Arizona Weddings
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The State of Arizona is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. The capital and largest city is Phoenix. The second largest city is Tucson, followed by the four Phoenix-area conurbation cities of Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, and Scottsdale.
Arizona was the 48th and last of the contiguous states admitted to the Union on February 14, 1912. Arizona is noted for its desert climate, exceptionally hot summers, and mild winters, but the high country in the north features pine forests and mountain ranges with cooler weather than the lower deserts. New population figures for the year ending July 1, 2006 indicate that Arizona was at that time the fastest growing state in the United States, exceeding the growth of the previous leader, Nevada.
Arizona is one of the Four Corners states. It borders New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California, touches Colorado, and has a 389-mile (626 km) international border with the states of Sonora and Baja California in Mexico. In addition to the Grand Canyon, many other national forests, parks, monuments, and Indian reservations are located in the state.
Arizona Weddings
Arizona is becoming a very hot area (no pun intended) for destination weddings. Why? Well, other than the summer months, the weather in many popular Arizona locations is pretty good for a great deal of the year. Plus, there are many top-rated resorts and interesting outdoor venues in the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Sedona areas in which to have small or large wedding ceremonies and receptions, or just to go and elope and stay for the honeymoon.
Let’s take a look at a sampling of areas and venues for your Arizona Destination Wedding.
Traditions
Why Arizona?
Marriage License Requirements
If you've just set a date for your wedding, this can be an exciting time for the two of you! Don't let the marriage laws of Arizona put a dent in your wedding plans.
Here's what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for an Arizona marriage license.
We recommend getting the paper work aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your wedding date.
Congratulations and much happiness as you begin your lifetime journey together! Requirements may vary as each county in Arizona could have their own requirements.
Residency Requirement:
You do not have to be a resident of Arizona.
ID Requirement:
Picture identification such as Drivers License is required in Arizona. Having your Social Security card, Birth Certificate, etc. may be helpful.
Previous Marriages:
Copies of divorce decree are not required in Arizona.
Covenant Marriage Option:
Yes. Premarital counseling from a marriage counselor a member of the clergy is required for this type of marriage. Read more about Arizona's covenant marriage law.
Waiting Period:
There is no waiting period in Arizona to get married.
Fees:
It will cost you approximately $50.00 - cash or money order - to get married in Arizona.
Other Tests:
No Tests.
Proxy Marriages:
No.
Cousin Marriages:
Yes, first cousins may marry if both are sixty-five years of age or older. If one or both first cousins are under sixty-five years of age, they can marry if they show proof to a superior court judge that one of them is unable to reproduce.
Common Law Marriages:
No.
Same Sex Marriages:
No.
Under 18:
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must have the notarized consent of your parents or legal guardian. If you are under 16, you must have the notarized consent of your parents or legal guardian as well as a court order.
Officiants:
Licensed or ordained ministers, clergymen, or pastors of recognized religious societies.
Miscellaneous:
The license expires one year from the date of issuance.
Copy of Certificate of Marriage:
Marriage and divorce records in Arizona are available from the County Court in the county where the event occurred.
How To Get There
Get in
By Air
Arizona's main entry point by air is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Located between downtown Phoenix and Tempe, Sky Harbor is served by most major airlines and provides non-stop service to over 100 cities worldwide.
The Tucson International Airport, located south of downtown Tucson, is Arizona's second busiest airport. Served by several major airlines, TIA current provides non-stop service to 18 cities.
In addition to Sky Harbor and TIA, several regional airports are located throughout Arizona including Flagstaff Pulliam Airport in Flagstaff, Lake Havasu City Airport in Lake Havasu City and Yuma International Airport in Yuma.
By Car
All parts of Arizona are accessible by federal or state highways as well as 22 'Ports of Entry' from surrounding states and Sonora, Mexico. The speed limit on most interstate freeways is 75 miles per hour, however this typically drops to 65 or 55 miles per hour near metropolitan areas. The speed limit on most state highways and U.S. routes in rural Arizona is 65 miles per hour.
