How to Get Married in Arkansas Step-by-Step (Without the Stress)
Table of Contents
- Is An Arkansas Wedding Right For You?
- Understanding Arkansas Marriage Laws
- Best Time Of Year To Get Married In Arkansas
- How To Pick Your Arkansas Wedding Location And Venue
- Tips For Selecting Your Arkansas Wedding Vendors
Wondering how to get married in Arkansas? It all starts with choosing a place that brings a sense of calm to the planning process. Around here, weddings don’t have to be over-the-top to be meaningful. Arkansas offers a slower pace, stunning scenery, and a genuine warmth that makes it easy to plan something beautiful without all the pressure.
It’s called The Natural State for a reason, after all! Rolling hills, peaceful lakes, quiet forests, and wide open skies all come together to make Arkansas truly special, especially for your wedding day.
You’ll find everything from romantic outdoor spaces and historic mansions to lakeside venues and classic little white churches tucked away in small towns. There’s no one-size-fits-all here. Whatever kind of wedding you’re dreaming of, you have the freedom to create something truly memorable while steering clear of the noise.
As wedding photographers based right here in Little Rock, we’ve had the honor of documenting beautiful love stories across this incredible state. Now, we’re sharing this guide to serve as a step-by-step resource to help you plan your big day with clarity and confidence.
Let’s dive in.
Is An Arkansas Wedding Right For You?
For the Arkansas bride who values simplicity, intentional planning, and a touch of Southern charm, Arkansas is a beautiful place to say “I do.”
Culture
A wedding here is truly a natural choice for couples who value a relaxed pace, meaningful traditions, and the beauty of the outdoors. The culture here is warm and welcoming, with strong roots in faith, family, and community. These values create the foundation for a celebration that is both joyful and authentic. Local or not, couples often find that planning a wedding in this wonderful state allows them to slow down and stay focused on what matters most during this time.
Aesthetics
As far as aesthetics go, Arkansas is full of charm. Wildflower fields, weathered barns, tree-lined country roads, and long golden sunsets set the scene for stunning weddings in every season. The visuals lean rustic and romantic, with plenty of room to make things your own. Elegant or casual, modern or traditional, Arkansas gives you the space to do things your way.
Food
The food is another highlight. Arkansas cuisine is always a winner, with mouth-watering fried chicken, biscuits, barbecue, and elevated farm-to-table menus that bring people together around the table. Local caterers know how to combine comfort with quality, making your guests happy and your reception one to remember.
Sounds pretty perfect, right? And it is! That said, before you start planning your dream wedding celebration, let’s talk about the logistics.
Understanding Arkansas Marriage Laws
While the process of getting legally married in Arkansas is relatively straightforward, there are a few important details and nuances to keep in mind to ensure your marriage is legally recognized.
We’ve included some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from our clients when it comes to getting married legally in this great state of ours:
How Much Is A Marriage License In Arkansas?
Buying your marriage license in Arkansas is an exciting first step that officially kicks off your journey to “I do.” But how much will it set you back?
In Arkansas, the cost of a marriage license is around $60. Most offices accept payment by cash or credit/debit card. Also, keep in mind that they generally do not accept checks.
How To Obtain A Marriage License In Arkansas
To get your marriage license, you and your fiancé will need to head to any of Arkansas’s 75 County Clerk’s offices together, ideally a few days before the wedding. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID, like a driver’s license, passport, or military ID.
If you’re between 18 and 21, you may also need to show a certified copy of your birth certificate, so it’s good to check with your local clerk ahead of time. Once you’re officially married, don’t forget to return the completed license to the same County Clerk’s office within 60 days.
Where To Get A Marriage License In Arkansas
Any County Clerk’s office in Arkansas issues marriage licenses, and the good news is that you’re not limited to your county of residence. You can apply in any county you like, no matter where you live or where you plan to hold your ceremony.
Do You Need Witnesses To Get Married In Arkansas?
In Arkansas, you don’t need any witnesses for your marriage to be legally valid. As long as you have an officiant and the two of you present, you’re good to go.
That said, many couples still choose to have close family or friends there to share in the moment, it’s just not a requirement. Historically, the bridal party were the ones to witness. They were the ones promising to hold the couple accountable to their vows. We think it’s important to make your vows in front of someone who can keep you accountable, too!
The Best Time Of Year To Get Married In Arkansas
Arkansas is beautiful in every season, but spring and fall are the most popular times for weddings, and for good reason. If you’re wondering when wedding season is in Arkansas, it typically falls between March and May or September through November, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best.
Here’s a breakdown of the seasons in this great state so you know what to expect:
Spring
Spring (March to May) is a top favorite for our couples. The beautiful colors of newly blooming flowers and comfortable temperatures make for an ideal wedding setting. This is a great time for outdoor weddings, just be mindful that sunsets can happen earlier in the season. Sunsets are typically as early as 6:00 PM.
Plan your ceremony time in Spring with that in mind. We want you to make the most of that dreamy natural light, especially when it comes to photo ops!
Autumn (Fall)
Autumn (September to November) brings with it cooler air and a lovely shift in the landscape. The trees turn rich shades of gold, red, and orange, giving you a picture-perfect fall backdrop. Keep this in mind if you’re looking to save money on decorations.
This is a great time of year for vineyard celebrations, barn weddings, or anywhere that lets the fall colors shine. The light tends to be more golden and soft during this time as well. This makes for incredible photos throughout the day.
Summer
Summer (June to August) can be a little tricky for weddings. It’s hot, it’s humid, and there’s always a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Yikes!
If you’re planning a summer wedding, it’s best to choose shaded outdoor spaces or indoor venues with great air conditioning. You’ll also want to plan on lightweight clothing and plenty of cooling accommodations to keep everyone comfortable.
