To get married in Lake Havasu City, you need three things: an Arizona marriage license, someone legally able to marry you, and two witnesses aged 18 or older. Get the license from the Mohave County Clerk of the Superior Court. It costs $98, there is no waiting period, and it is valid for one year. Hold the ceremony anywhere in Arizona, then the officiant returns the signed license within 30 days.
The short version
- Get your marriage license from the Mohave County Clerk of the Superior Court. The Lake Havasu City office is at 2001 College Drive.
- Choose who will marry you: a wedding officiant or minister, or a judge at the Lake Havasu City Justice Court.
- Choose where: a venue, a state or city park, a beach, a backyard or a boat, as long as it is in Arizona.
- Bring two witnesses aged 18 or older. Everyone must be there in person.
- Sign the license at the ceremony. Your officiant returns it to the court within 30 days.
Step 1: Get your Arizona marriage license
Marriage licenses in Mohave County come from the Clerk of the Superior Court. You can apply in person at a clerk's office, or by mail with a notarized affidavit.
| Where in Lake Havasu City | 2001 College Drive, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404 · (928) 453-0701 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:30 to 4:30 pm. The clerk's windows close for lunch from 12:00 to 1:30 pm, so plan around it |
| Fee | $98. In person, the clerk accepts cash and credit or debit cards |
| Bring | A government photo ID for each of you, such as a driver's license, state ID, military ID or passport |
| Waiting period | None, and no blood test |
| Valid for | One year from the day it's issued, for a ceremony anywhere in Arizona. You don't need to live in Arizona |
Mohave County also has offices in Kingman and Bullhead City. For mail applications, applicants under 18, covenant marriages and what to do after the wedding, read the step-by-step Mohave County marriage license guide from Havasu Vows.
Step 2: Choose who will marry you
| Option | What to know |
|---|---|
| A wedding officiant or minister | Ordained ministers can marry couples in Arizona, and the state does not require them to register. An officiant can marry you almost anywhere: a venue, a park, a beach, a backyard or a boat. |
| The Lake Havasu City Justice Court | Civil ceremonies at 2001 College Drive #148, by request form. The fee is $200, cash only and in the exact amount, due at the ceremony. Bring your license and two adult witnesses. |
Step 3: Choose where
An Arizona license works for a ceremony anywhere in Arizona, so the choice is yours.
- Wedding venues: resorts, golf clubs, halls and waterfront restaurants that host ceremonies and receptions.
- State and city parks: Lake Havasu State Park and Buckskin Mountain State Park book ceremonies through Arizona State Parks. City park ramadas are reserved through Lake Havasu City, and larger events in city parks need a city event permit.
- On the water: private charters can carry a small wedding party onto the lake. Keep the ceremony on the Arizona side (see below).
- A home or vacation rental: ask the owner or rental company before you plan an event there.
Step 4: On the day
- Two witnesses, each 18 or older, must be at the ceremony. You don't need witnesses when you apply.
- Everyone must be physically present: both of you, the officiant and the witnesses. Arizona does not allow proxy or video weddings.
- Bring the license. You, your officiant and your witnesses sign it at the ceremony.
Step 5: After the wedding
Your officiant returns the signed license to the court within 30 days. Once it's recorded, you can order a certified copy for $35. You'll need it to change your name with Social Security, the MVD and your bank.
Getting married on the California side of the lake
Lake Havasu sits on the Arizona–California line, which matters most for a boat ceremony. An Arizona license is valid only for a ceremony in Arizona. A ceremony on the California side, including Havasu Lake, needs a California license from a California county clerk, applied for in person. For Havasu Lake that's San Bernardino County, which has offices in San Bernardino and Hesperia. A California public license is valid for 90 days and needs at least one witness.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a waiting period to get married in Lake Havasu City?
No. Arizona has no waiting period and no blood test. You can marry the same day the license is issued.
How much is a marriage license in Lake Havasu City?
A Mohave County marriage license costs $98. In person, the clerk accepts cash and credit or debit cards.
How long is an Arizona marriage license valid?
One year from the day it is issued, for a ceremony anywhere in Arizona.
Do we have to live in Arizona to get married in Lake Havasu?
No. Arizona has no residency requirement for a marriage license.
How many witnesses do we need?
Two witnesses aged 18 or older must be at the ceremony. You do not need witnesses when you apply for the license.
Can we get married 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.
Can we get married on a boat on Lake Havasu?
Yes, with an officiant on board. Keep the ceremony on the Arizona side of the lake, because an Arizona license is valid only in Arizona. The California side needs a California license.
Can a friend marry us in Arizona?
Ordained ministers can solemnize marriages in Arizona, and the state does not require them to register.
Rules and fees change. Confirm details with the court or office before you go.