Complete Wedding Guide
Getting Married in Arkansas
Everything you need to know about marriage licenses, requirements, costs, and planning your wedding in Arkansas. Arkansas is a hidden gem for weddings, featuring the Ozark Mountains, natural hot springs, and charming small-town venues at some of the lowest prices in the country.
Arkansas Marriage License Requirements
Arkansas has no waiting period and no witness requirement, making it a simple process. Couples under 18 but at least 17 can marry with parental consent.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Arkansas?
Ordained ministers, priests, and other religious leaders. Judges of any court, justices of the peace, and any person authorized by a recognized religious denomination to solemnize marriages.
Wedding Costs in Arkansas
Average Wedding Cost
$23,800
This includes venue, catering, photography, attire, and other typical wedding expenses in Arkansas.
Average Guest Count
140
The typical Arkansas wedding hosts 140 guests. Plan your seating, catering, and photo sharing accordingly.
Best Seasons
Spring, Fall
The most popular seasons to get married in Arkansas. Book venues early during peak season.
Popular Wedding Regions in Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas
Bentonville and Fayetteville offer trendy arts districts, crystal bridges, and Ozark Mountain backdrops.
Hot Springs
Historic bathhouse row, lakefront venues, and resort-style properties surrounded by national forest.
Little Rock
The capital city features riverfront venues, botanical gardens, and restored historic buildings.
Top Wedding Venues in Arkansas
How to Get Married in Arkansas: Step by Step
Apply for Your Marriage License
Visit the County Clerk in Arkansas with your partner. Bring valid photo ID (driver's license or passport), proof of age, and the license fee of $60. Both partners must appear in person.
No Waiting Period
Arkansas has no waiting period, so you can hold your ceremony the same day you receive your license. Your license is valid for 60 days.
Choose Your Officiant
In Arkansas, your wedding can be officiated by ordained ministers, priests, and other religious leaders. Make sure your officiant is properly authorized before the ceremony.
Hold Your Ceremony
Have your ceremony at your chosen Arkansas venue. Arkansas does not require witnesses, though many couples still choose to have them.
File Your Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, your officiant will sign the marriage license and return it to the County Clerk. Once filed, you will receive your official marriage certificate. This is your legal proof of marriage.
Arkansas Wedding Planning Tips
Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs is one of the most famous wedding chapels in America and books up fast
Spring brings beautiful dogwood and redbud blooms perfect for outdoor ceremony photos
Arkansas pricing is well below national average, making it great for budget-conscious couples
Planning your Arkansas wedding? Collect every guest photo.
Once you have your marriage license sorted, make sure every guest can share their photos and videos. With Pix Wedding, guests scan a QR code and instantly upload to your shared album. No app downloads. No hassle.
Create Your Free AlbumNo credit card required. Setup takes under 2 minutes.
Explore Arkansas Wedding Venues
Browse our guide to the best wedding venues across Arkansas.
Wedding Photo Sharing in Arkansas
Learn how to collect every guest photo at your Arkansas wedding.
Popular Wedding Searches in Arkansas
Wedding Guides for Other States
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Marriage laws and requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with your local County Clerk in Arkansas before making plans. Last reviewed: 2026.
Arkansas Marriage & Wedding FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A marriage license in Arkansas costs $60. You can apply at the County Clerk. No residency requirement, so out-of-state couples can apply as well.
Arkansas has no waiting period. You can get married the same day you receive your marriage license. The license is valid for 60 days after issuance.
Ordained ministers, priests, and other religious leaders. Judges of any court, justices of the peace, and any person authorized by a recognized religious denomination to solemnize marriages.
The minimum age to marry without parental consent in Arkansas is 18. With parental consent, individuals as young as 17 may marry.
No. Arkansas does not require a blood test for a marriage license. No US state currently requires blood tests for marriage.
The average wedding in Arkansas costs $23,800 with an average guest count of 140. Spring and Fall are the most popular seasons for weddings in Arkansas. Popular wedding regions include Northwest Arkansas, Hot Springs, Little Rock.
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Invitation Wording
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Message templates to gather guest photos post-wedding.
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Best Way to Get Guest Photos
The single method with the highest participation rate.
How to Make a Shared Wedding Album
Step-by-step setup for every platform.
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