Also, we suggest having a solid rain plan just in case the weather shifts.
Winter
Winter (December to February) may be the quietest wedding season, but it still has its perks. While the temperatures can dip and snow is possible, there’s something really cozy about a winter celebration in Arkansas.
This is a great time for intimate indoor venues with fireplaces, warm lighting, and classic seasonal decor. Many venues and vendors offer off-season pricing during the winter months as well. This can be helpful if you’re looking to stay on a budget.
How To Pick The Perfect Location & Venue In Arkansas
One of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding is choosing where it all happens.
Arkansas offers an incredible range of options. You’ll find elegant ballrooms, modern estates, charming chapels, scenic mountain overlooks, and peaceful lakeside spots. There’s no shortage of places to get married in Arkansas. The key is narrowing in on what suits you best as a couple.
Start by thinking about your budget, guest count, ideal setting (indoor or outdoor), and the overall vibe you’re going for. You may like an aesthetic that’s classic, rustic, romantic, modern, or something completely unique.
If you’re planning something more intimate, there are some wonderful micro wedding packages in Arkansas as well. These packages will make smaller celebrations feel not only seamless but incredibly special.
We always recommend booking your venue a year or more in advance. Weekend dates during peak wedding season usually get taken the year before. Plus, the earlier you secure your space, the more flexibility you’ll have with other vendors.
If you’re curious about some of the best wedding venues in Arkansas, we’re excited to share a few of the places we’ve loved photographing:
Cold Springs Events
Cold Springs in Paron, Arkansas is a stunning choice for couples who want a space that’s elegant and customizable. The venue offers a beautiful blank canvas, which makes it easy to bring your vision to life, especially if you love the idea of incorporating lots of florals or personalized touches.
One of our favorite features is the layout. There’s a spacious bridal suite and a separate house for the groom and groomsmen, so you can both get ready in comfort without the risk of crossing paths before the big reveal.
The property also includes a peaceful pond that adds a natural, scenic touch to your wedding portraits. It strikes the perfect balance between nature and structure, giving you the best of both worlds.
Kindred Barn
Kindred Barn is tucked away in the countryside of Mulberry, Arkansas. It’s a bright and welcoming venue that feels both elegant and cozy. With its iconic white barn design, it’s the perfect choice for couples who want a blend of rustic charm.
The venue offers flexible spaces that make it easy to host both your ceremony and reception in one location. Inside, the barn features soaring ceilings, whitewashed walls, and abundant natural light. These elements create a clean backdrop that highlights your unique decor. Outside it features rolling fields and a wooded backdrop to set the stage for some beautiful portraits.
Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens
Anthony Chapel is an awe-inspiring glass and wood architectural masterpiece nestled among the towering pines of Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Its intricate details and floor-to-ceiling windows bring the beauty of nature inside. It’s a breathtaking setting that feels both grand and intimate.
Surrounded by serene woodland landscapes and meticulously maintained gardens, the chapel offers endless opportunities for unforgettable photos and quiet, romantic moments. With its natural elegance and peaceful atmosphere, Anthony Chapel is an ideal choice for couples dreaming of a wedding that blends stunning architecture with the timeless beauty of the outdoors.
Tips For Selecting Your Arkansas Wedding Vendors
Once you’ve locked in your venue, the next step is building your dream team of vendors. The right team will not only bring your vision to life but also make the entire planning process so much smoother.
In our experience, booking your core vendors a year or more out (especially if your date falls during peak season) gives you the best shot at securing your first choices without added stress.
If you’ve waited a bit longer to start the process, don’t panic. Reach out to vendors with availability lists, be open to weekday or off-peak dates, and ask for trusted referrals, as they often know who’s still available and amazing to work with.
The Best Order to Book Your Vendors
Here’s the order we typically recommend when it comes to booking vendors:
- Wedding Planner – We recommend booking your wedding planner first. The best wedding planners in Arkansas specialize in guiding you through the entire process, and they often know the best local vendors. If you’re wondering if they’re “worth it,” believe us, they are. Everything goes much smoother with a wedding planner.
- Wedding Photographer – Arkansas wedding photographers (like us!) tend to book up quickly, especially in spring and fall, so reach out early as well.
- Wedding Videographer – If capturing your day in motion is a priority, consider looking at wedding videographers in Little Rock (or across Arkansas) who match your style — and lock them in early.
- Officiant – It could be a pastor, a justice of the peace, or even a close friend who decides to ordain themselves, but whoever it is, you’ll want to secure a wedding officiant in Arkansas well in advance. We personally recommend finding a pastor you can have pre-marital counseling with. A good pastor who knows you both will be able to help you work through any “kinks” that may come up.
- Hair & Makeup – Most of these vendors can only take one wedding per day, so the sooner you book them, the better.
- Wedding Florist – Start this search once you have a venue and style in mind so your florist can design accordingly.
- Entertainment – Think about the atmosphere you want for your reception and choose entertainment that matches your vibe. We suggest booking your ideal wedding DJ or wedding band in Arkansas after you’ve locked in your venue. This is around the same time as you book your florals.
Your Arkansas Wedding Awaits
Planning a wedding in Arkansas means embracing natural beauty. In Arkansas you can embrace heartfelt tradition and a pace that lets you focus on what truly matters. If you’re ready to fall in love with the idea of an Arkansas wedding, we’d be honored to help capture every meaningful moment along the way.
We specialize in a mix of both documentary and traditional wedding photography in Arkansas, preserving your day just as it unfolds.
Are you ready to get started? Reach out and let’s begin planning your dream Arkansas wedding together.
