To elope in Arkansas:
You will need to get a marriage license from the county clerk in any Arkansas county. Because it's more convenient, people typically get their license from the county clerk in their county of residence. Both parties are required to go together to obtain a marriage license. Right after your elopement, your officiant will fill out and sign your marriage license and give it back to you to deliver to the county clerk's office to be recorded. The clerk will then return the marriage license back to the couple and it will be theirs to keep forever!!! Rules and regulations change from time to time and in every county. To get the most up to date rules and requirements always check with your local county clerk.
Are your curious about how to elope in Arkansas?
GOOD NEWS!!! It's actually easier than you might think! It's much less stressful than planning a traditional wedding. As a practicing officiant, I have researched this stuff until my face turned blue all in an effort to make this easier for couples interested in eloping in Arkansas! The goal of this blog post is to break down the information you need in an easy-to-understand way in hopes of removing your stress and allowing you to plan your perfect elopement in Arkansas.
Just a side note if you are considering eloping in Arkansas:
The marriage license does not have to be obtained or returned to the county in which you were married. If you get married in Arkansas, you are able to return it to any county clerk in Arkansas to be recorded. Both parties need to be over 18, and the cost is $60 cash or credit (with a processing fee for the latter). You'll then need to get married within 60 days of the issue date.
For more info on getting a marriage license in Arkansas, click HERE.
The basics of what you need to know about eloping in Arkansas.
Let's face it - the past couple of years has been terrible for couples planning a wedding. And facing the unknown of what next year might hold is pretty scary. Whether you have postponed your wedding or if you are recently engaged and are starting to think about what the heck you are going to do when it comes to planning a wedding during a pandemic. Don't worry - you're in the right place!
Whether or not you've seriously considered eloping, it can be an incredible experience!
The chance to plan a perfect day that's completely about the two of you and not having to worry about everyone else is liberating. I honestly have loved elopements for a long time and eloped with my husband over 3 years ago. It was literally one of the best decisions we have ever made as a couple! You know, besides choosing each other:)
If you have made the brave decision to elope in Arkansas or are even considering it, then bravo!!! You are choosing a gorgeous state with truly stunning topography and endless possibilities to say your vows and creating your dream elopement experience.
There are so many misconceptions about eloping and what it means.
Now that you are considering eloping in Arkansas, let's discuss what eloping means!
So to be as helpful as possible, I would love to share an example of an elopement day timeline to give you an idea of what it can be. But really, there is no right or wrong way to get eloped.
This is my personal definition of what an elopement means to me.
One of the best things about elopements is that they can literally be anything you want.
ELOPEMENT: NOUN
A MEANINGFUL, INTIMATE & INTENTIONAL WEDDING EXPERIENCE THAT FOCUSES ON THE LOVE BETWEEN THE COUPLE AND THE UNIQUE LOVE STORY THEY HAVE CULTIVATED.
ELOPEMENTS DITCH THE TRADITIONAL RULES OF WHAT A WEDDING SHOULD BE AND ALLOW COUPLES TO MAKE THEIR WEDDING DAY TRULY ABOUT WHAT MATTERS MOST: THEM AND THE LOVE THEY SHARE.
If you can dream it, you can do it! The sky is the limit. If you want to take a helicopter tour over the Ozark Mountains and end your day at sunset at a gorgeous overlook to say your vows with just you, your partner, your officiant and your photographer, you can ABSOLUTELY DO THAT!!! Wanna get married in your backyard with your closest friends and family around to witness or maybe just your dog? HEY, YOU CAN DO THAT! If your dream is to get married in Northwest Arkansas after hiking to the top of a waterfall and jumping in right after your vows, that's absolutely achievable. If an urban setting is your thing, you can do a downtown elopement that includes your favorite brew pub, vows on a rooftop parking deck or on the Grand Junction Bridge, the theater, and a private, chef-prepared meal for just the two of you or for a small group of friends!
BUFFALO RIVER, ARKANSAS ELOPEMENT DAY TIMELINE
Whether you are eloping in Arkansas or somewhere else.
Here is a quick checklist to make sure you are ready for your dream wedding day.
Quick Elopement Checklist
1. Plan your perfect day with your photographer and guide!
5. Have your officiant sign your marriage license and return it to a county clerk's office.
2. Go to a county clerk's office with your partner to get your marriage license.
6. Meet with your officiant or have your officiant mail your marriage license back to you.
3. Find an officiant to officiate your wedding. I am one, by the way. Just saying:)
LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!!
4. Get married anywhere in the State of Arkansas. (Legally, and with any necessary permits).