Glendale Marriage License Records

Marriage license records for Glendale residents come from the Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court. The City of Glendale does not issue marriage licenses at all. Instead, couples must visit a county clerk location to apply. The nearest office sits in Surprise at the Northwest Regional Court Center. Both people need to show up in person with valid photo ID. Glendale is part of the Phoenix metro area, which gives you four different Maricopa County offices to pick from. The license costs $98 and stays valid for 12 months. There is no blood test or waiting period required under Arizona law.

Where Glendale Residents Get Marriage Licenses

The Glendale City Clerk handles many city services, but marriage licenses are not one of them. Arizona law puts marriage license authority at the county level. Maricopa County runs all marriage license operations for the Phoenix metro area. This includes Glendale and its roughly 250,000 residents. You cannot walk into Glendale city hall and leave with a marriage license. The city clerk can help with other records, but for marriage you need the county.

Glendale sits in the west valley of the Phoenix metro. It borders Phoenix to the east and Peoria to the north. The city is home to State Farm Stadium where the Cardinals play. Thousands of visitors come here for events each year. If you plan to marry while in town, know that you must go to a Maricopa County office first. The license application takes about 30 minutes in most cases.

The Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court operates four locations throughout the county. The closest one for most Glendale residents is the Northwest Regional Court in Surprise. It sits just west of the Loop 303 freeway on Tierra Buena Lane. Downtown Phoenix has another office if you work or shop in that area. Mesa and north Phoenix round out the options.

Nearest Marriage License Office to Glendale

The Northwest Regional Court serves west valley residents including Glendale. The drive takes about 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. This location accepts walk-ins but also offers appointments if you want to skip any wait time. The office processes license applications during regular business hours.

Northwest Regional Court
14264 W. Tierra Buena Ln.
Surprise, AZ 85374
Phone: (602) 372-5375

The office opens Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It closes on state holidays. Parking is free and the building has easy access from major roads. You can also use the Maricopa County marriage license website to schedule an appointment or learn about the online application option for Arizona residents.

Other Maricopa County locations Glendale residents can use:

• Downtown Customer Service Center, 601 W. Jackson St., Phoenix
• Northeast Regional Court, 18380 N. 40th St., Phoenix
• Southeast Regional Court, 222 E. Javelina, Mesa

Note: Pick whichever office fits your schedule since all four issue the same license.

Glendale Marriage License Requirements

Arizona sets uniform rules for marriage licenses across all 15 counties. Glendale residents follow the same requirements as everyone else in Maricopa County. Both people must appear at the clerk's office together. No exceptions exist for this rule. You cannot send one person ahead or use a proxy to apply.

Each applicant needs valid government-issued photo ID. This includes a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Maricopa County also accepts Matricula Consular cards issued by Mexican consulates. Your ID must clearly show your name, photo, and date of birth. Bring your Social Security number too. The clerk records it separately from the public file for child support purposes only. If you lack a Social Security number, you note that on the form.

The minimum age is 18 to marry without restrictions. Applicants aged 16 or 17 need parental consent or a court emancipation order. The future spouse cannot be more than three years older than the minor. Under ARS 25-102, no one younger than 16 may marry in Arizona. The clerk checks ages carefully before issuing any license.

Arizona does not require blood tests. No waiting period applies after you get the license. You can marry the same day if you have an officiant ready. The license stays valid for one full year. Use it anywhere in Arizona before it expires. After 12 months, you would need to apply and pay again.

Marriage License Fees for Glendale Couples

The fee for a marriage license in Maricopa County is $98. You pay when you apply. The clerk accepts cash, money orders, and credit or debit cards. Once you pay, the license prints right away. There are no refunds if you change your mind or the license expires unused.

Certified copies cost $43.50 each at Maricopa County. You can reduce this to $35.50 by providing your own self-addressed stamped envelope. Many couples order certified copies right away. You need them to change your name at the Social Security office and DMV. Banks and employers often want to see certified copies too. The clerk's office mails copies or you can pick them up in person.

Covenant marriage is a special option under Arizona law. It requires premarital counseling and limits grounds for divorce. Converting to covenant status adds $35 to the cost. You bring a notarized statement from your counselor as proof of completing the required sessions. Not many couples choose this route, but the option exists for those who want it.

How to Get a Marriage License in Glendale

Start by gathering your documents. Both people need photo ID and their Social Security numbers. Drive to the Northwest Regional Court in Surprise or any other Maricopa County office. Walk in during business hours or schedule an appointment through the county website. Tell the staff you want a marriage license.

The clerk gives you an affidavit to fill out. It asks for your name, age, and home address. You sign it under oath. The document includes a statement that you know the health department offers information about sexually transmitted diseases. Both applicants sign in front of the clerk. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes on a normal day.

The clerk reviews everything and issues your license. You walk out ready to get married. Arizona has no waiting period, so the ceremony can happen right away. Just make sure you have an officiant lined up. Under ARS 25-111, the marriage must be solemnized before the license expires or it has no legal effect. The license alone does not make you married.

Wedding Ceremony Requirements in Glendale

A valid Arizona marriage needs a proper ceremony. Someone authorized by state law must perform it. Two witnesses aged 18 or older must attend and sign the license. ARS 25-124 lists who can marry couples in Arizona. The list includes ordained clergy, judges, justices of the peace, and certain federal officials.

Glendale has many options for wedding venues and officiants. Churches, event halls, and outdoor spaces host ceremonies year-round. The desert climate means most days work for outdoor weddings. You can also have a quick courthouse ceremony if you prefer something simple. The Maricopa County Justice Courts hold weddings after 5 p.m. on weekdays. The ceremony fee runs $100 to $120 depending on the judge.

After the wedding, your officiant must return the signed license to the Clerk of Superior Court. State law gives them 30 days. The clerk records the marriage and files the original document. Only then can you order certified copies. Make sure your officiant knows this step is their responsibility. Some couples remind their officiant to mail it back right after the ceremony ends.

Note: The Glendale City Clerk cannot perform or arrange wedding ceremonies.

Online Marriage License Option

Maricopa County offers online marriage license applications for Arizona residents. This saves a trip to the office. You complete the forms at home on the county website. Both applicants fill out their portions and upload ID copies. The county mails your license after processing.

This method costs the same $98 plus $8 for postage. Allow extra time for mail delivery. Most couples receive their license within two weeks. The online option works well if you want to avoid lines or have trouble getting to an office during business hours. Non-residents cannot use this service and must apply in person.

Nearby Cities in Maricopa County

Several major cities surround Glendale. All of them fall under Maricopa County for marriage license purposes. Residents of these cities use the same four clerk offices. Here are links to neighboring city pages with local info:

• Phoenix - State capital, east of Glendale
• Peoria - North of Glendale, shares sports facilities
• Surprise - West, home to the Northwest Regional Court
• Scottsdale - East valley, known for resorts

You can apply at any Maricopa County location regardless of which city you live in. The license works anywhere in Arizona. Some couples choose the office closest to work rather than home. Others pick a less busy location to avoid wait times. All four offices follow the same procedures and charge the same fee.

Maricopa County Marriage License Information

For complete details on Maricopa County marriage licenses, visit our Maricopa County marriage license page. It covers all four office locations, hours, and specific procedures. You can also find information about courthouse weddings and how to request certified copies of your recorded license.

The Maricopa County Justice Courts page explains wedding ceremony options through the court system. Some judges marry active military members for free during lunch hours. Regular courthouse weddings happen after 5 p.m. for a fee. These ceremonies are short but official. You still need the license first from the clerk's office.