{"id":18612,"name":"Fayetteville","state_id":8,"county_id":11,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:37:05.228-07:00","updated_at":"2026-06-11T13:01:36.207-07:00","meta_description":null,"head_tag":null,"tagline":null,"intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eAs the second largest city in Arkansas, \u003cstrong\u003eFayetteville is a beautiful and vibrant place to plan a wedding ceremony\u003c/strong\u003e and honeymoon. It\u0026#39;s no wonder\u0026nbsp;it\u0026#39;s become\u0026nbsp;an eco-friendly elopement and destination wedding hot spot!\u0026nbsp;This beautiful mountain city features legendary live music and nightlife, a bustling arts and culture vibe, and top-notch restaurants, food trucks, and bars to cozy up in after you take your vows. There are dozens of traditional wedding venues to choose from, and even more nontraditional venues for couples who want something a little different -- including\u0026nbsp;public parks, botanical gardens, Ozark overlooks, bike trails, art galleries, and more.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere\u0026#39;s so much to see and do\u0026nbsp;in Fayetteville, but let\u0026rsquo;s make sure you have the logistical aspects of your wedding nailed down before you plan any further!\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eStep 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s start with the ordainment process: Ministers who are ordained online\u0026nbsp;are recognized in Arkansas, including those ordained with \u003cstrong\u003eAmerican Marriage Ministries (AMM)\u003c/strong\u003e. Getting ordained with AMM is quick and easy and should only take you a couple of minutes to complete.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/weddings-by-state/arkansas/get-ordained\"\u003eGet Ordained Online in Arkansas with AMM\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMINISTER REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter ordination, all ministers must\u0026nbsp;register with a\u0026nbsp;County Clerk\u0026#39;s office before the marriage ceremony takes place. You can register in any county, and your credentials will be recognized throughout the state. Just remember:\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eMinisters must file their ministry credentials with the county clerk for a small fee of approximately $50 before the wedding.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt may take the clerk\u0026#39;s office up to 30 days to process your registration paperwork, so order your credentials and submit them with enough time before the wedding. Learn more about the registration process by clicking the link below:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/weddings-by-state/arkansas/officiant-registration-requirements\"\u003eWhat are the Wedding Officiant Registration Requirements in Arkansas?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 2: Prepare for the Wedding in Washington County, Arkansas\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that the practical parts are\u0026nbsp;out of the way, it\u0026#39;s time for the fun part - writing and preparing the wedding! AMM\u0026#39;s free\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;Wedding Officiant Training\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;resources,\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://courses.theamm.org/\"\u003epaid training courses\u003c/a\u003e, sample \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/ceremony-scripts\"\u003ewedding ceremony scripts\u003c/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/blog\"\u003edetailed\u0026nbsp;blog articles\u003c/a\u003e for first-time officiants can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. We even offer many of these resources in Spanish!\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBeing asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but we know it can feel like a lot of pressure. The resources linked in the paragraph above will\u0026nbsp;give you helpful information to prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly. The more prepared you are, the less stressful the day will be! And remember: they choose you for a reason!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nStep 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nIt is the full responsibility of the couple to obtain their\u0026nbsp;marriage license and return it to the clerk\u0026#39;s office after the wedding ceremony before it expires.\u0026nbsp;However, \u003cstrong\u003eit\u0026#39;s your job as the officiant to fill out the license correctly and sign it following the ceremony.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nOnce you sign and complete the license, you must hand it back to the couple promptly, so that they can return it to the clerk\u0026#39;s office before the expiration deadline. After\u0026nbsp;you perform the ceremony, complete the license, and return it to the couple, then your functions as the officiant are fulfilled, and you can sit back and relax!\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003ch3\u003eFile for the Marriage License from the County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s Office\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nIn general, the couple must appear together in-person to apply for their license. Couples can apply at any\u0026nbsp;Arkansas County Clerk or Circuit Court Clerk office, and an Arkansas marriage licenses can be used anywhere in the state once it has been\u0026nbsp;issued. \u003cstrong\u003eIf you choose to apply for your license in\u0026nbsp;Fayetteville, you can visit the\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.washingtoncountyar.gov/government/departments-a-e/county-clerk/marriage-information\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWashington County Clerk Office.