Marriage license · U.S.

Arkansas marriage license: cost and requirements

In Arkansas the license costs about $60, is good for 60 days and must be returned to the county within that time. No witnesses are needed.

Arkansas summary

Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Official source, with details that may vary.

Cost: $60 (Pope and Garland counties).
Waiting period: No waiting period if both of you are 18 or older. If either is under 18, there are 5 business days between purchase and delivery of the license.
Validity: 60 days from issuance. The license, used or not, must be returned to the county clerk within those 60 days.
Witnesses: No witnesses are required.

How much is a marriage license in Arkansas?

$60 (Pope and Garland counties).

What do you need to get the license?

ID: Photo ID (driver's license or government ID) and a Social Security number or card. Applicants under 17 must also present a certified birth certificate. Documents in another language need a certified translation.
Minimum age: 18. At 17, with parental consent (parents must appear in person). Court exception for pregnancy or a child in common.
Other requirements: Both must appear together; a notarized power of attorney is not accepted. No blood test. The license is recorded in the same county where it was purchased. Optional covenant marriage with prior counseling.

Where do you get it, and who issues it?

County Clerk.

Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?

Waiting period: No waiting period if both of you are 18 or older. If either is under 18, there are 5 business days between purchase and delivery of the license.
Validity: 60 days from issuance. The license, used or not, must be returned to the county clerk within those 60 days.

How many witnesses, and who can marry you?

Witnesses: No witnesses are required.
Who can officiate: A minister or person authorized in Arkansas; ministers must have their credentials recorded at the clerk's office in some Arkansas county.

Can you marry by proxy?

A notarized power of attorney is not accepted to obtain the license (both must appear).

Arkansas counties with an AltarPlan guide

We haven't published Arkansas county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.

How to get a marriage license in Arkansas

Confirm where to apply: County Clerk.
Gather your ID: Photo ID (driver's license or government ID) and a Social Security number or card. Applicants under 17 must also present a certified birth certificate. Documents in another language need a certified translation.
Get your payment ready: $60 (Pope and Garland counties).
Count the waiting period: No waiting period if both of you are 18 or older. If either is under 18, there are 5 business days between purchase and delivery of the license.
Marry within the validity period: 60 days from issuance. The license, used or not, must be returned to the county clerk within those 60 days.
Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum age to marry in Arkansas?

18. At 17, with parental consent (parents must appear in person). Court exception for pregnancy or a child in common.

Who can officiate a wedding in Arkansas?

A minister or person authorized in Arkansas; ministers must have their credentials recorded at the clerk's office in some Arkansas county.

Does AltarPlan issue the license?

No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.

Sources and review date

Pope County Clerk (Marriage License Information & Requirements) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Garland County Clerk (Marriage Licenses) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.

Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.

AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.