Do You Need Witnesses to Get Married in Arizona?

One of the most common legal questions couples ask when planning their ceremony is whether they’ll need witnesses for their Arizona wedding. Whether you’re hosting a large celebration, eloping in the desert, or planning a courthouse ceremony, understanding this rule ensures your marriage is legally valid and avoids any last-minute surprises.

1. Arizona’s Witness Requirement

Yes — Arizona law requires two witnesses to be present at your wedding ceremony and to sign your marriage license.

Here’s what you need to know:

• 👥 You must have two witnesses, age 18 or older.
• Witnesses must be physically present at the ceremony.
• Witnesses sign the marriage license alongside you and your officiant.
• They do not need to be related to you or to each other.
• The witnesses’ signatures are required for the license to be legally recorded by the county clerk.

👉 This rule applies whether your ceremony is at a resort, a private home, a park, or a courthouse.

2. Who Can Be a Witness?

Witnesses can be:

• Family members
• Friends
• Wedding guests
• Anyone present who meets the age requirement

For elopements or very small ceremonies, if you don’t have guests, you can usually ask:

• Your photographer,
• Venue staff, or
• Even friendly bystanders to serve as legal witnesses.

As a Scottsdale wedding officiant, I help couples find witnesses for intimate ceremonies when needed — it’s a common and easy part of the process.

3. What Happens If You Don’t Have Witnesses?

Without two witnesses, your marriage license cannot be completed or filed. This means your marriage will not be legally recognized in Arizona.

If you’re planning a private elopement, always let your officiant know in advance so arrangements can be made for witnesses to be present.

4. Additional Arizona Marriage License Rules

• Marriage licenses are issued by county clerks, such as Maricopa County Clerk’s Office.

• There’s no waiting period, so you can get married the same day you receive your license.

• Licenses are valid for 12 months.

• After the ceremony, your officiant and witnesses sign the license, and it’s filed with the clerk to make the marriage official.

👉 For a complete legal breakdown, read How to Get Married in Arizona: 2025 Step-by-Step Guide.

5. Why This Matters for Elopements

Many couples eloping in Scottsdale, Sedona, or Phoenix don’t plan to bring guests, which is why this witness rule often surprises people. Fortunately, finding two witnesses is easy — your officiant and local vendors will help.

👉 Check out my elopement officiant services for personalized, stress-free desert ceremonies.

6. ✨ A Legally Perfect Ceremony

Making sure your witnesses are lined up is a simple but essential step in your Arizona wedding planning. Whether you’re eloping at sunset or celebrating with 200 guests, I ensure all legal requirements — including witness signatures — are handled smoothly, so your focus stays on your love story.

✨ Your Love Story, Your Ceremony, Your Way.