Not only was El Dorado sometimes closer, but I believe that Arkansas either did not have a waiting period (as did Louisiana) or the marrying age was lower. I've heard tell that when a young couple was going to elope the man would have the girl get out of the car and walk across the state line. Once on the Arkansas side, she would get back into the car and off they'd go to El Dorado. I believe it had to do with carrying a minor across state lines and all the legal issues associated. Roy