Getting Hitched in Nogales: A Guide to Santa Cruz County Weddings
Everything you need to know about licenses, fees, and witnesses in Santa Cruz County
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In the United States, "City Hall" is often a catch-all term for a quick civil ceremony performed by a government official. If you are looking to get married in Nogales, Arizona, the short answer is yes, but you won't technically be heading to the building labeled "City Hall" for the ceremony. Instead, you will be visiting the Santa Cruz County court facilities.
In Arizona, marriage services are handled at the county level rather than the municipal level. Because Nogales is the county seat of Santa Cruz County, the necessary legal infrastructure is located right in the heart of the city.
Step 1: Obtaining the Marriage License
Before any ceremony can take place, you must obtain a valid Arizona marriage license. In Nogales, this is handled by the Clerk of the Superior Court.
Location: Santa Cruz County Complex, 2160 N. Congress Drive, Nogales, AZ.
Requirements: Both parties must appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license or passport).
Cost: The fee is currently approximately $83, though it is wise to confirm the exact amount and accepted payment methods (often cash or money order) before arriving.
Validity: Once issued, the license is valid for one year. There is no waiting period in Arizona, meaning you can get the license and get married on the same day.
Step 2: Scheduling the Ceremony
After you have your license, you need an authorized officiant to perform the ceremony. In a "City Hall" style wedding, this is typically a Justice of the Peace.
The Nogales Justice Court is located in the same complex as the Superior Court. To have a judge perform your ceremony, you generally need to schedule an appointment in advance. While some jurisdictions across the U.S. allow walk-ins, the Nogales courts typically require you to call ahead to ensure a judge is available.
Step 3: The Ceremony Requirements
To make the marriage legally binding in Arizona, you must satisfy three specific requirements during the ceremony:
The Officiant: A judge, justice of the peace, or ordained minister must preside.
Witnesses: You must have two witnesses present who are at least 18 years of age. The court does not usually provide witnesses for you, so you will need to bring two friends or family members to sign the license.
Recording: After the ceremony, the signed marriage license must be returned to the Clerk of the Superior Court within 30 days to be officially recorded.
By following these steps at the County Complex on Congress Drive, you can enjoy a simple, legally recognized civil ceremony in the city of Nogales.
Information published to or by The Industry Leader will never constitute legal, financial or business advice of any kind, nor should it ever be misconstrued or relied on as such. For individualized support for yourself or your business, we strongly encourage you to seek appropriate counsel.