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eREQUIREMENTS FOR AN ARKANSAS MARRIAGE LICENSE:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn general, applicants must be at least 18 years of age or older to apply for a marriage license, however there are some exceptions for minors (given below). Adult applicants must provide a valid government-issued photo identification, and their social security card (if they have a SSN); applicants who are 18 or 19 years old may also be asked to provide their birth certificate to verify their age.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eRemember to bring cash if you apply in Fayetteville; the Washington County Clerk\u0026#39;s office only accepts cash for marriage license payments.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/920-how-old-do-you-have-to-be-to-get-married-in-each-state\"\u003eMinors who are 17 years old can get married in Arkansas\u003c/a\u003e if strict conditions are met, including proof of parental or guardian consent, a signed and notarized affidavit, and an additional waiting period.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen you go, remember to bring:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eValid photo identification\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eBirth certificate (in some cases)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSocial Security Card (if you have a SSN)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e$60 (cash only!)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eInternational couples may also need to bring\u0026nbsp;foreign passport/s, green card or visa/s, and original birth certificate/s\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eMinors will need additional documentation, ask your clerk about\u0026nbsp;the current requirements for minors\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eIf a partner\u0026#39;s name has changed through a divorce and their photo identification does not reflect this change, he or she will need a certified copy of their divorce decree, and the decree must state that his or her name has been restored to their maiden name.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Basics\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eBooking a Fayetteville Wedding Venue\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nCelebrating over 180 festivals throughout the year, Fayetteville can be a lively hub for activity. This means that there\u0026#39;s a decent chance your wedding date will fall on the same day as a city event, leading to potential booking conflicts. Common conflicts include difficulty finding\u0026nbsp;hotel rooms, increased rental prices, and\u0026nbsp;dealing with large crowds. Keep this in mind while planning, and book your wedding venue far enough in advance to avoid stress and complications. Venues can book up very quickly!\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWedding Venues in Fayetteville, Arkansas\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith timing in mind,\u0026nbsp;Fayetteville has a large selection of gorgeous wedding venues to choose from, giving you lots of options to choose from. Below\u0026nbsp;are a few suggestions we\u0026#39;ve heard great things about.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.theatre2.org/rentals\"\u003eTheatreSquared\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;: This\u0026nbsp;performing arts center is an excellent wedding location if you want large, spacious rooms, with a seating capacity of close to 300 people. The center also includes staffing and catering services.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://stonechapelnwa.com/\"\u003eStone Chapel at MattLane Farm\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;:\u0026nbsp;This is the perfect location for a romantic wedding in the beautiful Arkansas countryside. The Chapel itself features a rustic stonework design, with antique doors, rich decor, and modern amenities (including in-house speakers). This venue brings charm, elegance, and quiet beauty,\u0026nbsp;for a picture-perfect storybook wedding.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://mountsequoyah.org/portfolio/overlook/\"\u003eThe Overlook at Mount Sequoyah Center (The Cross)\u003c/a\u003e : The Mount Sequoyah Center features a stunning outdoor overlook that can be rented / reserved for weddings as part of a set package. These packages are available in hourly blocks (1.5 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours), making it convenient for couples to plan the celebration they want on a budget. If The Cross isn\u0026#39;t the right match for your ceremony, Mount Sequoyah Center has other great areas for rent, too.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/3550/Wilson-Park\"\u003eWilson Park Castle\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;: This cute castle and pond in Wilson Park has been a favorite casual elopement spot for years. In fact, it\u0026#39;s Fayetteville\u0026#39;s first and oldest park!\u0026nbsp;It\u0026#39;s great for photos, and the 23 acre park itself is cozy and romantic. Couples can also \u003ca href=\"https://secure.rec1.com/AR/fayetteville-ar/catalog/index/f62fd0ad7ca932682752a047f74014e9?filter=c2VhcmNoPSZsb2NhdGlvbiU1QjEzNjgyJTVEPTE=\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ereserve a pavilion or softball field\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;in the park on the county\u0026#39;s website for gatherings up to 25 people; however quick elopements with a few friends may not need a reservation.