a Superior Court judge that they cannot have children.
Gilbert Wedding Ceremony Rules
Getting a license does not make you married. You need a ceremony. ARS 25-111 requires that an authorized person solemnize the marriage before the license expires. Without a proper ceremony, the marriage has no legal effect. The ceremony can be simple or elaborate. It just needs the right elements.
You need two witnesses at your ceremony. They must be at least 18 years old. The witnesses sign the marriage license along with both spouses and the officiant. Anyone can serve as a witness. Friends, family, or even strangers can fill the role. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Maricopa County Clerk's office within 30 days. The clerk then records the marriage and stores the original document.
ARS 25-124 lists who can perform marriages in Arizona. The list is broad:
- Licensed or ordained clergy of any religion
- Judges of courts of record
- Municipal court judges
- Justices of the peace
- Federal judges, magistrate judges, and bankruptcy judges
Online ordination is legal in Arizona. A friend or family member can get ordained through an online ministry and officiate your wedding. They just need to understand the paperwork requirements. Make sure they return the signed license to the clerk on time.
Wedding Options for Gilbert Couples
Gilbert has grown into a major suburb with many wedding venues. The town offers parks, event centers, and historic properties for ceremonies. The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch provides a natural desert setting. Heritage District in downtown Gilbert has restored buildings and a small-town feel. Many restaurants and banquet halls host wedding receptions.
The Maricopa County Justice Courts offer courthouse weddings. These take place after 5 p.m. on weekdays. The fee runs $100 to $120 depending on the judge. You need to bring your valid marriage license and two adult witnesses. Some courts can provide witnesses if you do not bring your own. Active military members may get married for free during lunch hours at some locations. Call ahead to schedule since judges book up in advance.
Many Gilbert couples marry at resorts in Scottsdale or natural settings around Arizona. Your Maricopa County license works anywhere in the state. Sedona sees many destination weddings. The Grand Canyon draws couples who want dramatic backdrops. Even a backyard ceremony in Gilbert is perfectly legal as long as you have an authorized officiant and two witnesses.
Note: The town of Gilbert does not perform wedding ceremonies or maintain a list of officiants.
Maricopa County Marriage License Services
The Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court website has full details on marriage license services. You can schedule appointments online. The site lists all four office locations with addresses, phone numbers, and hours. It explains the online application option for Arizona residents. Forms and fee schedules are available to download.
Maricopa County is the largest county in Arizona by population. It contains Phoenix and most of the metro area's suburbs. Over 4 million people live here. The clerk's office processes thousands of marriage licenses each year. Despite the volume, the staff handles applications efficiently. Most couples finish their visit in under 30 minutes.
Covenant marriage is available in Arizona. This is a special type of marriage that requires premarital counseling. It has stricter rules for divorce. Couples who want a covenant marriage must bring a notarized statement from their counselor. The fee is the same $98. Existing couples can convert their marriage to covenant status for $35. The Arizona Revised Statutes Title 25 spells out all the covenant marriage rules.
After Your Gilbert Wedding
After your ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the Maricopa County Clerk's office. They have 30 days to do this. The clerk records the marriage and files the original document. You can then order certified copies. These serve as proof of marriage for legal purposes.
Many people change their name after marriage. You will need certified copies of your marriage license to update your documents. The Social Security Administration requires one to change your Social Security card. The DMV requires one for a new driver's license. Banks, employers, and insurance companies may ask for copies too. Order several certified copies when you request your first one. It saves time and trips later.
Marriages performed in other states are valid in Arizona. Under ARS 25-112, if your marriage was legal where it happened, Arizona recognizes it. The only exception is marriages that would be void under Arizona law, like those between close relatives. If you moved to Gilbert after getting married elsewhere, you do not need to do anything. Your marriage is already valid here.
Nearby Cities for Marriage Licenses
Gilbert sits in the heart of the East Valley. Several nearby cities also fall under Maricopa County. Residents of these cities use the same clerk's office locations. The Southeast Regional Court in Mesa serves all of them. You can also visit the downtown Phoenix or northeast Phoenix locations if they are more convenient for you.
Phoenix is the state capital and the largest city in Arizona. Mesa sits directly north of Gilbert. Chandler is west of Gilbert. Tempe lies northwest. Queen Creek borders Gilbert to the south and east. All these cities are in Maricopa County except the portion of Queen Creek that extends into Pinal County. Each city has its own character, but the marriage license process is the same for all of them.
Maricopa County Marriage License Details
For complete information about Maricopa County marriage licenses, visit our county page. It covers all four office locations, detailed fee information, covenant marriage options, and courthouse wedding services. Gilbert residents will find everything they need to know about the application process.