Standard vs. Covenant Marriage in Arizona
Arizona gives couples two kinds of marriage: standard and covenant. A standard marriage is the normal kind almost everyone gets. A covenant marriage is a lifelong promise. You need premarital counseling before you get the license, and divorce is only allowed for certain reasons. The wedding ceremony can look the same either way.
Standard vs. Covenant Marriage Side by Side
Standard
The kind most couples pick
- License
- Regular Arizona marriage license
- Counseling first
- Not needed
- Paperwork
- License application and ID
- Apply online?
- Often yes, for Arizona residents in Maricopa County
- Same-day wedding
- Yes, easy to do
- Divorce
- No one has to prove fault
- Ceremony
- Any style you like
- Change later?
- Can be changed to covenant later
Covenant
A stronger, lifelong promise
- License
- Same license, with “covenant” checked and a signed declaration
- Counseling first
- Required, before you get the license
- Paperwork
- License, declaration, and a notarized Premarital Counseling Affidavit
- Apply online?
- Plan to go in person, since the clerk must watch you sign
- Same-day wedding
- Only if counseling is already done
- Divorce
- Only for reasons listed in the law
- Ceremony
- Any style you like
- Change later?
- The law has no way to switch back
The big differences are counseling before the wedding and the rules for divorce after.
What is a Standard Marriage?
A standard marriage is what almost every couple in Arizona has. You get a marriage license from the clerk. You have a ceremony with an officiant and two witnesses. Then the license gets sent back to the court. That’s it.
There is no class and no counseling. You can even get your license and get married on the same day, because Arizona has no waiting period. For step-by-step help, see this Arizona marriage license guide.
What Makes a Covenant Marriage Different?
A covenant marriage starts with the same license. When you apply, you check the box for “covenant.” You are telling the state you want a marriage meant to last for life. You also agree to get counseling if your marriage ever runs into trouble.
Arizona is one of only three states with covenant marriage. The others are Louisiana and Arkansas. The rules are in Arizona law, A.R.S. 25-901. You need three extra things:
- Premarital counseling before you get your license. Arizona law lets a member of the clergy do it.
- A notarized Covenant Marriage Premarital Counseling Affidavit from the person who counseled you, plus the state’s covenant marriage pamphlet.
- A signed declaration from both of you, signed at the clerk’s office in front of the clerk.
The Arizona courts also explain covenant marriage in plain words on AZCourtHelp. For more on the counseling and the affidavit, see covenant marriage in Arizona.
Can You Have a Same-Day Wedding with a Covenant Marriage?
This is one of the most common questions couples ask. The honest answer: usually not on the same day you decide. But there is an easy fix.
Have you already done your premarital counseling?
You Can Marry Today
Bring your notarized Premarital Counseling Affidavit to the clerk, get your covenant license, and say “I do.” Arizona has no waiting period.
Marry Today, Convert Later
Get a standard marriage now. Later, you can file to change it to a covenant marriage. No counseling is needed to convert.
Good to know: Arizona law lets married couples convert to a covenant marriage at the clerk’s office, with no new ceremony. You can read it in A.R.S. 25-902.
So if your date is today or tomorrow, don’t stress. You can get married now and make it a covenant marriage when you are ready. For information on getting married fast, see same-day weddings in Arizona.
Is Divorce Harder in a Covenant Marriage?
Yes. In a standard Arizona marriage, a judge can end the marriage without anyone proving fault. In a covenant marriage, the court can only end it for a reason listed in A.R.S. 25-903:
- Adultery
- A felony with a prison sentence
- One spouse left home for at least one year and won’t come back
- Abuse or domestic violence, including emotional abuse
- Living apart for two years in a row
- Living apart for one year after a legal separation
- Ongoing drug or alcohol abuse
- Both spouses agree to end it
This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a legal question about divorce, talk with an Arizona family law attorney.
Which One is Right for You?
A Standard Marriage May Fit if…
- Your wedding is soon, like today or this week.