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.sassafrasspringsvineyard.com/\"\u003eSassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery and Wedding Venue\u003c/a\u003e : Not far outside Fayetteville, this venue is a romantic full-service destination for weddings. The 60 acre venue lists several available rental locations on the grounds to hold the ceremony, so it won\u0026#39;t be hard to find a spot that fits your vibe!\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.greenwoodar.org/Government/Departments/Parks-Recreation/Bell-Park\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eEd Wilkinson Pavillion in Bell Park\u003c/a\u003e, Greenwood, Arkansas : An hour outside the city, this city-owned facility\u0026nbsp;offers 2-day bridal packages, all-day rentals, and hourly rental\u0026nbsp;rates that are much more affordable than traditional commercial wedding venues.\u0026nbsp;It has all the modern amenities couples need to host a wedding, with room for 300+ guests.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMore inspiration:\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/970-how-to-get-married-in-arkansas-planning-a-wedding-in-the-natural-state\"\u003eHow to Get Married in Arkansas - Planning a wedding in The Natural State\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTransportation in Fayetteville, AR\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nFayetteville\u0026rsquo;s \u003ca href=\"https://www.ozark.org/\"\u003eOzark Regional Transit\u003c/a\u003e provides bus services to stops all over town. The city is also dedicated to more efficient and greener forms of transportation with its fantastic biking and walking routes. The community encourages carpooling and public transit. If you don\u0026rsquo;t bring your car, you\u0026rsquo;re sure to find excellent alternatives for getting around town.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWeather: Best Month for an Outside Wedding in Arkansas\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe climate in Fayetteville\u0026nbsp;fluctuates throughout the year: mild spring weather; hot, muggy summers; pleasant autumns; and cold, rainy winters.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe most challenging months for outdoor wedding events in Fayetteville are July and August (due to oppressive summer heat and humidity) and January and February (cold temps and ice are common). If you want to get married during these times, we recommend booking an indoor wedding venue, or a venue with both outdoor and indoor space, to ensure that you and your guests are comfortable no matter what weather the day brings.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor the Officiant:\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/710-summer-survival-10-items-to-add-to-your-officiant-wedding-emergency-kit-this-sea\"\u003eSummer Survival: 10 Items to Add to Your Officiant Wedding Emergency Kit This Season\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/1485-10-tips-for-officiating-a-winter-wedding\"\u003e10 Tips for Officiating a Winter Wedding\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nSpring and Fall weddings are very popular in Fayetteville, with many saying these are the absolute\u003cstrong\u003e best months for an outdoor wedding in Arkansas! \u003c/strong\u003eThese months (late March to early May; and September through November) tend to bring mild temps, plus fewer storms and bugs. Fall is when the Ozarks really put on a show, with vibrant colorful leaves all around!\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExplore more spring and fall wedding ideas from AMM:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/ceremony-scripts/3-spring-equinox-flower-ceremony-script\"\u003eSpring Equinox Flower Wedding Ceremony Script\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/ceremony-scripts/162-fall-wedding-ceremony-script-with-reading-from-harvest-moon\"\u003eFall Wedding Ceremony Script with Reading From \u0026quot;Harvest Moon\u0026quot;\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\t\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the minimum age requirement to get married in Arkansas?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nIn general, individuals applying for their marriage license must be at least 18 years of age or older. Minors can apply if they are at least 17 years old and meet additional requirements.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the Washington County Clerk require credentials for ordained ministers?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nYes. If you wish to be legally recognized as a minister in the State of Arkansas, you must be able to present documentation.\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eAfter how many days does the marriage license expire?\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe wedding license will expire after 60 days of its issuance.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003eWashington County Clerk Office\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n280 N. College Avenue, Suite 300\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nFayetteville, Arkansas\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $60 Cash\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/strong\u003e None (additional 5-day waiting period for minors)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 60 days\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho Returns the License:\u003c/strong\u003e Couple must return the license to the office where it was issued before the expiration date\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n","meta_description_esp":null,"head_tag_esp":null,"tagline_esp":null,"intro_section_esp":"","officiant_section_esp":"","couple_section_esp":"","wedding_tips_esp":"","faq_esp":"","content_live_esp":false,"marriage_licensing_info_esp":""}