Arizona law does require that each front-seat occupant wear a seat belt in a car is designed to carry ten or fewer passengers (i.e. not a bus). In addition, children under the age of five must be properly restrained as well.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) runs east to west across southern Arizona and connects travelers with the major cities of Tucson and Phoenix. I-10 originates out of the east from Las Cruces, New Mexico and out of the west, from Palm Springs, California and Los Angeles. I-10 is a major interstate and does carry a large amount of car and truck traffic. During the week, portions of I-10 can experience very heavy traffic, usually around the Tucson and Phoenix metropolitan areas.
- Interstate 8 (I-8) runs east to west, running from I-10 to Yuma. I-8 splits from I-10 south of Phoenix and provides the quickest access to Yuma as well as San Diego, California. However, in the other direction, it does not go to Phoenix directly. At Gila Bend, Hwy 85 connects I-8 with I-10, for travel to the west side of Phoenix and downtown (or Phoenix to San Diego). For the eastern suburbs, I-8 merges with I-10, and it's possible to reverse direction going from I-8 east to I-10 west (exit #178B) or vice versa (I-10 exit #199). Despite the signs, east of Phoenix I-10 goes mostly north-south, and backtracking is very minimal.
- Interstate 40 (I-40) runs east to west across northern Arizona and connects travelers with the cities of Flagstaff, Williams and Kingman. I-40 comes into Arizona from east after passing through Albuquerque, New Mexico and from the west after passing through Barstow and Needles, California. I-40 is positioned above the Mollogon Rim and is affected by heavy snowfall during winter months.
- Interstate 19 (I-19) runs south to north in south central Arizona and provides access from Tucson to Nogales as well as entry into Sonora, Mexico. I-19 splits from I-10 just south of Tucson. Because I-19 is a major route to and from Mexico, border patrol checkpoints are common along the interstate, however these checkpoints typically do not take long to pass through. The border crossing at Nogales can be a busy entry and exit point, be patient while waiting to cross the border and have proper documentation ready to present. See 'Stay safe' for additional information.
- U.S. 93 runs southeast to northwest across northwest Arizona and connects travelers from Las Vegas to I-40 at Kingman. U.S. 93 is the route that the majority of local residents and tourists use to travel to and from Las Vegas and can become very busy on most weekends. On a side note, U.S. 93 also runs across the Hoover Dam on the Arizona / Nevada border.
- U.S. 60 runs (in a general) east to west across central Arizona, entering the state just south of I-40 from New Mexico. U.S. 60 runs through the White Mountains and the towns of Eagar and Springerville on it's way to Globe and eventually, Phoenix.
- U.S. 160 runs northeast to southwest across northern Arizona entering the state from Colorado and New Mexico near the Four Corners and ending by joining with U.S. 89 near Tuba City.
- U.S. 89 runs north to south through northern Arizona and connects travelers from Utah with Page and Flagstaff. In addition, U.S. 89 is the main route for travelers to access the South Rim, North Rim (via Alt-U.S. 89) and the east entrance of Grand Canyon National Park.
- Alt-U.S. 89 runs through northern Arizona, starting near Fredonia, Arizona and Kanab, Utah, and connects to U.S. 89 south of Page. Alt-U.S. 89 is the main route to access to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park.
By Bus
Bus service to Arizona is available via Greyhound with several stops available including Flagstaff, Glendale, Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma.
By Train
Amtrak, +1 800 USA-RAIL (+1 800 872-7245), offer two routes through Arizona:
- The Southwest Chief runs from Chicago to Los Angeles with stops in Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams and Kingman. For much of its route, the Southwest Chief follows historic Route 66, and offers an interesting perspective of the historic road and its surroundings.
- The Sunset Limited runs from New Orleans to Los Angeles with stops in Benson, Tucson, Maricopa and Yuma.