- You want the simple path with no extra steps.
- You are eloping or keeping it small.
- You may want to convert to covenant later.
A Covenant Marriage May Fit if…
- Your faith or values call for a lifelong promise.
- You want counseling to be part of getting ready.
- You like that divorce is harder to get.
- You have a few weeks before the wedding.
Most Arizona couples pick a standard marriage. Only a small number choose covenant. Neither one is “more married.” Both are legal marriages. The difference is how you get ready and how hard it is to end.
Not sure yet? Talk about it together first. Both of you have to sign the declaration, so both of you have to want it.
4 Steps if You Pick Covenant
- Do your premarital counselingMeet with a member of the clergy, such as an ordained minister. You talk about what a covenant marriage means and how to build a strong one.
- Get the notarized affidavitWhen you finish, the person who counseled you signs the Covenant Marriage Premarital Counseling Affidavit in front of a notary. They also give you the state’s covenant marriage pamphlet.
- Go to the clerk togetherPick “covenant” on the license form and sign the declaration in front of the clerk. For what to bring, see the Maricopa County marriage license guide.
- Have your weddingYour officiant marries you in front of two witnesses, signs your license, and sends it back to the court.
Getting Married in the Phoenix Valley?
Steven Conn is a U.S. Veteran and ordained minister in Scottsdale. He marries couples with standard and covenant marriages all over Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the Valley, often on short notice. For covenant couples, Steven does the premarital counseling and signs the notarized affidavit himself. Text or call 480.628.7838 with your date, and a real person will answer.
Sources: A.R.S. 25-901, A.R.S. 25-902, A.R.S. 25-903, AZCourtHelp: Covenant Marriage, the Arizona covenant marriage pamphlet, the Covenant Marriage Premarital Counseling Affidavit, and the Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court.
Standard vs. Covenant Marriage FAQ
What is the Difference Between a Standard and a Covenant Marriage?
A standard marriage is the normal kind most couples get. A covenant marriage needs premarital counseling before the license, and divorce is only allowed for reasons listed in Arizona law. The ceremony can be the same.
Which is More Common in Arizona?
Standard marriage, by far. Only a small number of Arizona couples choose covenant. Most couples don’t know it exists until they see the box on the license form.
Is a Covenant Marriage More Legal Than a Standard Marriage?
No. Both are legal marriages with the same rights. The difference is how you get ready for it and how hard it is to end.
Do We Need Counseling for a Standard Marriage?
No. A standard marriage needs no counseling or class. Only a new covenant marriage needs premarital counseling first.
Can We Have a Same-Day Wedding with a Covenant Marriage?
Only if your counseling is already done and you have the notarized Premarital Counseling Affidavit. If not, you can marry with a standard license today and convert to covenant later.
Can We Switch from Standard to Covenant Later?
Yes. Married couples can file a declaration with the clerk of the superior court and pay a fee. You don’t need counseling or a new ceremony.
Can We Switch from Covenant Back to Standard?
No. Arizona law gives no way to change a covenant marriage back to a standard one. That is why it is worth talking it over before you choose.
Is Divorce Harder in a Covenant Marriage?
Yes. A court can only end a covenant marriage for reasons in the law, like adultery, abuse, a felony, living apart a long time, drug or alcohol abuse, or when both spouses agree. This is not legal advice, so ask an Arizona family lawyer about your case.
Do We Both Have to Agree to a Covenant Marriage?
Yes. You both sign the declaration in front of the clerk. One person can’t choose it alone.
Does the Wedding Ceremony Change?
No. Your ceremony can look and feel the same. You still need an officiant and two witnesses. Some couples add a line about their covenant promise to their vows.
Who Can Do Covenant Premarital Counseling?
Arizona law lets a member of the clergy do it. An ordained minister can do covenant premarital counseling and sign the notarized affidavit when you finish.
Can an Officiant Marry Us Either Way?
Yes. The ceremony is the same for standard and covenant marriages. Ordained ministers, judges, and justices of the peace can all perform it.
