For a lot of couples, being able to tie the knot outdoors, somewhere out in nature, is one of their big reasons why they want to elope! And planning your adventure here in Arizona means you get to choose from all kinds of gorgeous backdrops – red rocks in Sedona, jagged peaks in the Superstition Mountains, pine forests in Flagstaff, and so much more. But, it’s not always as simple as lacing up your hiking boots and heading out into the desert to exchange vows. There are some logistics involved when it comes to making sure you get the right permits, and in making sure you’re legally married at the end of it. This guide will tell you how to legally elope in Arizona – with everything you need to know about marriage licenses, and Arizona elopement permits.
What are Arizona Elopement Permits?
First things first, when I say “Arizona elopement permits,” I’m referring to the permit you (sometimes) need to obtain in order to get married on public land. Public land means state parks, national parks, and pretty much any land that isn’t private property! It’s usually called a special use permit, or a wedding permit.
Do We Need a Permit to Elope in Arizona?
Not every location requires a permit – there are a lot that don’t! There are also some that only require a permit if your ceremony is going to include more than a certain number of people, and others that require a permit no matter what. To determine whether you need a permit for your elopement, the first step is choosing your location! Once you’ve done that, you can find information online about whether a permit is required, and how you can get one. Sometimes this information is easy to find, and other times it might require a call or an email. It can be a little confusing, but as an elopement photographer, part of my job is helping you out with this!
As a general rule of thumb, national parks have the strictest requirements for permits. For example, Grand Canyon National Park requires permits for all elopements. State parks like Lost Dutchman might require a permit, but some do not. National Parks are operated by the federal government, and state parks by the state of Arizona – public land that’s managed by smaller agencies, such as the Red Rock Forest Service in Sedona, is often the least strict with permitting rules.
How to Get an Arizona Elopement Permit
If you do need a permit for your elopement, the process can depend on which location you’re getting a permit for. Here are some general tips!
Apply for Your Permit Early
Most places will accept applications up to 1 year in advance. Applying as early as you can is best for a few reasons! First, popular locations (like spots in national parks) can get booked up super early. Second, they do need some time to process your permit – you won’t be able to apply and get your permit the next day. The minimum amount of time needed might be stated on the website for wherever you apply, but if not, two weeks is typically the absolute minimum – though it can definitely take longer. To save yourself the stress, apply early! And if you decided to elope and want to tie the knot soon, opt for a location that doesn’t require a permit.
Submit Your Elopement Permit Application
You should get an application for a special use permit that you’ll fill out, which can usually be submitted through email or online. There’s usually an application fee as well – this fee varies depending on the location, but for most places in Arizona is under $100.
Why Are Arizona Elopement Permits Important?
Arizona elopement permits aren’t just bureaucratic red tape – they really are important! If a permit is required, don’t try to avoid it.
First, you don’t want to be interrupted on your wedding day and get kicked out for not having a permit.
But also, permits are there to protect our public lands. Especially for popular areas, permits serve to limit the number of people that can elope there, and ensure that there isn’t more than one wedding going on in one place at one time. They will also lay out the rules and guidelines for that location, and these are important for Leave No Trace (LNT) – which basically means minimizing your impact on the land. Rules can vary, and some areas have specific regulations, but they usually include things like not putting up decorations, not blocking trails or access (permits do not usually give you exclusive access to the area!), and not using speakers or playing loud music. Having a permit is an agreement that you’ll follow these guidelines!
Getting Legally Married in Arizona
Along with permits, there’s a little bit more paperwork involved in eloping! To get legally married you need a marriage license.
Your marriage license needs to be from Arizona, but it can be from any county in the state, regardless of where you’ll be getting married. If you are a resident of Arizona, you have the option to apply online with the Maricopa County office, and you won’t need to go anywhere in person. But, if you’re not a resident, or if you don’t have time to wait for it to be mailed to you (the online application needs to be done at least 30 days before the ceremony), you’ll need to go to any county clerk’s office in the state. You will both need to be there, with photo IDs. You’ll apply for the marriage license, and get it that same day. There’s no waiting period in Arizona, which means you can use the marriage license right away, and it’s valid for up to 12 months. There is a fee for the marriage license, but the amount depends on the county – in Maricopa County it’s currently $98.
Once you have the marriage license, it needs to be signed before you return it! Both of you will sign, and you also need an officiant and two witnesses. It then has to be returned (by mail or in person) within 20 days.
Need Help With Arizona Elopement Permits?
The entire elopement planning process can be overwhelming – you probably haven’t done this before! But, my job as a photographer is to guide you through the entire process. This includes help with permits – determining whether you need one and figuring out how to get one, help with the legal stuff, like getting a marriage license, and everything you need to make sure planning your elopement is fun rather than stressful!
If you’re ready to plan your elopement, contact me!