Get around
As with most western states, the easiest way to get around Arizona is via car. The federal and state highway system offers travelers easy access around Arizona whether you are driving your personal car or a rental car. While most major cities in Arizona do offer public transportation, including Greater Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Sedona, state-wide public transportation is very limited.
By Car
Nearly all major attractions and tourist destinations in Arizona are accessible via car.
- Interstate 17 (I-17) runs south to north across central Arizona and connects travelers with the major cities of Phoenix and Flagstaff. I-17 is the main route north to Sedona, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon from Phoenix. It provides easy access to Sedona via AZ 179 as well as Prescott, Jerome and Montezuma Castle National Monument. Because I-17 is the major route north, it does a large amount of car and truck traffic, especially during busy weekends and holidays. During the week, portions of I-17 can experience very heavy traffic due to commuters.
- The Apache Trail (Hwy. 88) is a 42-mile long scenic drive through the Sonoran Desert. It goes out to Theodore Roosevelt Lake and the mining town of Globe. Along the way are ample views of yuccas, saguaros and desert lakes.
Renting A Car
Renting a car in Arizona is very similar to any other state. Rental cars are available at most major airports, especially the main entry points of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Tucson International Airport.
By Bus
Bus service to Arizona is available via Greyhound with several stops available including Flagstaff, Glendale, Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma.
Stay safe
Arizona / Mexico Border
Due to Arizona's proximity to the International Boundary with Mexico, visitors should be cautious while in areas near the border.
- Know where you are at all times, follow good safety procedures and use common sense when making decisions.
- Do not pick-up hitch hikers.
- Keep valuables, including spare change, out of sight and lock your vehicle.
- Avoid traveling in well-marked but unofficial "trails."
- Avoid hiking or camping in areas of major border activity. If you are visiting a national or state park, consult park staff to help plan backcountry travel in safer areas.
- Report any suspicious behavior to the U.S. Border Patrol.
Crossing The Border
Thousands of U.S citizens visit the state of Sonora, Mexico from Arizona every year with the majority of travelers returning from an enjoyable experience. However, a minority of travelers due experience difficulties and serious inconveniences while traveling to Mexico. Before traveling to Mexico, ensure that you have the proper documentation and are familiar with the recommendations for foreign travel from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Driving
Drivers in Arizona should follow the same rules and regulations that apply throughout the U.S.
Road Conditions
For information on road conditions or traffic information dial *511 from any phone. Road conditions and traffic information is also available online from the Arizona Department of Transportation or the Federal Highway Administration.
Dust Storms
Dust storms are caused by high winds blowing dust onto highways. Usually brief, dust storms should be taken seriously because they can quickly decrease visibility. If you see a dust storm while driving:
- Turn on your headlights and slow to an appropriate speed.
- If you can safely avoid it, do not enter the dust storm.
- If you need to pull off the road, get as far to the right as possible. Turn off the car, set the parking brake and keep your foot off the brake pedal – other drivers may think you’re a car in motion.
Rain
Typically during the summer monsoon season, Arizona does experience heavy rainstorms or monsoons. While these storms are usually brief, the heavy rain can cause flooding in low-lying areas. If you find yourself driving during one of these storms:
- If you need to pull off the road, get as far to the right as possible. Turn off the car, set the parking brake and keep your foot off the brake pedal – other drivers may think you’re a car in motion.
- Pay attention to hazard signs and roadblocks. If you see a sign that says "Do Not Cross When Flooded", take it seriously and find another way.
- Don’t cross rain-swollen washes. You could get caught in a flash flood.
- Most of these summer monsoon rain storms are accompanied by lightning. Take proper precautions.
Emergency Services
In the event of an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergency police or fire assistance, contact the local police or fire department directly.
Summer Weather
Summer temperatures in some areas of Arizona can reach triple digits and visitors should take extra precautions while visiting the state.
