How to Officiate a Wedding in Chandler, Arizona

In a place where desert breeze, palm trees, and technology all come together under steady sunshine, it’s no surprise that romance is blooming like a saguaro flower. If you’re ready to take that next big step in Chandler, we’re here to help you with the ordainment process and the marriage license.

Step 1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries

Arizona statutes allow for the following individuals to solemnize marriages:

"Duly licensed or ordained clergy (includes ministers, elders or other persons who by the customs, rules and regulations of a religious society or sect are authorized or permitted to officiate at marriage ceremonies)."

After you get ordained with AMM you will meet these requirements as ordained clergy. It’s a fast process and, better still, it’s totally free! We are the only IRS Certified 501c3 Non-Profit that offers free online ordinations.

Step 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Maricopa County

Officiating a wedding ceremony is a unique and exciting opportunity, but it can be a bit nerve-wracking thinking about all the details. We’ve got your back! Just head over to our wedding training pages, where you’ll find an extensive library of information to help prepare for the ceremony, including sample scripts, brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.

Step 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

The soon-to-be happily married couple is responsible for obtaining the marriage license, and the officiant is responsible for returning the license to the county clerk’s office after the ceremony.

As stated on the Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court's website:

“A marriage license must be issued prior to the ceremony taking place, signed at completion of the ceremony, and returned by the officiator not more than 30 days after the ceremony has taken place in order for the license to be recorded.”

File for the Marriage License from the Maricopa County Clerk's Office

You can start by downloading the marriage license application and printing it out. You will both need to be there when you go to the clerk’s office to file the application. The Southeast Court Complex is located at 222 E Javelina Dr. in Mesa. We recommend booking an appointment in advance to avoid a longer wait. In addition to the application, you will need:

• A valid, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) (for both parties)
• $83.00, payable by cash, money order, debit card or credit card

After the marriage ceremony has taken place, the officiant has 30 days to return the signed license to the clerk’s office so it can be officially recorded.

The Basics

If you’re really looking to go all out, Ashley Castle is an actual castle complete with parapets, chandeliers, and a garden. Right downtown and on the other side of this era you’ll find SoHo63, which offers minimalist New York City vibes at Arizona prices.

Most of the venues in and around Chandler have indoor and outdoor options so you can take advantage of the mild, warm winter outside or embrace the air-conditioning during the scalding summer months. No matter the season, you and your guests will be able to take advantage of Chandler’s museums, parks, restaurants and nightlife.

Transportation

The Phoenix airport is only a 22-minute drive away, which makes Chandler easy to reach for guests coming from farther afield. If you’re not driving or renting a car, there are bus, taxi and ride-share options available.

Weather

Apart from the occasional thunderstorm, it’s a safe bet you’ll encounter sunshine year-round in Chandler. During the summer it can regularly get up to 100+ degrees but winters are pleasant and average.