Arizona is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the Southwest from elegantScottsdale resorts to stunning Sedona canyon ceremonies. If you’ve been asked to officiate awedding here, or you want to build a rewarding side hustle in a booming wedding market,Arizona makes it straightforward.
Here’s your complete guide to how to get ordained in Arizona and everything you need tolegally perform a wedding ceremony in the state.
Who Can Legally Perform a Marriage in Arizona?
Under Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S. § 25-124), the following individuals may solemnize(legally perform) a marriage:
- A licensed or ordained clergyman or minister of any religious organization
- Any judge of a court of record
- Any justice of the peace
- Any federal judge, federal magistrate, or retired judge
- Any United States bankruptcy judge
The key for most people: ordained ministers of any religious organization are fullyauthorized to perform marriages in Arizona and online ordinations qualify.
Step 1: Get Ordained Online
The simplest and fastest way to become an authorized Arizona wedding officiant is throughonline ordination with a recognized religious organization. All Faith Ministry provides legalordination that is valid in Arizona and every other U.S. state.
With AFM ordination, you:
- Become a legally recognized ordained minister within minutes
- Receive credentials that satisfy Arizona’s officiant requirements
- Gain access to AFM’s community, training, and ongoing support
Apply for Ordination at All Faith Ministry
Step 2: Understand Arizona’s Marriage License Process
The couple is responsible for securing the marriage license not the officiant. Here’s whatyou should confirm before the ceremony:
- Where to get it: Any Arizona Superior Court clerk’s office
- ID required: Both parties must show valid government-issued photo ID
- Waiting period: None — the license can be used immediately
- Expiration: Arizona marriage licenses are valid for 1 year from issuance
- Age: Both parties must be 18+ (16–17 requires parental and judicial consent)
Good news for couples: Arizona’s 1-year license validity gives plenty of flexibility fordestination weddings and planning ahead.
Step 3: Perform the Ceremony
Arizona gives officiants broad freedom in how they structure the ceremony. There is no staterequired script religious, secular, non-denominational, outdoor, indoor all are valid. WhatArizona law requires is:
- A declaration of intent from both parties (the vows)
- The ceremony performed by an authorized officiant
- At least one witness present (two witnesses are strongly recommended and standardpractice)
As an AFM-ordained minister, you meet the officiant requirement under Arizona law.
Step 4: Complete and Return the Marriage License
As the officiant, you are responsible for completing the officiant section of the marriagelicense after the ceremony:
- Sign your full name in the officiant signature field
- Print your name, your title (Ordained Minister), and your organization (All Faith Ministry)
- Have the witness(es) sign as well
- Return the completed license to the issuing clerk’s office
Deadline: Return the signed license as promptly as possible delays can causecomplications for the couple when applying for name changes or updating legal documents.
Do You Need to Register as an Officiant in Arizona?
No. Arizona does not require officiants to pre-register with the state or any county office. Yourordination is your legal authorization to perform the ceremony.
It’s still a best practice to carry your AFM ordination certificate to the ceremony. Some venues especially resort properties in Scottsdale or Sedona may request proof of yourcredentials before allowing you to officiate on their property.
Tips for Arizona Wedding Officiants
- Check the license expiration — Arizona’s 1-year window is generous, but always confirmthe date before the ceremony
- Plan for outdoor ceremonies — Arizona’s desert venues are stunning but hot; bring aprinted copy of your ceremony notes
- Arrive early — destination weddings in Sedona or the Sonoran Desert often involvelogistics (shuttle buses, remote venues, permit areas)
- Personalize the ceremony — Arizona couples who choose a non-traditional outdoorsetting often want a ceremony that matches the magic of the location
- Consider AFM’s training — if you want to offer premium, personalized ceremonies andbuild your business, AFM’s officiant training gives you the tools and confidence to do it right
Arizona’s Wedding Market: A Real Opportunity
Arizona’s wedding industry is thriving. Scottsdale, Sedona, Tucson, and the White Mountainsattract couples from across the country and beyond for destination weddings.Professional, polished officiants are in consistent demand.
Wedding officiants in Arizona typically earn $150–$500 per ceremony, with Scottsdale andSedona officiants often commanding premium rates for destination events. AFM’s training andcommunity can help you establish yourself as the go-to officiant in your region.
Explore Wedding Officiant Training at All Faith Ministry
Get Ordained in Arizona Today
Arizona’s path to legal ordination is fast and accessible. All Faith Ministry gives you everythingyou need ordination, credentials, training, and community to officiate with confidencefrom day one.