If outdoors:
- Rest frequently in shady areas so that the body's temperature has a chance to recover.
- If unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, gradually increase the pace and limit exercise or work time.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing; sunglasses to protect the eyes; and a wide-brimmed hat to provide shade and keep the head cool.
- Take special precaution with infants and young children by dressing them in loose, cool clothing and shading their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella. Protect their feet with shoes.
Avoid heat-related illness:
- Never leave infants, children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
- Increase fluid intake, regardless of activity level. Don't wait until thirsty to drink fluids; drink more liquid than one's thirst indicates.
- Avoid "heat hangover." Continue to drink fluids even after strenuous activity. This will enable the body to maintain optimum hydration, and help prevent the after effects of heat exposure such as headaches and fatigue.
- Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar as they dehydrate the body.
Abandoned Mine Shafts
These are very numerous in Arizona, and many remain unmarked. The mine shafts can be as deep as tall buildings, creating an extreme hazard. Do not travel along unknown trails and primitive dirt roads by ATV, motorcycle, horseback, etc. or deviate (even by a few feet) from existing well-used ones. For more information, including safety tips, visit the Arizona State Mine Inspector website.
Get out
Arizona's geographic location and the interstate system allow easy access to California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado (via Utah or New Mexico) and the state of Sonora in Mexico.
- California
- Los Angeles
- Palm Springs
- San Diego
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Nevada
- Henderson
- Las Vegas
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Utah
- St. George
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- New Mexico
- Albuquerque
- Santa Fe
- Colorado
- Cortez
- Durango
- Canyon of the Ancients National Monument
- Sonora, Mexico
- Hermosillo
- Nogales
- Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point)
Insider Tips
- Time Zone
Arizona is on Mountain standard time, which is 7 hours behind Greenwich mean time), which is 1 hour ahead of the West Coast and 2 hours behind the East Coast.
Arizona does not observe Daylight savings time. From the last Sunday in October until the first Sunday in April, Arizona is 1 hour later than the West Coast and 2 hours earlier than the East Coast. The rest of the year Arizona is on the same time as the West Coast and is 3 hours earlier than the East Coast.
- Electricity
110 volts, AC, 60 cycles
- Tipping
Tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, taxis and personal services - 15% to 20% is customary. Be careful - sometimes the gratuity is added to your restaurant check, so look carefully or ask the server so you do not over pay.
- Tax & VAT
Arizona state sales tax is 5.5%, car-rental tax is 10 - 20 %, and hotel room tax is 6 - 14%.
- Liquor Laws
The legal age to drink alcoholic beverages in Arizona is 21 years old. Proper ID is required.
- Drinking water
Water from the tap is potable - that is to say - You can drink it!
- Public Toilets
Now that we talked about water lets talk about toilets. The USA definitely has a clean public restroom shortage! Public restrooms in the USA are usually located in public buildings and train stations, but I would not recommend using these - they are usually not too clean. My advice is to use the restrooms in your hotel, museums, shopping malls, department stores or restaurants. Use the restroom when you find a good one. However, my experience is that when I need one - I can never find one! Good luck.
- Health Tips
Most health risks in Arizona are related to heat - dehydration, exposure and sunburn. Dress appropriately; drink plenty of fluid; use Sun Block as directed; stay in air conditioned areas especially during peak heat (10 am to 3 pm).
Best Time to Go
Most long-term residents of Arizona believe that the state has ten months of great weather and two months of weather that is not so great. In general, the summer months are noted for their extremely high temperatures. However, if you are coming from extremely humid states such as Florida, you might not be bothered by Arizonas hot but dry climate. Occasionally, monsoons are known to occur in late August or September.
Arizona tourism is at its height from October till the middle of May. From January to April, expect to pay the highest hotel rates. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for Arizona tourism. During these seasons, you will find cool temperatures in the mountains, and warm, but relatively comfortable temperatures in the desert. The later part of the spring and the early months of autumn are also the best months for travelers on a budget. Some hotels offer lower rates during these months. Additionally, the Grand Canyon is often less crowded during this time period, so this may be a good time for Arizona travel.
