The validity of a marriage in Arizona is governed by the following statute:  A.R.S. Section 25-111.   (This website answers questions on Arizona law).  Section 25-111 states a marriage contracted in Arizona shall not be valid unless all of the following conditions are met.

1.  A license is issued;

2.  The marriage is solemnized by a ceremony before a person who is authorized to perform marriages or by someone purporting to be authorized and who the participants believe in good faith is so authorized.

3.  The marriage is solemnized before the expiration of the date on the license.

 

You both may want to meet with an attorney.  There are three programs in Arizona that you can use to get inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the modest means program.  You wil need to apply for the program and meet the financial qualifications.  Once you are qualified, Modest Means will send you a list of attorneys whose practice covers your area of concern.  You select a lawyer from the list and will be entitled to a one hour consultation for $75.  If you need additional help and if the lawyer agrees to take your case, the most you will be charged is  $75 per  hour.  The telephone number is (866) 637-5341.  Both Maricopa and Pima Counties have lawyer referral programs that offer a 30 minute consult with an attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers its 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney for $40.  The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute attorney consult for $35.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.