How to Officiate a Wedding in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
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Instant certificate. Valid for life. Legally recognized in Arizona.
Get Ordained NowSanta Cruz County by the Numbers
- Population
- 49,158
- Since 2020
- +3%
- Households
- 16,966
- Median Age
- 37.9
- Median Household Income
- $55,217
- Weddings / Year (est.)
- ≈ 280
- Same-Sex Couple Households
- 109
Best months for an outdoor ceremony here: May, September & October (avg 67°F) · golden hour in September: ~5:30 PM–6:30 PM
Scenic settings for a ceremony: Bathtub Water, Buena Vista Lake & Patagonia Lake
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — 2023 Population Estimates, ACS 5-year estimates & 2020 Census. Wedding estimate: population × Arizona's 2023 CDC marriage rate. Ceremony months: NOAA county climate normals, 1995–2024. Places: USGS Geographic Names Information System. Photos: Wikimedia Commons (click a photo for credit & license). Golden hour: computed for the county seat, mid-month.
Same-sex couples have married legally in Arizona since 2014. The story of marriage equality in Arizona →
Eloping in Santa Cruz County?
Plan aheadno waiting period — marry the same day you get the license · 2 witnesses must sign
Officiant Requirements
✓
Online ordination accepted
✓
No registration required
Documents typically requested:
- Ordination certificate
Arizona is one of the most permissive states for online-ordained officiants. Verify with the county clerk.
Arizona State Law
Arizona authorizes ordained clergypeople, priests, and ministers to solemnize marriages without prior registration.
Arizona Rev. Stat. § 25-124Marriage License Info
Verified- Waiting Period
- None
- License Valid For
- 12 months
- Witnesses Required
- 2
- Blood Test Required
- No
County Clerk Contact
Santa Cruz County Clerk's Office
2150 N Congress Drive, Suite 201, Nogales, AZ 85621
Get directions →Visit website →Step-by-Step Guide
1
Get Ordained
Get ordained online through the Church of Pride for $20. Your ordination is instant, valid for life, and recognized under First Amendment protections. Confirm local requirements with the Santa Cruz County County clerk before officiating.
2
Confirm Requirements
Call (520) 375-7700 and confirm that Santa Cruz County accepts your online ordination. Ask about any documents you’ll need to present.
3
Prepare Your Documents
Have your ordination certificate ready for the ceremony and to present to the clerk if asked.
4
Perform the Ceremony
Officiate the wedding ceremony. Make sure both parties and any required witnesses sign the marriage license. Keep the tone personal and celebratory — this is their day.
5
Return the License
Return the signed marriage license before the deadline — confirm timing with the clerk’s office. This is a critical step — the marriage isn’t official until the license is filed.
Resources
Santa Cruz County Officiant FAQ
Is online ordination accepted in Santa Cruz County, Arizona?
Yes — Santa Cruz County accepts online ordination for wedding officiants. Arizona is one of the most permissive states for online-ordained officiants. Verify with the county clerk.
Do officiants need to register with Santa Cruz County before the ceremony?
No — Santa Cruz County does not require officiants to register before performing a wedding.
How many witnesses are required at a Santa Cruz County wedding?
2 witnesses must sign the marriage license.
How do I contact the Santa Cruz County clerk?
Santa Cruz County Clerk's Office — 2150 N Congress Drive, Suite 201, Nogales, AZ 85621 — phone (520) 375-7700.
Other Arizona Counties
Ready to Officiate?
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Get Ordained — $20Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Marriage laws change frequently and can vary by county. Always verify current requirements with the local county clerk's office before officiating any ceremony. Information was last reviewed 2026-02-20.