If you travel to any of Arizona's desert areas during July and August, be prepared for sudden thunderstorms. The storms can cause floods which make road travel hazardous. During these months, if you plan to hike any of Arizona's narrow canyons, be sure to listen to a weather forecast before setting out. If you plan to travel to Arizona in the winter, keep mind that Arizona can be cool in the evening, so be sure to dress accordingly. However, with a little bit of planning, most of the Arizona attractions can be visited in any season.
The most famous Arizona attraction is the Grand Canyon. The awe-inspiring views are memorable. However, there are many other attractions worth seeing. The reservation lands of the Navajo Nation are home to many intriguing ancestral ruins. These include the Canyon de Chelly National Monument, the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and the Besh-Ba Gowah Archaeological Park.
In addition to these fascinating attractions, there are many Arizona events that make a visit even more worthwhile. Many visitors come to Phoenix in January for the World of Wheels. This gathering of hot rods, custom cars and custom two-wheelers takes place at the Phoenix Civic Plaza.
The Fine Art and Chocolate Festival brings visitors to Scottsdale every February. In March, wine lovers and art aficionados visit Carefree for the Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival. October brings the Arizona State Fair to Phoenix. This is Arizona's largest event. These are just a small sampling of the exciting Arizona events. You can either plan your Arizona vacation around these events, or else you can choose the best time to visit the attractions that interest you the most. There are a variety of Arizona vacations to suit any budget or any type of travel. You can choose from family vacations, active Arizona tours or cultural vacations. Whatever you choose, you won't be disappointed.
Climate
Due to its large area and variations in elevation, the state has a wide variety of localized climate conditions. In the lower elevations, the climate is primarily desert, with mild winters and hot summers. Typically, from late fall to early spring, the weather is mild, averaging a minimum of 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 °C). November through February are the coldest months with temperatures typically ranging from 40–75 °F (4–24 °C), although occasional frosts are not uncommon. About midway through February, the temperatures start to rise again with warm days, and cool breezy nights. The summer months of May through July bring a dry heat ranging from 90–120 °F (32–48 °C), with occasional high temperatures exceeding 125 °F (52 °C) having been observed in the desert area.
Due to the primarily dry climate, large temperature swings often occur between day and night in less developed areas of the desert. The swings can be as large as 50 °F (28 °C) in the summer months. In the state's urban centers, the effects of local warming result in much higher measured nighttime lows than in the recent past.
Arizona has an average annual rainfall of 12.7 inches (323 mm), which comes during two rainy seasons, with cold fronts coming from the Pacific Ocean during the winter and a monsoon in the summer. The monsoon season occurs towards the end of summer. In July or August, the dewpoint rises dramatically for a brief period. During this time, the air contains large amounts of water vapor. Dewpoints as high as 81°F (27 °C) have been recorded during the Phoenix monsoon season. This hot moisture brings lightning, thunderstorms, wind, and torrential, if usually brief, downpours. It is rare for tornadoes and hurricanes to occur in Arizona, but there are records of both occurring.
However, the northern third of Arizona is a plateau at significantly higher altitudes than the lower desert, and has an appreciably cooler climate, with cold winters and mild summers. Extreme cold temperatures are not unknown; cold air systems from the northern states and Canada occasionally push into the state, bringing temperatures below 0 °F (−18 °C) to the higher parts of the state.
Indicative of the variation in climate, Arizona is the state which has both the metropolitan area with the most days over 100 °F (37.8 °C) (Phoenix), and the metropolitan area in the lower 48 states with nearly the most days with a low temperature below freezing (Flagstaff).
