Find Yavapai County Marriage Licenses
Yavapai County marriage licenses come from the Clerk of Superior Court. The county runs two offices for your convenience. One sits in Prescott, the county seat. The other serves Camp Verde in the Verde Valley. Both locations charge the same $98 fee and follow the same rules. Arizona requires no blood test and no waiting period at all. You and your partner apply together in person, show valid ID, and leave with your license the same day. The license works anywhere in Arizona for the next 12 months. Donna McQuality serves as the current Clerk of Superior Court for Yavapai County.
Yavapai County Marriage License Quick Facts
Where to Get a Yavapai County Marriage License
The Yavapai County Clerk of Superior Court operates two offices. The Prescott office is the main location at 120 S. Cortez, Prescott, AZ 86303. Call them at (928) 771-3312. The Camp Verde office serves the Verde Valley at 2840 N. Commonwealth Drive, Camp Verde, AZ 86322. Their phone number is (928) 567-7741. Both offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They close on state holidays.
Pick the office that works best for you. The Prescott location sits downtown near the historic courthouse square. Camp Verde offers easier access for couples in the eastern part of the county. Both offices handle the exact same services at the same cost. Walk-ins are welcome at both locations during business hours.
Most couples finish the process in 20 to 30 minutes. Busy times may take a bit longer. The clerk reviews your application, checks your ID, and prints the license while you wait. You leave ready to get married anywhere in Arizona.
Note: The Yavapai County Superior Court does not schedule or perform wedding ceremonies.
Yavapai County Marriage License Requirements
Both people must appear together. This is not optional. You cannot send a friend or family member in your place. Each person needs valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license works fine. So does a passport, state ID card, or military ID. The ID must clearly show your full name, photo, and date of birth. Bring the original document rather than a copy.
You must provide your Social Security number on the application. The clerk keeps this information private and separate from public records. Under ARS 25-121, the number goes only to the Department of Economic Security for child support enforcement. If you lack a Social Security number, tell the clerk. Foreign nationals can still marry in Yavapai County without one. The clerk will note this on your file and proceed with the application.
Arizona sets the age of consent at 18. Younger people face strict rules under state law. A person who is 16 or 17 may marry only with parental consent or a court emancipation order. The future spouse cannot be more than three years older than the minor. Under ARS 25-102, anyone younger than 16 cannot marry at all. The Yavapai County clerk will refuse any license that breaks these rules. Parents must appear in person with the minor to give consent.
Yavapai County Marriage License Fees
The license fee is $98. You can pay by cash, money order, or credit card. Payment is due when you apply. The clerk will not hold your application while you get funds. Bring exact payment or a card ready to go. The fee is the same at both the Prescott and Camp Verde offices.
Certified copies of your recorded marriage license cost $35 each. You will need these for name changes at the DMV or Social Security office. Add $8 for postage and handling if you do not include a self-addressed stamped envelope. If the clerk must search for an old marriage record, expect an extra $35 search fee. Call ahead to confirm the total cost for older records.
Covenant marriage conversion costs $35. This lets existing married couples switch to a covenant marriage under Arizona law. You must sign a declaration of intent and provide proof of premarital counseling from clergy or a counselor.
Using Your Yavapai County Marriage License
Your license is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. The ceremony must happen before it expires or you will need a new license. You can use a Yavapai County license anywhere in Arizona. It does not limit you to Yavapai County. Get married in Sedona, Phoenix, Flagstaff, or the Grand Canyon if you want. The license works the same no matter where in Arizona you hold the ceremony.
There is no residency requirement. Anyone can get a marriage license here. You do not need to live in Yavapai County. You do not need to be an Arizona resident. Couples from other states or countries often choose Arizona because the process is fast and simple. No blood test. No waiting period. Walk in and walk out with your license ready to use.
Under ARS 25-111, a license alone does not make you married. Arizona requires both a license and a ceremony performed by an authorized person. Without a valid ceremony before the license expires, the marriage is not legal. The officiant must return the signed license to the clerk for recording after the wedding.
Marriage Ceremony Requirements in Yavapai County
Arizona law specifies who can perform your wedding. Under ARS 25-124, licensed or ordained clergy may officiate. This includes ministers, priests, rabbis, imams, and religious leaders of any faith. Judges of courts of record can marry you. Municipal court judges, justices of the peace, and federal judges also have the authority. Bankruptcy and tax court judges qualify too.
You need two witnesses at the ceremony. They must be at least 18 years old. The witnesses sign the marriage license along with both spouses and the officiant. Anyone can be a witness. Friends, family, or even people you meet that day can serve this role. The Yavapai County court does not provide witnesses or arrange ceremonies for you.
After the wedding, your officiant must return the signed license to the Clerk of Superior Court. They have time to do this, but most send it within a week or two. The clerk records the marriage and stores the original document. Once recorded, you can order certified copies. Make sure your officiant knows this duty. Some couples face delays when officiants forget to file the paperwork on time.
Special Cases for Yavapai County Marriage Licenses
Arizona has recognized same-sex marriages since October 17, 2014. Yavapai County treats all couples the same under the law. The fee, requirements, and process are identical regardless of the genders involved. The state follows the Obergefell ruling fully.
Covenant marriage is an option for couples who want stricter rules. It requires premarital counseling and limits the grounds for divorce later. Couples sign a declaration of intent and provide a notarized statement from their counselor. The Arizona Legislature Title 25 Chapter 7 contains all covenant marriage requirements. A covenant license also costs $98. Converting an existing traditional marriage to covenant status costs $35 at the clerk's office.
If you were married before, you do not need to bring your divorce decree. Arizona does not require proof that a prior marriage ended. You are responsible for making sure your divorce is final before the new ceremony takes place. Marrying while still legally wed to someone else is against the law. The clerk relies on your sworn statement that you are free to marry.
First cousins face restrictions under ARS 25-101. They cannot marry unless both are 65 or older. The other exception requires one cousin to prove to a Superior Court judge that they cannot have children. These cases are rare but the law does allow them under strict conditions.
Plan Your Visit to the Yavapai County Clerk
The Prescott office sits in the heart of downtown Prescott near Courthouse Plaza. Street parking and nearby lots are available. The building has been serving the county for generations. The Camp Verde office is in a newer complex with plenty of parking and easy highway access from I-17. Choose whichever location fits your schedule and travel plans.
Both offices keep the same hours:
- Monday through Friday open
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
- Closed on state holidays
- Walk-ins accepted all day
- Same-day license issue
Bring your ID, your partner, and a way to pay. The whole process usually takes less than half an hour. You will sign an affidavit under oath stating all your information is correct. The affidavit includes a statement that you understand sexually transmitted disease information is available from the health department. The clerk then prints and issues your Yavapai County marriage license on the spot.
Note: Call ahead if you have questions about specific ID types or unusual situations.
After Your Yavapai County Wedding
The officiant signs the license and returns it to the clerk. This step is required by law. Once the clerk receives the signed license, they record the marriage in the official records. This creates a permanent legal record of your union in Yavapai County.
You can then request certified copies of your marriage certificate. Each copy costs $35. Certified copies are needed for many purposes. The DMV requires one to change your name on your driver's license. Social Security needs a certified copy to update their records. Banks, employers, and insurance companies often ask for them too. Order a few copies to have on hand when you need them. The process goes faster if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request.
Nearby Counties for Marriage Licenses
Yavapai County shares borders with several other Arizona counties. Any of these clerk offices can also issue a marriage license valid statewide. Pick the location most convenient for you.