You can elope in Lake Havasu City with very little planning. Arizona has no waiting period, so you can get your marriage license and marry the same day. You need the license ($98), someone to marry you, and two witnesses aged 18 or older. Marry at the Lake Havasu City Justice Court for $200, or book an officiant and say your vows on a beach, in a park, at a resort or on a boat.
What you need
| Marriage license | From the Mohave County Clerk of the Superior Court, 2001 College Drive. $98. No waiting period and no blood test. Valid for one year, for a ceremony anywhere in Arizona. You don't need to live in Arizona |
|---|---|
| Someone to marry you | A judge at the Justice Court, or an officiant |
| Two witnesses | Each 18 or older, at the ceremony, in person |
| ID | A government photo ID for each of you when you apply for the license |
Plan around the license office hours
The license office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:30 to 4:30 pm. Its windows close for lunch from 12:00 to 1:30 pm. If you want to elope on a weekend, get your license on a weekday first. It stays valid for a year. For mail applications and other details, see the Mohave County marriage license guide from Havasu Vows.
Two ways to elope
| Courthouse ceremony | Officiant | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Lake Havasu City Justice Court, 2001 College Drive #148 | Almost anywhere in Arizona: a beach, park, resort, backyard or boat |
| How to book | Send the court's wedding request form ahead of time | Contact an officiant directly |
| Cost | $200, cash only, exact amount, due at the ceremony | Set by each officiant |
| Witnesses | Bring two adults | Bring two adults |
Places to elope
- A resort courtyard: London Bridge Resort's Courtyard Fountain fits up to 50 guests, beside London Bridge.
- The beach: The Nautical Beachfront Resort holds ceremonies on its Main Beach and Lakeside Terrace.
- A state park: Lake Havasu State Park offers lakeside ceremonies by reservation. Near Parker, Buckskin Mountain State Park holds riverside ceremonies.
- A city park: Rotary Community Park ramadas can be reserved through Parks and Recreation at least ten days ahead. Alcohol isn't allowed in city parks without an approved permit, and glass isn't allowed at all.
- On the water: Lake Havasu Luxury Charter takes up to six guests, enough for the two of you, your officiant and your witnesses. Keep the ceremony on the Arizona side of the lake, because an Arizona license is valid only in Arizona. See boats and adventures for more charters.
For every option, see Lake Havasu wedding venues and ceremony locations and permits.
Photos and flowers
- Photographers: Elona Shea Photography photographs weddings and elopements. See all Lake Havasu photographers.
- Flowers: a bouquet and a boutonniere from a local florist.
What eloping costs: the fixed fees
| Marriage license | $98 |
|---|---|
| Justice Court ceremony (if you choose it) | $200, cash only |
| Certified copy of your marriage certificate | $35 (needed to change your name) |
Officiants, photographers, flowers, boat charters and park reservations set their own prices. Contact them directly.
After the ceremony
Your officiant returns the signed license to the court within 30 days. Once it's recorded, order a certified copy for $35 if you plan to change your name.
Eloping on the California side
Lake Havasu sits on the Arizona–California line. A ceremony on the California side, including Havasu Lake, needs a California license from a California county clerk, applied for in person. See how to get married in Lake Havasu for the details.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get married the same day in Lake Havasu City?
Yes. Arizona has no waiting period, so you can get your license and marry the same day, as long as your officiant or the court is available.
How much does it cost to elope in Lake Havasu?
The fixed fees are the $98 marriage license and, if you marry at the Justice Court, a $200 cash fee. A certified copy of your marriage certificate is $35. Officiants, photographers and other vendors set their own prices.
Can we elope on a weekend?
Yes, with an officiant. The license office is open only on weekdays, so get your license on a weekday first. It stays valid for one year.
Do we need witnesses to elope in Arizona?
Yes. Two witnesses aged 18 or older must be at the ceremony in person.
Can we elope at the courthouse in Lake Havasu City?
Yes. The Lake Havasu City Justice Court performs civil ceremonies by request form. The fee is $200, cash only in the exact amount, due at the ceremony.
Where can we elope in Lake Havasu?
Popular choices include London Bridge Resort's Courtyard Fountain, the beach at The Nautical Beachfront Resort, Lake Havasu State Park, a city park ramada, and a small private boat charter on the Arizona side of the lake.
Rules and fees change. Confirm details with the court or office before you go.