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff | 43/17 | 46/19 | 50/23 | 58/27 | 68/34 | 79/41 | 82/50 | 80/49 | 74/42 | 63/31 | 51/22 | 44/17 |
| Phoenix | 67/45 | 71/48 | 76/53 | 85/58 | 94/67 | 104/76 | 107/83 | 105/82 | 99/76 | 88/62 | 75/50 | 67/44 |
| Tucson | 64/39 | 68/41 | 73/44 | 81/51 | 90/58 | 100/68 | 99/74 | 97/72 | 94/67 | 84/57 | 73/45 | 65/39 |
| Winslow | 47/21 | 54/26 | 62/31 | 70/37 | 79/45 | 90/54 | 93/62 | 90/61 | 84/53 | 72/40 | 58/29 | 47/21 |
| Yuma | 69/46 | 75/48 | 80/52 | 87/58 | 94/65 | 104/73 | 107/80 | 106/80 | 101/75 | 90/64 | 77/52 | 69/45 |
Arizona Churches
Guests Must Do (Things To Do)
Arizona Resorts
There are Arizona resorts for every preference and every budget. Golfers will enjoy the Arizona Golf Resort in Mesa. If you love gambling, visit the Blue Water Resort and Casino in Parker. Those of you who prefer a more rustic Arizona resort should visit the Buck Springs Resort in Pinetop Arizona.
Grand Canyon Tour
Of course, you can't visit Arizona without taking the Grand Canyon Tour. While many people like to explore the canyon by foot, there are other options. A number of bus companies provide luxury Grand Canyon tours. For water lovers, rafting the Grand Canyon is considered to be one of the most exciting adventure tours in the United States. Would you prefer to soar above the canyon? There are many companies that offer Grand Canyon heli-tours.
Arcosanti Project
There are many Phoenix attractions in the metropolitan area. A visit to the Arcosanti Project is a unique experience. The project was developed by the Cosanti Foundation, a non-profit architectural organization devoted to urban planning and research. In 1970, the foundation began the Arcosanti Project which is an experimental town 70 miles north of Phoenix. Upon its completion, it will become home to 5000 people. Arcosanti is designed in accordance with the principles of arcology, which is a mixture of architecture and ecology.
Mystery Castle
Another Phoenix attraction is the Mystery Castle, which is on the other end of the housing spectrum. In 1927, Mystery Castle builder Boyd Gulley left his Seattle home and never returned. Three years later he showed up in the hill country south of Phoenix. He spent the last 15 years of his life building an 18-room castle. After his death from tuberculosis, his lawyer contacted his widow and daughter, informing them that Gulley had built his "princess" daughter the castle he promised her.
Navajo Nation
The Navajo Nation is a unique Arizona attraction. In 1923, it established a tribal government. Today, the Navajo Nation Council is the most sophisticated Native American government in America. Many national monuments, tribal parks and historic sites can be found within the Navajo Nation's territory.
Biosphere 2
Biosphere 2 is another fascinating Arizona attraction. It was designed in the 1980s as an airtight replica of the earth's environment. Its designers were interested in colonizing the Moon or Mars. People from seven different countries were chosen to live inside the biosphere for two years. Unfortunately, physical and social problems arose, and the project was discontinued. Today, it serves an interactive science center.
The Arizona Trail
The Arizona Trail is the brainchild of hiking enthusiast Dale Shewalter. When completed, it will be a 790 non-motorized trail across Arizona from Mexico to Utah. There are various work projects and events you can participate in. In addition to the famous Arizona Trail, there a variety of Arizona trails that you can enjoy hiking or biking.
Arizona Sightseeing Tours
A number of companies offer Arizona sightseeing tours. You can choose to travel by van, bus or jeep. This is an excellent way to travel through Arizona if your health prohibits extensive exercise.
Arizona Golf Vacations
Many dedicated golfers enjoy taking Arizona golf vacations. You can choose from either links or desert style. The wide variety of courses available makes it easy to find tee time at any hour of the day. Courses are available to suit any budget.