How to Get an Alaska Marriage License

1. Who Can Get an Alaska Marriage License

Both residents and nonresidents of Alaska can apply for an Alaska marriage license.

2. Where to Get a Marriage License Application

You can obtain Alaska marriage license applications at the following convenient locations.

• Alaska Courthouses Visit your local Alaska courthouse to complete the application in person. You will be sworn in by a Licensing Officer or Notary.
• Vital Records Office This office can also be used as a location to drop off your marriage license application and to pick up your license once it’s been processed. The address is: Vital Records Office: 3601 C St, Suite 1284, Anchorage, AK 99503
• Online Application with Notarization and Mailing: Alternatively, you can initiate the application online, a method many couples find convenient and time-saving. It also allows couples from out of state to apply before arriving in Alaska. You can find the application at the Division of Public Health website.

3. What are the Required Documents?

When applying for an Alaska marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Government-Issued Photo ID: Such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, military ID, or Tribal/BIA card.
• Proof of Age: You must provide a court order and written consent from your legal parents or guardians if you are 16 or 17. Otherwise, if you’re 18 or older, no parental consent is required. No one younger than 16 years may be married in the State of Alaska.
• Proof of Divorce: If you were divorced within the past 60 days, you will need a copy of your Divorce Decree or Order.

4. The Application Process

You can complete the Alaska Marriage License Application in one of three ways:

• Alaska Courthouses

• Vital Records Office

• Online Application with Notarization and Mailing

To use the online application method, follow these steps:

• Fill out the marriage license application form online and then print a hard copy.
• Take the printed application to any public notary or postmaster.
• Ensure that the notary properly completes and notarizes the form.
• Once notarized, you can mail or drop off the completed application and fee to the Vital Records Office.

5. What Does a Alaska Marriage License Cost?

You must pay $60 for an Alaska marriage license, and you can do so by check or money order. Payment needs to be included with your application, otherwise it won’t be processed. Additional fees may apply if you are from out of state and wish to expedite the shipping of your license back to you.

6. The Waiting Period for your Alaska Marriage License

After your marriage license is approved, you’ll need to wait for 3 days before your wedding ceremony can take place.

7. Issuance and Validity

Once you’ve completed the application process and received your marriage license, it is valid for up to 90 days. The license will be void if not used within this timeframe.

8. Who can Officiant in Alaska

In Alaska, you have the flexibility to choose an officiant who can solemnize your marriage. Your options include:

• Courthouse Officiant: Courthouses typically provide a magistrate or justice of the peace to officiate your wedding. Under those circumstances, contact your local courthouse for details.
• Hired Officiant: Alternatively, you can hire a professional officiant to perform your wedding ceremony. The State of Alaska authorizes these officiants to conduct marriages. You can also find officiant services in our photography and planning packages.
• Family or Friend: If you prefer, you can arrange for a family member or friend to officiate your wedding. In this situation, anyone can request a Marriage Commissioner Appointment or become ordained online through a variety of services.

9. Number of Witnesses Required for an Alaska Wedding

While Alaska law previously required two witnesses at your ceremony, there has been a recent change, and now only one witness is required. Your witness can be your photographer, a friend, family member, or if you’re having a courthouse wedding, generally staff if available. With this in mind, even a person in a public location may be thrilled to do it!

10. Filing Your Alaska Marriage License

After your ceremony takes place and all parties sign the marriage license, you must return the original license to a local Vital Records Office. You can do this either in person or by mail. Ensuring that your marriage license is properly filed is essential, since it represents the official registration of your marriage with the State of Alaska.

11. Celebrating Your Union

Following your Anchorage courthouse wedding or any wedding in Alaska, you can celebrate your union in a way that’s meaningful to you. Whether you plan a private celebration with friends and family, a romantic dinner for two, or any other special way to commemorate your special day, it’s all about you and your unique love story!